How does Full Enforcement mode impact network security?

Full Enforcement mode significantly enhances security by ensuring that all security rules defined within the system are actively enforced across the network. This means that every segment of traffic is analyzed against the established policies, and any communications that do not comply with these rules are blocked, effectively minimizing the potential attack surface.

When every rule is enforced, this creates a robust network posture that prevents unauthorized access and limits lateral movement within the environment. As a result, even if there are vulnerabilities or misconfigurations present, the strict enforcement of security policies helps to mitigate their risks by ensuring that only legitimate and approved traffic is permitted.

This contrasts with scenarios where security policies are only partially enforced or where specific criteria (such as high-risk traffic) dictate enforcement actions. In those cases, lower-risk communications might still proceed, potentially leading to security breaches. By adopting Full Enforcement mode, an organization can bolster its overall security strategy, actively defending against a wider range of threats and ensuring compliance with internal and external regulatory requirements.