What is zero-trust security?

Zero-trust security is a modern approach to cybersecurity that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” It assumes no user, device, or network traffic should be trusted by default, even within the organization’s network perimeter.

Instead, the zero-trust approach continuously verifies the identity and authorization of every user and device for every access request, ensuring that only authorized individuals and devices can access sensitive information and systems.

In 2009, Forrester analyst John Kindervag coined the term “zero trust” and introduced it as a new security model to address the limitations of traditional perimeter-based security. Forrester’s research and publications on zero trust have been instrumental in shaping the understanding and adoption of this approach. They have developed the Zero Trust eXtended (ZTX) framework, which provides a comprehensive approach to implementing zero trust in organizations.

How zero trust works

In practice, zero-trust security works by implementing multiple security measures that continuously assess risk and grant access based on a dynamic trust evaluation. Here’s how it works:

  • Strong identity verification: Every user and device must verify their identity through strong authentication and authorization methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires multiple pieces of evidence to prove identity (2FA, 3FA). This could include passwords, biometrics, security tokens, or one-time codes.
  • Least privilege access: Users and devices are only granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their specific tasks. This limits the potential damage that can be done if an account or device is compromised. For example, a marketing employee might not need access to sensitive financial data, so their access would be restricted accordingly.
  • Microsegmentation: Networks are divided into smaller segments or zones, each with its own security controls. This prevents lateral movement within the network infrastructure, making it harder for attackers to spread throughout the system even if they gain initial access. Think of it like dividing a building into separate rooms with locked doors, so an intruder can’t easily roam freely.
  • Continuous monitoring and analytics: User and device activity is constantly monitored for suspicious behavior. This involves analyzing network traffic, system logs, and user behavior patterns to identify potential threats in real-time. If an anomaly is detected, access can be revoked immediately. It’s like having security cameras throughout the castle constantly watched for any signs of trouble.
  • Encryption: Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, making it unreadable to unauthorized individuals even if they manage to intercept or access it. This adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive information.
  • Dynamic authorization: Access decisions are not static but are continuously re-evaluated based on various factors, such as the user’s location, the time of day, the device being used, and the sensitivity of the data being accessed. For example, an employee might be granted access to certain systems from the office during business hours. Still, their access might be restricted or require additional verification if they try to access those systems from a public Wi-Fi network at night.

What is passwordless authentication?

Passwordless authentication is a way to identify your identity without using a password. Instead, it uses more secure alternatives like possession factors or biometrics.

Benefits of implementing zero-trust architecture

Adopting a zero-trust architecture offers numerous benefits for organizations of all sizes, helping them strengthen their security posture and protect their valuable assets:

  • Enhanced security: Zero trust significantly reduces the risk of successful cyberattacks by continuously verifying and authenticating every user, device, and network connection. It assumes that threats can come from anywhere, inside and outside the network, and therefore applies stringent security measures at every level.
  • Reduced attack surface: Zero trust minimizes the potential points of entry for attackers by limiting access to only what is necessary and continuously monitoring for suspicious activity. This makes it more difficult for them to move laterally within the network and cause widespread damage.
  • Improved data protection: Zero trust helps safeguard sensitive data by encrypting it in transit and at rest. This ensures that the data remains unreadable even if an attacker gains access without the proper decryption keys.
  • Better incident response: Zero trust enables faster detection and containment in the event of a security breach. The granular visibility and control provided by the architecture allow security teams to quickly identify and isolate the affected areas, minimizing the impact of the attack.
  • Increased agility and scalability: Zero trust is designed to be flexible and adaptable to changing business needs. It can quickly scale to accommodate new users, devices, and applications without compromising security.
  • Improved regulatory compliance: Zero trust can help organizations meet data protection and privacy requirements, such as GDPR and HIPAA. The architecture’s focus on continuous verification and data security aligns well with these regulations’ principles.
  • Cost savings: While implementing a zero-trust architecture may require an initial investment, it can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing the risk of costly data breaches and downtime. The improved efficiency and automation of security processes can also free up IT resources for other strategic initiatives.

