Validate that your network segmentation actually works — proving that your CDE, sensitive zones, and critical environments are truly isolated from adjacent network segments.
Network segmentation is only effective if it actually prevents traffic between segments. We conduct targeted penetration tests specifically designed to validate segmentation controls — attempting to cross segment boundaries, bypass firewall rules, and access isolated environments from out-of-scope network zones. This is a PCI DSS requirement for any organization using segmentation to reduce scope.
PCI DSS requires organizations that use network segmentation to reduce their CDE scope to conduct penetration tests that specifically verify the segmentation controls are effective. But beyond PCI compliance, segmentation testing is essential for any organization that relies on network isolation to protect sensitive environments — production vs. development, corporate vs. guest, IT vs. OT.
Our segmentation penetration tests are specifically designed to test segment boundaries — not general network penetration testing relabeled. We test from every out-of-scope segment toward every in-scope segment, attempting to cross boundaries through firewall misconfigurations, routing leaks, dual-homed hosts, VLAN hopping, and other segmentation bypass techniques.
Validate CDE segmentation per PCI DSS Requirement 11.3.4 — testing from every out-of-scope segment to verify that CDE isolation controls prevent unauthorized access to cardholder data systems.
Comprehensive testing of all segmentation boundaries in your environment — not just CDE. We validate isolation between corporate, guest, development, production, management, and vendor segments.
Validate segmentation in cloud environments — VPC/VNET isolation, security group effectiveness, peering configurations, and cross-account/cross-region boundary enforcement.
Test VLAN isolation, micro-segmentation policies, and software-defined networking controls — attempting VLAN hopping, ARP spoofing, and other layer-2 attacks that bypass layer-3 segmentation.
Evaluate the design of your segmentation architecture — firewall rule logic, routing tables, dual-homed hosts, jump server configurations, and management network access paths — identifying design weaknesses.
Re-test after segmentation fixes are implemented — confirming that identified bypass paths are closed and no new paths were introduced during remediation.
Meet the mandatory segmentation testing requirement of PCI DSS 11.3.4 — a critical audit requirement for any organization using segmentation to reduce CDE scope.
Move from 'we configured segmentation' to 'we proved it works' — providing evidence that your isolation controls withstand active penetration testing.
Validated segmentation limits the blast radius of a breach — preventing attackers who compromise one segment from reaching your most sensitive systems.
Confirm that your PCI DSS or other compliance scope is accurate — that systems you've declared out-of-scope truly cannot reach in-scope environments.
Identify segmentation design weaknesses — dual-homed hosts, routing leaks, management plane bridges — that create hidden paths between supposedly isolated segments.
Semi-annual or annual segmentation testing (as PCI DSS requires) provides ongoing assurance that changes to your network haven't introduced new bypass paths.
We use a purpose-built segmentation testing methodology — not generic penetration testing. Every test is designed around segment boundaries, not just vulnerability discovery.
We understand PCI DSS scoping and segmentation requirements in depth — ensuring our testing satisfies auditor expectations for Requirement 11.3.4 documentation and evidence.
We test segmentation at layers 2, 3, and 7 — VLAN hopping, routing bypass, application-layer tunneling, and management plane abuse — because segmentation must be effective at every layer.
Contact us to discuss your requirements and get a tailored engagement plan.
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