Architecting and Segmenting Network Questions and Answers for Cyber Security Interview

Introduction

Architecting and segmenting a network involves structuring and dividing it into smaller, manageable parts to enhance security and performance. This process is crucial in cybersecurity because it isolates critical data and assets, reducing the impact of potential breaches. 

Overall, adequate network segmentation plays a pivotal role in safeguarding against cyber threats and maintaining the integrity of digital infrastructure. To learn more about architectural and segmenting networks, check out these critical Cybersecurity interview questions and answers.

Q1: How Does Arranging and Dividing Your Network Enhance Security Without Demanding Time, Effort, and Money?

Ans. By carefully organizing and segmenting your network, you can significantly improve security without hefty investments in time, effort, or money. An intelligent network segmentation plan allows you to categorize high-risk and low-risk devices and user types. 

This categorization informs the strategic placement of additional security measures in your environment. The outcome is an efficiently protected network that prioritizes security without unnecessary resource burdens.

Q2: Is Buying Two Basic Switches Without Features Like Vlans More Budget-friendly Compared to a Single Managed Switch With Vlan Capability?

Ans. Opting for two simpler switches may seem economical, but it creates physically separate networks, each needing its internet connection or a capable gateway for logical separation. 

If both networks require internet access, investing in a slightly pricier managed switch upfront is advisable. Prioritizing security and control justifies the slightly higher cost of a managed switch for a more reliable and secure network setup.

Q3: Why Is It a Good Idea to Put Your Internet of Things (Iot) Devices on a Separate Network, and How Does It Improve Security?

Ans. It's beneficial to place your IoT devices on a separate network because these gadgets are often newer and less commonly used than your Windows operating system. Fewer tests, updates, and maintenance make them more susceptible to security issues. 

By creating this separation, you reduce the risk of potential attackers exploiting vulnerabilities in IoT devices and moving through your network. Once separated, you can consider adding extra safeguards like intrusion detection or prevention systems to enhance overall network security and promptly respond to potential threats.

Q4: How Can Hubs, Switches, and Routers Contribute to Network Segmentation, and What Factors Should Be Considered in Choosing The Proper Devices Based on Specific Needs?

Ans. Hubs, switches, and routers are valuable tools for segmenting a network, offering varying features and security capabilities. You may use one, a combination, or all of these devices, depending on your specific requirements. 

The selection process involves considering each device's inherent capabilities and features, ensuring they align with your network segmentation goals. You can effectively utilize these devices to create a segmented and secure network infrastructure by making informed choices based on your needs.

Q5: What Is a Network Hub, and Why Might It Pose Security Concerns, Especially in More Extensive Networks?

Ans. A network hub is a fundamental device facilitating communication among multiple computers. While suitable for small networks, hubs can present significant issues in larger setups. When a device connected to a hub communicates with another device on the same hub, the hub broadcasts the data to all connected ports. 

This broadcasting approach compromises security, as every endpoint on the network receives data intended for a specific device. This lack of targeted communication in more extensive networks raises security concerns, making hubs less suitable for ensuring data privacy and secure transmissions.

Q6: What Is The Primary Purpose of a Router, Especially in The Context of Connecting Different Networks, and How Does It Differ From The Function of a Switch?

Ans. A router is crucial in transmitting data between networks or network segments. It acts as a conduit, facilitating communication between your private local intranet and the vast, publicly accessible internet. 

Unlike a switch, which utilizes MAC addresses, a router is primarily concerned with IP addresses. For example, the border router connecting your network to the internet service provider is crucial for small networks, serving as the primary router needed to enable access between your private network and the internet.

Q7: How Does Assigning Ports to Vlans in a Switch Impact Network Communication, and What Are The Steps to Configure Vlans?

Ans. Assigning ports to VLANs in a switch defines the logical network to which each port belongs. Only ports and endpoints within the same VLAN can communicate. Here are the steps to configure VLANs:

• Choose a VLAN ID from the drop-down menu.
• Tick the physical ports you want in this VLAN, untick others, and click Apply.
• Devices  plugged into these ports will communicate exclusively within the assigned VLAN. To remove ports from the default VLAN (VLAN 1), select VLAN 1, uncheck relevant ports, and click Apply.

Q8: How Can Physical Segmentation Be Implemented As a Straightforward Network Dividing Method?

Ans. Physical segmentation is a straightforward method of dividing a network using physically discrete hardware. For instance, you can employ separate wireless routers for computers and mobile devices. Another approach involves using one router for personal devices and another for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. 

This tangible separation of hardware provides a clear and tangible way to organize and optimize the network, tailoring it to specific needs and enhancing the overall efficiency and security of the system.

