Optimizing Firewall Policy Management in Microsegmented Networks

The article analyzes the tasks and challenges of managing complex corporate networks that arise during the migration from a perimeter-based security model to a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). It is established that neglecting these issues may lead both to a decline in service quality within microsegmented network infrastructures and to increased risks associated with the excessive complexity of firewall rules.

Firewall rule set optimization is identified as a crucial aspect of network security management, particularly in environments that implement Zero Trust Architecture and microsegmentation. Strategies for optimizing the deployment and administration of access policies are examined, with a focus on automation and efficiency. The paper analyzes the main scenarios of access to information resources in corporate networks and discusses the relevance of automation using tools such as Ansible, Rundeck, or Terraform, which simplify the initial deployment of configurations in microsegmented environments. A template for automatic or semi-automatic rule generation is also proposed, along with examples of its application.

The article further considers key security challenges that arise when operating networks in accordance with Zero Trust principles. Approaches are proposed for effective management of large firewall rule sets, including rule generalization and lifecycle management, as well as new mechanisms for implementing dynamic access policies. It is determined that the proposed solutions contribute to reducing firewall configuration redundancy, lowering the overall operational burden on administrator teams, minimizing the potential attack surface, and consequently improving corporate network performance.