The Forrester Wave™ Microsegmentation Solutions, Q3 2024 Healthcare IT View

Healthcare IT leaders and CISOs frequently turn to Forrester Research and their "Forrester Wave™ reports as trusted sources of insights and guidance in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. These reports provide comprehensive, objective evaluations of cybersecurity vendors and solutions, offering a valuable framework for decision-making in an industry where data security is paramount. Forrester's rigorous methodology, which combines in-depth market analysis with detailed vendor assessments, resonates with both business leaders and technical practitioners in healthcare organizations. The reports not only highlight current market trends but also forecast future developments, enabling healthcare CISOs to strategically align their cybersecurity initiatives with long-term organizational goals. By subscribing to Forrester's research, healthcare IT professionals gain access to actionable intelligence that can help them navigate complex regulatory requirements, address emerging threats, and optimize their security investments to better protect sensitive patient data and critical healthcare infrastructure.

Before we dive into the evolution of Zero Trust and microsegmentation, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of what microsegmentation is and how it works.

If you're new to this concept or need a refresher, we recommend starting with our comprehensive guide: What is microsegmentation and how does it work?
This article covers the fundamental principles of microsegmentation, how microsegmentation is implemented in practice, key benefits and challenges of microsegmentation, and the best practices for successful implementation.

Understanding these basics will provide you with a strong foundation as we explore how microsegmentation has evolved and its role in modern Zero Trust architectures.

Get your copy of The Forrester Wave™ Microsegmentation Solutions, Q3 2024 today.

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The Evolution of Network Segmentation in Healthcare 

Network segmentation has come a long way since its inception in the early days of computer networking. In the 1960s and 1970s, as computer networks began to grow in complexity, engineers realized the need to divide networks into smaller, more manageable segments. This early form of segmentation was primarily focused on improving network performance and reducing congestion. 

As healthcare organizations began adopting electronic health records (EHRs) and connecting medical devices to their networks in the 1990s and 2000s, the importance of network segmentation in protecting sensitive patient data became increasingly apparent. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 introduced strict requirements for safeguarding protected health information (PHI), pushing healthcare providers to implement more robust network security measures. 

In recent years, the proliferation of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices and the growing sophistication of cyber threats have made network segmentation an essential component of healthcare cybersecurity strategies. Modern network segmentation goes beyond simple VLANs, incorporating advanced technologies like microsegmentation and software-defined networking to provide granular control over network traffic and access. In The Forrester Wave™: Microsegmentation Solutions Q3, 2024, Forrester Research says that Microsegmentation is in its "Golden Age". 

Regulatory Frameworks Driving Network Segmentation in Healthcare 

Several regulatory frameworks and guidelines now emphasize the importance of network segmentation in healthcare environments that cross cyber-physical systems: 

HHS 405(d) Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices (HICP) 

The HHS 405(d) HICP, developed as part of the Cybersecurity Act of 2015, provides voluntary cybersecurity guidelines for healthcare organizations. These practices specifically recommend network segmentation as a critical security measure. The HICP advises healthcare providers to: 

1. Implement firewalls to create clear boundaries between different network zones
2. Segment networks based on data sensitivity and operational requirements (Read Elisity's Comprehensive Guide to 

   Implementing HHS 405(d) HICP Microsegmentation in Clinical Networks)

3. Isolate critical systems and medical devices on separate network segments
4. Use intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to monitor traffic between segments

NIST Cybersecurity Framework 

While not specific to healthcare, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is widely adopted in the industry. It includes network segmentation as a key practice under the "Protect" function, emphasizing the need to: 

1. Implement network segregation and segmentation where appropriate
2. Separate corporate and guest wireless access
3. Employ boundary protection devices (e.g., gateways, routers, firewalls, VPNs)

HIPAA Security Rule 

Although HIPAA doesn't explicitly mandate network segmentation, it is considered a best practice for meeting the Security Rule's requirements. Segmentation helps healthcare organizations: 

1. Implement access controls (§164.312(a)(1))
2. Protect against unauthorized access to ePHI (§164.312(a)(2)(iv))
3. Implement audit controls (§164.312(b))

Methods for Managing Healthcare Networks with Segmentation 

Implementing effective network segmentation in healthcare environments requires a strategic approach that balances security with operational efficiency. Here are key methods and best practices for managing healthcare networks with segmentation in place: 

1. Risk Assessment and Asset Inventory

Before implementing network segmentation, conduct a thorough risk assessment and create a comprehensive inventory of all network-connected assets. This should include: 

- Medical devices and IoMT equipment 

- Workstations and mobile devices 

- Servers and data storage systems 

- Network infrastructure components 

Understanding each asset's criticality and data sensitivity will inform your segmentation strategy. 

