A CISA is auditing an organization's network security architecture. The organization uses network segmentation to isolate critical systems. However, the CISA discovers that a single, flat network segment contains both development servers and production database servers for a critical application. What is the MOST significant security risk introduced by this configuration?
- AUnauthorized access to production data if a development server is compromised.
- BDifficulty in applying security patches to development servers.
- CHigher maintenance costs for network infrastructure.
- DIncreased network latency for production traffic.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Unauthorized access to production data if a development server is compromised.
Placing development and production systems on the same network segment defeats the purpose of segmentation. Development environments are typically less secure and more prone to vulnerabilities. If a development server is compromised, an attacker would have direct, unhindered network access to critical production database servers, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Patching difficulty is a separate operational concern, not a direct security risk of co-location on a flat network.
- C. Network architecture choices primarily impact operational costs, not necessarily security risks.
- D. While possible in busy networks, it's not the most significant security risk compared to direct access to production data.
Network Segmentation (Internal)
The practice of dividing a computer network into smaller, isolated sub-networks to improve security, control traffic, and limit the impact of security breaches.
- Isolates critical assets from less secure systems.
- Limits lateral movement for attackers.
- Requires proper firewall rules and network design.
Memory trick: Don't put your secure vault (production) in the same room as your messy workshop (development).