Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards Practice Test

Which of the following could be used to provide network segmentation?

1. Traffic monitoring systems with notifications enabled

2. Network hubs, bridges, and connectors

3. Intrusion-detection systems with enhanced logging

4. Firewalls, routers, access control list (ACL)

The correct answer is: Firewalls, routers, access control list (ACL)

Network segmentation is a crucial practice that enhances security by dividing a larger network into smaller, isolated sections. This reduces the attack surface and limits potential breaches to smaller network segments. The use of firewalls, routers, and access control lists (ACL) is directly associated with creating and managing these segments. Firewalls act as barriers between different network segments, allowing or blocking traffic based on predefined security rules. They can control the flow of data and establish boundaries that limit which users or systems can access certain segments of the network. Routers play a key role in directing traffic between different network segments, ensuring that only authorized communications occur between those segments, effectively establishing additional layers of security. Access control lists (ACLs) enhance this segmentation by defining specific permissions for users or devices within the network, allowing for granular control over who can access what resources in different segments. Together, these tools form a robust framework for enforcing segmentation policies, thus significantly improving network security in accordance with PCI Data Security Standards.