Zero Trust is a network security philosophy that argues that no one, inside or outside the network, should be considered trustworthy unless their identification has been completely verified.
Instead of protecting only an organization's perimeter, Zero Trust architecture protects all files, emails, and networks, authenticating all identities and devices. In addition, this architecture also helps protect remote access, personal devices, and third-party applications.
The Zero Trust model is designed to adapt to the complexities of the modern environment that embraces the mobile workforce and protects user accounts, devices, applications, and data wherever they are located.
The Zero Trust principles are:
Consider all data points before authenticating someone's access, including their identity, location, and device, in addition to how the resource is classified and whether there is anything suspicious that could be a red flag.
- Use least privileged access
Limit the amount of information and the period during which people can access something, rather than allowing access to all company resources indefinitely.
- Assume that security breaches can happen
If someone gains unauthorized access, it is necessary to segment the networks to contain the damage and require point-to-point encryption.
Benefits of using Zero Trust security
- Support for teleworking and hybrid work
It helps people work securely at any time, in any place, and with any device.
Limits damage by preventing attacks, detecting threats faster, and taking action earlier than traditional security.
Smooth transition from on-premises to the cloud, reducing vulnerabilities in the process.
Allows security teams to focus on responding to incidents rather than resetting and maintaining passwords, eliminating false positive alerts, extra workflow steps, and redundant security tools.
- Improved employee experience
Simplifies access to resources by using single sign-on (SSO) or biometrics instead of multiple passwords.
Key features of the Zero Trust architecture
Allows you to discover shadow IT systems, all devices trying to access a network, and whether users and devices are compliant.
Allows you to analyze data automatically and receive real-time alerts on suspicious behavior for faster threat detection and response.
Instead of isolated systems, Zero Trust authenticates access to all of an organization's digital assets with comprehensive encryption and secure identity management.
Artificial Intelligence can be used to block attacks, reduce false alarms, and prioritize which alerts to respond to.
How to implement and use a Zero Trust model
- Establish secure identity verification
Authenticate access to all the applications, services, and resources the organization uses, starting with the most confidential. Provide tools for administrators to assess risks and respond in real-time to warning signs, such as multiple failed login attempts.
- Manage access to devices and networks
All endpoints, whether personal or corporate, must comply with the company's security requirements. Networks must be encrypted to ensure that all connections are secure, whether remote or on-site, and networks must be segmented to limit unauthorized access.
- Increasing application visibility
“Shadow IT” is an unauthorized application or system that employees use and which can introduce threats. So a company needs to investigate the applications people have installed to make sure they are compliant, set permissions, and monitor them for warning signs.
A company's data, from documents to emails, must be assigned classification levels. It's also essential to encrypt sensitive data and allow the least privileged access.
- Monitor the infrastructure
Evaluate, update, and configure all infrastructure, such as servers and virtual machines, to limit unnecessary access. Monitor metrics to make it easier to identify suspicious behavior.
The role of Zero Trust for companies
Zero Trust is a comprehensive security model, not an individual product or step to take. Companies need to re-evaluate their entire security approach to match today's challenges and cyber threats. The Zero Trust model provides a map of security objectives that, when implemented, not only makes organizations more secure but also helps scale and prepare companies for technological and cyber threat developments.
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