Why network security still needs a policy
Even in a cloud-first world, the network is where access is granted or denied. A network security policy defines how you segment, protect and monitor connectivity so a foothold in one place does not become free movement everywhere.
What to include
- Scope — on-premises, cloud VPCs, and the boundaries between them.
- Segmentation — separate environments (production, development), and isolate sensitive systems.
- Perimeter controls — firewalls, security groups, default-deny rules and documented exceptions.
- Remote access — VPN or zero-trust access, always with MFA.
- Wireless — corporate vs guest separation, strong encryption (WPA2/WPA3).
- Monitoring — intrusion detection and traffic logging (links to your logging policy).
- Change control — firewall and network changes follow change management.
Common mistakes
- Flat networks where one compromised host reaches everything.
- Firewall rules that accumulate without review (allow-any creep).
- Guest and corporate Wi-Fi on the same segment.
Framework alignment
Maps to ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 8.20–8.22 (network security, segregation), the SOC 2 criteria, and NIST CSF Protect (PR.AA / PR.IR).
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