Q9: How Do Switches Differ From Hubs in Forwarding Network Traffic, and What Makes Switches More Secure, Especially Concerning Collision Domains?

Ans. Unlike hubs, switches forward network traffic using connected endpoints' physical hardware (MAC) addresses. When a host communicates with another, the switch uses the destination MAC address to determine the appropriate port for forwarding the data. Switches maintain a MAC address table to track endpoint locations, assigning each port its collision domain. 

This unique domain prevents collisions during simultaneous communication, ensuring packets don't intersect. Unlike hubs, switches don't broadcast data to every device, enhancing security. This inherent design makes switches a more secure option for managing network traffic than hubs.

Q10: What Is Network Segmentation, and How Does Dividing a Network Into Subnets Improve Performance and Security?

Ans. Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller subnets to enhance overall performance and security. This practice can be implemented by separating devices either physically or logically. Network traffic is efficiently managed by creating distinct subnets, leading to improved performance. 

Moreover, the segmentation adds a layer of security as it limits the impact of potential breaches. Whether achieved through physical separation or logical configuration, network segmentation is a versatile strategy to optimize performance and security in a network environment.

Q11: How Does Categorizing Devices and Users Into Trust Zones Contribute to Network Security, Particularly in Safeguarding Critical Data and Assets?

Ans. Categorizing devices and users into trust zones enhances network security by keeping critical data and assets isolated from potentially more vulnerable devices. This segregation allows for a focused approach, separating devices requiring high security and monitoring from those needing less attention. 

You can prioritize managing and safeguarding the most critical assets by allocating resources based on security needs. This strategic separation optimizes resource allocation and reduces management overhead, allowing for a more efficient and secure network infrastructure.

Q12: How Does Logical Segmentation Differ From Physical Segmentation, and What Makes It a More Familiar and Cost-effective Approach?

Ans. Logical segmentation stands out from physical segmentation as a more prevalent and cost-effective method, primarily because it doesn't necessitate separate physical hardware for each network segment. Instead, logical segmentation often relies on virtual local area networks (VLANs), groups of systems appearing on the same local area network but logically separated from others. 

This is typically achieved using managed switches capable of creating and handling VLANs. In this context, each VLAN acts as a virtual switch within the physical switch, assigning physical ports to specific VLANs, akin to plugging a cable into a designated switch.

Q13: How Does Creating Vlans on a Switch Achieve Logical Separation of Devices, and What Should Be Considered When Balancing Ethernet and Wireless Devices in a Network?

Ans. By creating VLANs, you can designate which of the switch's ports can communicate on each VLAN, achieving logical separation of devices with just one physical device. This method is particularly effective in networks with more Ethernet or hardwired devices. 

However, it may only be suitable for networks with a predominant use of wireless devices if multiple wireless access points are integrated. Careful consideration of the device mix is essential to ensure optimal functionality and logical separation when implementing VLANs in a network setup.

Q14: How Can I Logically Segment My Network Using an Ethernet Switch Like The Netgear Gs308e, and Are There Alternative Options for Achieving This Network Configuration?

Ans. To achieve logical segmentation in your network, consider using an Ethernet switch like the Netgear GS308E, known for its cost-effective managed switch capabilities. Installing it in a small network is a quick and easy process. This device allows specific Ethernet ports to be assigned to VLANs, facilitating efficient network organization. 

The Netgear GS308E can be purchased directly from Netgear, online retailers, or second-hand from platforms like eBay. For those seeking a user-friendly and competent solution, researching the Ubiquiti range of networking equipment is recommended, despite being slightly more expensive.

Q15: What Are The Steps for The Initial Configuration of a Switch, Including Finding Its Ip Address and Securing The Admin Password?

Ans. The initial configuration of a switch is generally straightforward:

• Unbox and power up the switch.
• Connect an Ethernet cable from your modem/router.

Find the switch's IP address:

• Check your router or DHCP provider for the assigned IP.
• Use Netgear Switch Discovery Tool from https://www.netgear.com/support/product/netgear-switch-discovery-tool.aspx.
• Use the default IP 192.168.0.239 for the switch's web interface if needed.
• Visit the switch's IP in a web browser and log in with the default password.
• Change the admin password for improved security, as default passwords pose a risk.

Conclusion

JanBask Training Cybersecurity Courses offer comprehensive training on network segmentation strategies, VLAN configurations, and switch management. Through hands-on learning, students gain proficiency in designing secure network architectures, effectively implementing segmentation techniques, and mitigating cyber risks. With JanBask Training, individuals can acquire the skills to architect resilient networks and bolster cybersecurity defenses.