DMZ: Demilitarized Zone in Cybersecurity

Networking
ByDecipherU Editorial
How is it pronounced?
dee-em-zee

DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone. A DMZ is a network segment that sits between an internal network and the public internet. It hosts public-facing services while shielding internal systems from direct exposure.

How DMZ Is Used in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity architects place web servers, mail relays, and DNS servers in a DMZ to limit damage from external attacks. Security engineers configure firewalls on both sides of the DMZ to control inbound and outbound traffic. Incident responders investigate DMZ breaches as potential entry points to internal networks.

Read the full glossary entry: DMZ in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Roles That Work with DMZ

Related Cybersecurity Acronyms

Frequently asked questions

What does DMZ stand for?

DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone. A DMZ is a network segment that sits between an internal network and the public internet. It hosts public-facing services while shielding internal systems from direct exposure.

What is DMZ used for in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity architects place web servers, mail relays, and DNS servers in a DMZ to limit damage from external attacks. Security engineers configure firewalls on both sides of the DMZ to control inbound and outbound traffic. Incident responders investigate DMZ breaches as potential entry points to internal networks.

Last verified: April 2026?Report an inaccuracy