Zero Trust

What is zero trust?

Zero trust is a strategic security concept and framework built on the principle that no implicit trust is granted to assets or user accounts. This applies regardless of physical or network location (i.e., local area networks vs. the internet) or asset ownership (enterprise or personally owned), depending on the policy configuration.

Zero trust in software is applied through zero trust architecture (ZTA). ZTA is a digital architecture characterized by strict access controls, continuous monitoring, encryption, network segmentation, and other policy-driven controls to mitigate evolving cyber threats.

Impacts of using zero trust

Zero trust policies require all entities, whether in or outside the organization's network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted access to applications and data or maintaining existing access.

• Data security: Zero trust applies to external as well as internal access. Since only authenticated and authorized users can access network resources, risks of unauthorized access and data breaches are reduced. This is achieved, in part, through a smaller attack surface. There are fewer network vulnerabilities due to limited access. Moreover, By reducing internal attack surface, it protects against threats within an organization by eliminating access to areas unrelated to an internal user’s responsibilities. Zero trust doesn’t assume that because a user is inside the organization they are “safe.” 
• Regulatory compliance: Strict access controls and access monitoring are central to zero trust. This helps organizations stay in compliance with various regulations for safeguarding sensitive data. Through sensitive data discovery and classification efforts to set zero trust limits on data, organizations maintain an up-to-date catalog of sensitive information typically required for various types of audits.
• Visibility and analytics: Organizations with a zero trust approach typically use advanced monitoring capabilities, feeding into security analytics systems for greater risk assessment and threat detection capabilities.

• Incident response: Zero trust facilitates quicker and more efficient responses to security incidents through increased monitoring and awareness.

• Adaptability: Zero trust principles are flexible in nature. The need to constantly reevaluate user and device permissions necessitates organizations remain agile. As a result, organizations can quickly adapt to changing environments and scale as they grow.

• Cost saving & reputation management: Secure work environments reduce the risk of costly data breaches that could result in an organization being fined, a loss of business, and the costs associated with resolving the incident. A zero trust approach could lower cyber insurance premiums through proactive monitoring and quick breach remediation. Further, by reducing the risks of breaches through a zero trust framework, organizations preserve their brand image and reputation, which would otherwise damage their reputation.

Basic elements of zero trust and ZTA

The concept of zero trust is expressed through ZTA. The basic elements of ZTA that one would expect to see in software aligned with the zero trust concept include:

• Enhanced user verification: Zero trust principles encourage the use of identity verification methods, multi-factor authentication (MFA) software, and sometimes biometric verification software to ensure a user or device is legitimate.

• Dynamic access control: User and device access is responsive to changes in security policies and the network environment. This requires continuous monitoring and identity verification, often present in various types of identity management software. Machine learning and automation are utilized to evaluate risk and compliance.
• Microsegmentation: Networks are segmented into smaller surfaces, which not only reduces the risk of data breaches but also minimizes their impact.
• Data protection & network infrastructure: Data should be encrypted both in transit and at rest, along with other data protection capabilities. Traditional network security software features such as firewalls and intrusion detection and prevention should be incorporated.

Zero trust best practices

In order to make zero trust work, follow these best practices:

• Assume breaches and hostile environments: Start from a place of distrust, assuming that breaches are possible and environments may be hostile.
• Endpoint security: Ensure all devices connected to the network are secure before granting access to any users. While it does not fall under the scope of ZTA, it is a recommended starting point when adopting a zero trust approach.
• Know your assets: Maintain a detailed inventory of all assets, where they are stored, and what they are used for. Administrators should have access to an accurate catalog of company assets, understand their locations, and identify the most sensitive assets requiring the strictest protections. This will assist administrators when assigning permissions based on least privileged access.

• Least privileged access: Network administrators implementing a zero trust approach should provide users with the minimum level of access necessary to complete a given task. For high-level network and security access, privileged access management is critical.
• Explicit access: Not only are administrators restricted access to data, but users and devices are explicitly approved for only what is necessary to perform a specific task. Administrators should assume user access requirements will change over time and set policies to be adaptable to changing business needs.
• Continuous verification: Regularly verify and re-authenticate the identity of users and devices. Employ MFA and other verification methods. 

Zero trust and ZTA vs. identity management

Identity management software manages user access to information. This software identifies and restricts access to information based on specific identifying factors. Identity management is a crucial component of zero trust and ZTA. 

However, identity management is explicitly concerned with user access, while zero trust is the conceptual framework that influences how identity management tools are used. This also differs slightly from ZTA as ZTA can include a more expansive set of tools such as encryption, firewalls, network segmentation, and more advanced monitoring and analytics.

Protect your data from modern threats by implementing zero trust model today!

Edited by Monishka Agrawal