Zero Trust is an IT security model that requires strict verification for all users, even those inside the organization’s network, to be authenticated before being granted access to any applications or data.
Traditionally, the typical approach to network security is “trust, but verify,” which means sites, apps, and devices would allow users in with the proper credentials. It operates on the assumption that anyone inside of an organization’s network can be trusted and access information. However, due to an increasingly malicious threat landscape, this security model does not suffice as hackers are becoming more sophisticated in regard to insider threats.
The Zero Trust architecture, on the other hand, runs on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” which assumes that no one is trusted from inside or outside the network, and verification is required from everyone. Zero Trust is one of the most effective and safest ways for an organization to control access to their data, networks, and applications.
There is no single specific technology associated with zero trust architecture. Instead, it is a new security model that utilizes technologies such as multi-factor authentication, least-privilege identity, network segmentation, and the latest in endpoint security.
Multi-factor Authentication: Users are treated as if they are operating in an open and unsecured environment and are asked to log in at every session and often times the login involves multi-factor authentication.
Least-Privilege Access: Users only have as much access as absolutely needed, which minimizes and limits access to internal tools and systems.
Network Segmentation: This is the practice of breaking up security perimeters into smaller zones and maintaining access for separate parts of the network. It minimizes the risk of other zones if one is hacked. If one zone is compromised, the hacker will not be able to access the other zones.
Endpoint Security: The Zero Trust model can be extended to endpoints as well to prevent attempts of unauthorized access to data and applications that typically live on the endpoint.
Achieving Zero Trust is not as complex and costly as some assume. There are no Zero Trust products, and everything can be built upon your existing architecture. Creating a Zero Trust environment begins with identifying what you need to protect and mapping it out from there.
To learn more about Zero Trust and implementing it within your organization, contact us today.