2. Define Network Zones

Based on your risk assessment, define distinct network zones. Common zones in healthcare environments include: 

- Clinical networks (for medical devices and EHR systems) 

- Administrative networks (for non-clinical staff and operations) 

- Guest networks (for patients and visitors) 

- DMZ (for internet-facing services) 

- Management networks (for IT administration) 

3. Implement Microsegmentation

Go beyond traditional VLAN-based segmentation by implementing microsegmentation. This approach allows for more granular control over network traffic, enabling you to: 

- Isolate individual devices or small groups of devices 

- Apply security policies at the workload level 

- Reduce the attack surface by limiting east-west traffic 

Modern microsegmentation solutions use software-defined networking (SDN) technologies to provide flexibility and scalability in complex healthcare environments. 

4. Secure IoMT Devices

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices present unique challenges for network segmentation. To effectively manage these devices: 

- Create dedicated network segments for IoMT devices based on their function and criticality 

- Implement strict access controls to limit communication between IoMT devices and other network segments 

- Use a microsegmentation solution that is integrated with a IoMT asset database to automatically identify and classify IoMT devices as they connect to the network 

- Monitor IoMT traffic patterns to detect anomalies and potential security threats  

5. Implement Strong Access Controls

Robust access control measures are essential for maintaining the integrity of your segmented network: 

- Employ the principle of least privilege, granting users and devices only the access they need to perform their functions 

- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing critical systems and sensitive data 

- Use role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions based on job functions 

- Regularly review and update access rights, especially when employees change roles or leave the organization 

6. Monitor and Analyze Network Traffic

Continuous monitoring of network traffic is crucial for detecting and responding to potential security threats: 

- Deploy next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) at network boundaries and between segments 

- Implement security information and event management (SIEM) solutions to correlate and analyze security events across your network 

- Use network behavior analysis tools to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate a security breach 

7. Regular Testing and Validation

Regularly test and validate your network segmentation strategy to ensure its effectiveness: 

- Conduct penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses in your segmentation implementation 

- Perform regular vulnerability assessments of all network segments 

- Use network visualization tools to map traffic flows and verify that segmentation policies are working as intended 

8. Document and Maintain Policies

Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of your network segmentation strategy: 

- Create clear policies and procedures for network access and segmentation 

- Regularly review and update these policies to address new threats and technologies 

- Ensure all IT staff and relevant stakeholders are trained on segmentation policies and procedures 

9. Plan for Scalability and Future Growth

Healthcare networks are constantly evolving. Design your segmentation strategy with scalability in mind: 

- Choose segmentation technologies that can adapt to changing network architectures (e.g., cloud migrations, IoT adoption) 

- Regularly reassess your segmentation strategy to ensure it aligns with your organization's growth and changing security requirements 

Conclusion 

Network segmentation is a critical component of a robust cybersecurity strategy for healthcare organizations. By implementing effective segmentation practices, healthcare providers can better protect sensitive patient data, comply with regulatory requirements like HHS 405 (d), and maintain the integrity of critical systems.  

As cyber threats continue to evolve and healthcare networks become increasingly complex, it's essential for both business leaders and technical practitioners to stay informed about best practices in network segmentation. By following the methods outlined in this article and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and threat landscapes, healthcare organizations can build resilient, secure networks that support the delivery of high-quality patient care while safeguarding sensitive information. 

Remember, network segmentation is not a one-time project but an ongoing process that requires continuous evaluation and refinement. By making network segmentation a priority and investing in the right technologies and expertise, healthcare organizations can significantly enhance their security posture and better protect themselves against the ever-growing range of cyber threats targeting the healthcare industry.  

Get your copy of Forrester Wave™ Microsegmentation Solutions, Q3 2024 today.