Skip to main content

NET-03.8: Separate Subnet for Connecting to Different Security Domains

NET 5 — Medium Protect

Mechanisms exist to implement separate network addresses (e.g., different subnets) to connect to systems in different security domains.

Control Question: Does the organization implement separate network addresses (e.g., different subnets) to connect to systems in different security domains?

General (11)
Framework Mapping Values
MPA Content Security Program 5.1 TS-1.0
NIST 800-53 R4 SC-7(22)
NIST 800-53 R5 (source) SC-7(22) SC-7(29)
NIST 800-53 R5 (NOC) (source) SC-7(22) SC-7(29)
NIST 800-171 R3 (source) 03.13.01.b
PCI DSS 4.0.1 (source) 1.4 1.4.1
PCI DSS 4.0.1 SAQ A-EP (source) 1.4.1
PCI DSS 4.0.1 SAQ D Merchant (source) 1.4.1
PCI DSS 4.0.1 SAQ D Service Provider (source) 1.4.1
SCF CORE ESP Level 2 Critical Infrastructure NET-03.8
SCF CORE ESP Level 3 Advanced Threats NET-03.8
US (2)
Framework Mapping Values
US C2M2 2.1 ARCHITECTURE-2.J.MIL3 ARCHITECTURE-2.K.MIL3 ARCHITECTURE-2.L.MIL3
US NSTC NSPM-33 6.9
EMEA (2)
Framework Mapping Values
EMEA Saudi Arabia OTCC-1 2022 2-4-1-2
EMEA Saudi Arabia SACS-002 TPC-38 TPC-40
APAC (1)
Framework Mapping Values
APAC New Zealand NZISM 3.6 14.1.11.C.01
Americas (1)
Framework Mapping Values
Americas Canada ITSP-10-171 03.13.01.B

Capability Maturity Model

Level 0 — Not Performed

There is no evidence of a capability to implement separate network addresses (e.g., different subnets) to connect to systems in different security domains.

Level 1 — Performed Informally

C|P-CMM1 is N/A, since a structured process is required to implement separate network addresses (e.g., different subnets) to connect to systems in different security domains.

Level 2 — Planned & Tracked

Network Security (NET) efforts are requirements-driven and governed at a local/regional level, but are not consistent across the organization. CMM Level 2 control maturity would reasonably expect all, or at least most, the following criteria to exist:

  • Network security management is decentralized (e.g., a localized/regionalized function) and uses non-standardized methods to implement secure, resilient and compliant practices.
  • IT/cybersecurity personnel identify cybersecurity and data protection controls that are appropriate to address applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements for network security management.
  • IT personnel define secure networking practices to protect the confidentiality, integrity, availability and safety of the organization's technology assets, data and network(s).
  • Administrative processes and technologies focus on protecting High Value Assets (HVAs), including environments where sensitive/regulated data is stored, transmitted and processed.
  • Administrative processes are used to configure boundary devices (e.g., firewalls, routers, etc.) to deny network traffic by default and allow network traffic by exception (e.g., deny all, permit by exception).
  • Network segmentation exists to implement separate network addresses (e.g., different subnets) to connect systems in different security domains (e.g., sensitive/regulated data environments).
  • Administrative processes and technologies enable Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to limit the ability of devices on a network to directly communicate with other devices on the subnet and limit an attacker's ability to laterally move to compromise neighboring systems
Level 3 — Well Defined

Network Security (NET) efforts are standardized across the organization and centrally managed, where technically feasible, to ensure consistency. CMM Level 3 control maturity would reasonably expect all, or at least most, the following criteria to exist:

  • A Technology Infrastructure team, or similar function, defines centrally-managed network security controls for implementation across the enterprise.
  • Secure engineering principles are used to design and implement network security controls (e.g., industry-recognized secure practices) to enforce the concepts of least privilege and least functionality at the network level.
  • IT/cybersecurity architects work with the Technology Infrastructure team to implement a “layered defense” network architecture that provides a defense-in-depth approach for redundancy and risk reduction for network-based security controls, including wired and wireless networking.
  • Administrative processes and technologies configure boundary devices (e.g., firewalls, routers, etc.) to deny network traffic by default and allow network traffic by exception (e.g., deny all, permit by exception).
  • Technologies automate the Access Control Lists (ACLs) and similar rulesets review process to identify security issues and/ or misconfigurations.
  • Network segmentation exists to implement separate network addresses (e.g., different subnets) to connect systems in different security domains (e.g., sensitive/regulated data environments).
Level 4 — Quantitatively Controlled

See C|P-CMM3. There are no defined C|P-CMM4 criteria, since it is reasonable to assume a quantitatively-controlled process is not necessary to implement separate network addresses (e.g., different subnets) to connect to systems in different security domains.

Level 5 — Continuously Improving

See C|P-CMM4. There are no defined C|P-CMM5 criteria, since it is reasonable to assume a continuously-improving process is not necessary to implement separate network addresses (e.g., different subnets) to connect to systems in different security domains.

Assessment Objectives

  1. NET-03.8_A01 separate network addresses are implemented to connect to systems in different security domains.
  2. NET-03.8_A02 critical system components and functions are logically isolated.
  3. NET-03.8_A03 critical system components and functions to be isolated are defined.
  4. NET-03.8_A04 subnetworks are separated organization-defined criteria to isolate critical system components and functions.
  5. NET-03.8_A05 physical isolation techniques are defined.
  6. NET-03.8_A06 logical isolation techniques are defined.
  7. NET-03.8_A07 physical isolation techniques and/or organization-defined logical isolation techniques are employed in organizational systems and system components.

Technology Recommendations

The Secure Controls Framework (SCF) is maintained by SCF Council. Use of SCF content is subject to the SCF Terms & Conditions.

Manage this control in SCF Connect

Track implementation status, collect evidence, and map controls to your compliance frameworks automatically.