Unlike traditional models, the zero-trust security approach ensures that users in an organization’s network are authorized, authenticated, and verified before being granted access to a network, data, or platform. It doesn’t matter who the user is; everyone is subjected to continuous validation. Inherent trust in the network is withdrawn and in place of that is a hostile network that gives entry based on an access policy.
How does zero trust security work?
Zero trust security works exactly as it sounds. No user is granted automatic trust. Instead, everyone who wants access to something must prove that they have the right credentials. If the zero trust model is something you are looking to adopt, you should understand the following concepts.
1. Complete trust removal
The network in the zero-trust security approach is hostile – it does not trust anything. Just because a user is connected to the network does not mean they would be able to access everything on it. Because requests have to be authenticated, connections that do not meet the requirements of an access policy would be denied.
Use cases of attackers gaining access to a network and moving sideways are curbed here since every service request must be authenticated against the access policy. This network hostility ensures proper monitoring and detection of illicit lateral movements.
2. User identification
The zero-trust security framework requires the network to be familiar with users who have gained access to its data and applications. As such, continuous authorization checks for each access request are mandatory. Being logged onto your work email from a phone does not mean you’ll have automatic access when trying to get onto your email from your desktop.
3. Zoning
Breaking down the network into different parts to create separate access is necessary for the zero trust architecture. This segmentation of security into smaller pieces makes it easier to manage data. It ensures continuous monitoring between the zones. Undue privileges are cut off right away.
4. Controlling devices
In addition to monitoring user access, there should be provisions for controlling devices in real-time. This way, there is knowledge of the number of devices seeking access. Ensuring they are all authenticated would reduce the risk of attackers gaining access.
5. Building confidence
Since the network is hostile, continuous verification is mandatory. User identity and behaviour and proper communication between services are some examples of levels on which trust can be built. The degree of faith necessary to gain confidence in a connection will depend on the significance of protected data or information.
What are the advantages of zero-trust security?
From serving as a robust business security plan to ensuring your organization’s network is tough enough to withstand attacks, zero-trust security comes with several advantages, including:
Data Security
Zero trust secures your network and protects the company’s data. Malware, and even the organization’s employees, are restricted from certain parts of the network. It reduces the potential for attacks. In cases where breaches have been partially successful, the impact is limited.
Improved network visibility
Limited access and network hostility allow for easier monitoring. Admins can see who is on the network, when the entry was requested, and where the request came from. Strange behaviours may be detected before a breach occurs.
Facilitates adherence
Compliance is easier in a zero-trust network as each user anticipates evaluation and is aware of documented connection details. With a system that tracks every important point, it becomes easy to obtain evidence when there is a need for it. What you get is a seamless auditing process in addition to efficient governance.
Remote security
As remote work continues, organizations require models that are not restricted by users’ locations. The rise of remote work has also increased cyber vulnerabilities and compromised security. Opting in for zero-trust security makes it necessary for every user and device to have a valid identity, no matter their location.
Part of a comprehensive security plan
Data security is critical to every business. But physical security must not be overlooked. Guard tour solutions like Patrol Points provide efficient and simple technology that compliments any security measures. It extends to safeguarding a business’s intellectual property and physical assets by streamlining patrols and improving communications. Guards can devote more attention to serving clients and looking out for suspicious activity instead of completing tedious manual processes and operating clunky equipment.
Steps to administering zero trust security
Regardless of your organization’s size or industry, the zero trust security model can cater to its security needs. You can begin by implementing this solution in the following ways:
Categorize valuable data
While all data is important, the value of certain information will inevitably be greater. To implement zero trust, you should begin by sorting out the data and identifying the most sensitive information. This step will help you decide on the most suitable security strategies for the organization.
Certain security loopholes in your current architecture may pose unique difficulties, so you also need to plan for those. Prioritize the most sensitive data to ensure it is safe. You should also classify the data according to what groups require access and create smaller data for each zone.
Data flow optimization
Understanding how data flows would make the creation of smaller networks smoother. You have to map data flow before optimizing it. Please pay attention to where sensitive data is stored and the users that have access to it to execute stronger security measures.
Create smaller networks
After ensuring you have sufficient information about the data flow in the network, what should follow is the creation of micro-networks for each flow. Physical and digital measures are necessary at this stage. Control all unauthorized movements laterally and incorporate multi-factor authentication. It would help strengthen the security and verification of both external and internal users.
Continuous monitoring
Continually inspect and log all data and activity in the network. These details will inform you of potential threats, and you can take action to find out their source and improve the security in those areas. You would get more insights into security maintenance and see whether zero trust is truly the best approach for you.
Utilize automation technologies
Making the switch to zero trust won’t be completely seamless; your staff members will be asked to do more to get the information they are already used to accessing. However, automation tools can improve the transition experience. For example, you could invest in a password manager platform that saves login information for multiple platforms. This way, employees only need to remember one strong password but can apply different passwords to different programs.
Conclusion:
Despite being somewhat new, zero-trust security appears to be gaining traction quickly. There are certain reservations about the model, including the few regulatory bodies utilizing the approach. Some organizations may have concerns about their tools and applications, which identity verifications cannot cater to. These challenges may delay the adoption of zero-trust by some organizations, but one cannot deny the stronger security the model provides. From verifying users and devices to reducing online data security risk in general, your network will be better protected with a zero-trust model.
