What does security zoning help enforce in a firewall?

Security zoning is a crucial concept in firewall architecture that helps enforce network segmentation. By creating zones, which are defined segments of the network that group together similar levels of security or types of devices, firewalls can control and manage traffic between these zones more effectively. This segmentation enhances security by limiting the spread of threats and helps to compartmentalize different areas of the network, allowing for more refined access controls and monitoring.

In this context, zoning facilitates the application of tailored security policies for different segments of the network. For instance, devices in a highly secure zone may have stricter access controls compared to those in a less secure zone. This method not only improves the overall security posture of the network but also allows for easier compliance with regulatory requirements by ensuring that sensitive data and critical systems are adequately protected from less secure parts of the network.