An adjacent network refers to a network segment that is physically or logically close to a target system or device. This proximity allows limited but direct access, often bypassing broader internet restrictions. In cybersecurity, threats from adjacent networks are significant because attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in nearby segments to gain unauthorized access. For example, devices connected to the same Wi-Fi or local area network (LAN) are considered part of an adjacent network. Security measures must account for risks not only from the wider internet but also from these nearby networks, as attackers may leverage their position to escalate privileges or move laterally within an organization’s infrastructure.