by Zero Trust is a network security framework that requires all users and devices to be authenticated, authorized, continuously validated for security configurations and posture, and continually monitored. This helps reduce cybercriminals’ attack surface to target employees, data, and systems. Getting started with a zero-trust architecture takes time but offers immediate returns in risk reduction and security control. These results include optimized hosting and management fees, reduced perimeter tools, and streamlined user access.
Table of Contents
It’s a strategy
Zero trust networking is a security strategy designed to replace the traditional approach of perimeter protection. It focuses on securing all resources, even those inside the company’s firewall. The network is divided into different segments, and access to each segment is granted only after the user or device is authenticated and verified. This approach also reduces the impact of breaches and mitigates their costs by preventing attackers from spreading across the network. This approach requires an accurate understanding of the security posture of all users and devices, which can be achieved by combining identity and access management with security context. The architecture can also scale quickly to meet unique business requirements. By implementing a zero-trust networking model, businesses can improve their return on investment for security measures without hindering employee productivity. This approach ensures a seamless end-user experience while reducing the attack surface using endpoint security, network monitoring, and data encryption. The zero-trust model is based on “never trust, always verify.” All traffic is carefully checked and authenticated, and permissions are frequently re-evaluated. Doing this can help prevent attacks like ransomware, stolen credentials, and malicious insiders. While it’s impossible to eliminate these threats, a solid zero-trust system can significantly reduce their impact on a company and build trust with customers.
It’s a technology
The zero trust model assumes everything outside the corporate network is hostile and requires all access to sensitive information to be verified. This is a departure from the traditional network security architecture that relies on a secure perimeter to protect data. Organizations can use this framework to see their network traffic and the devices and users connected to it. This allows them to detect threats much faster than they would with traditional endpoint management systems that only rely on approved IP addresses, ports, and protocols to assess risk. The Zero Trust framework involves several layers of authentication and verification to ensure security. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to provide two pieces of evidence to prove their identity. This makes it harder for hackers to steal user identities. Another verification method is device-to-device Trust, where only authorized and authenticated devices can access the corporate network. The Zero Trust architecture also includes micro-segmentation, which limits the impact of a breach on a single network and set of resources. This is particularly important because cybercriminals constantly try to breach company firewalls to access sensitive data. A Zero Trust network can reduce damage from breaches by verifying all communication.
It’s a policy
The shift toward a remote workforce makes protecting systems, data, and employees more critical. Cybercriminals are always looking for unsecured devices and networks to breach, and it only takes one successful attack to bring an entire organization to its knees. Zero Trust is an innovative approach to security that can help protect against these threats. The concept of Zero Trust operates on the idea that no network should be automatically trusted. Instead, it employs a series of steps to confirm whether a user or device has authorization to access a network. This includes using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and software-defined perimeters to ensure only authorized users can access critical information and systems. Continuous monitoring is also implemented to detect and address any suspicious activities. Once identity is confirmed, access is granted only to the necessary applications, services, and resources required for business purposes. This lessens the threat surface and enhances security posture by removing unnecessary connections and minimizing potential risks to the company. The first step in deploying Zero Trust involves taking inventory of an organization’s users, applications, and devices. This will help identify and prioritize the protection of the most sensitive data. A security plan can be developed to determine the most effective way to secure it.
It’s a process
Zero-trust networking is a process that takes time and requires commitment from all parties. It’s essential to take the time to collect as much information as possible about the current state of an organization’s assets, network infrastructure, communications, and end users to create and enforce policies. Knowing what resources must be protected is also essential, as this will help organizations prioritize their security posture. To protect data and reduce the risk of breaches, a zero-trust model requires strong authentication that verifies a user’s identity using multi-factor authentication. It also requires intelligent data segmentation based on type, sensitivity, and use. This way, users can only access the information they need for their jobs, and potential attack surfaces are reduced. Zero Trust also requires granular visibility into connected endpoints, something 40% of businesses lack. Implementing this visibility can reduce the burden on IT and allow them to focus more time on enhancing security. It can also help prevent data breaches, which are often the result of employees clicking on a link or visiting a compromised website. Lastly, it can ensure compliance with regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. Zero Trust is an excellent option for organizations that want to improve their security posture, reduce the number of attacks they suffer, and increase staff productivity.