Use cases of a zero-trust security model

Zero trust architecture can be applied to various scenarios, offering enhanced security and risk mitigation across different areas:

1. Secure remote access

  • Challenge: With the rise of remote work, securing access for employees working outside the traditional office perimeter has become critical. Traditional VPNs can be vulnerable to attacks and may not provide granular access controls.
  • Zero-trust solution: Zero trust provides secure remote access by continuously verifying user identity, device security, and network location before granting access to specific applications and resources. This eliminates the need for full network access and reduces the risk of unauthorized lateral movement.

2. Cloud security

  • Challenge: As organizations migrate to cloud environments, securing data and applications in the cloud becomes a top priority. Cloud services introduce unique security challenges, such as shared responsibility models and increased complexity.
  • Zero-trust solution: Zero trust can be applied to cloud infrastructure, platforms, and applications to enforce strict access controls, micro-segmentation, and continuous monitoring. This ensures that only authorized users and processes can access cloud resources, even if their credentials are compromised.

3. Securing IoT devices

  • Challenge: The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices introduces numerous vulnerabilities, as many of these devices lack robust security features.
  • Zero-trust solution: Zero trust can be used to isolate IoT devices on separate network segments, limiting their access to only the necessary resources. Continuous monitoring of IoT device behavior can help detect anomalies and potential threats.

4. Protecting critical infrastructure

  • Challenge: Critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, healthcare, and finance, are prime targets for cyberattacks due to their vital role in society. Traditional security models may not be sufficient to protect these complex and interconnected systems.
  • Zero-trust solution: Zero trust can be applied to critical infrastructure to enforce strict access controls, micro-segmentation, and continuous monitoring of operational technology (OT) networks. This helps detect and mitigate threats in real-time, protecting essential services from disruption.

5. Third-party access management

  • Challenge: Granting access to third-party vendors and partners introduces significant risks, as their security practices may not be aligned with the organization’s standards.
  • Zero-trust solution: Zero trust can be used to manage third-party access by enforcing least privilege access, continuous authentication, and strict monitoring. This ensures that third parties can only access the specific resources they need and that their activities are closely scrutinized.

How to develop a zero-trust security strategy

Developing a robust zero-trust strategy requires a thoughtful and systematic approach. Here’s how to start:

  • Identify and prioritize assets: Start by identifying your most critical assets—data, applications, and services—that, if compromised, would have the most significant impact on your business. Assess the risks associated with each asset, considering factors like data sensitivity, the potential impact of a breach, and existing security controls. Prioritize assets with the highest risk levels.
  • Define the protected surface: Determine the boundaries of your protected surface—the users, devices, networks, and data that need to be secured.
  • Design a zero-trust architecture: Align your architecture with zero trust: never trust, always verify, least privilege access, micro-segmentation, and continuous monitoring.
  • Implement strong Identity and Access Management (IAM): Implement robust authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO).
  • Segment your network: To limit the spread of potential attacks, break down your network into smaller, isolated segments. Apply strict firewall rules and access controls between segments to restrict lateral movement.
  • Continuous monitoring and analytics: Implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of user activity, network traffic, and system events.
  • Embrace automation: Automate routine security tasks like user provisioning, access reviews, and patch management to reduce human error and increase efficiency.
  • Secure your devices: Implement endpoint security solutions to protect devices from malware and other threats.
  • Foster a zero-trust security approach within the organization: Train employees on zero-trust principles and the importance of following security protocols.
  • Test and validate: Regularly test your zero-trust controls to ensure they work as expected.

FAQs

Related content

What is multifactor authentication (MFA)?

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires users to provide 2 or more verification factors to access an account.

What is password hashing?

Password hashing is a process that transforms your password into a jumbled, unrecognizable string of characters (the “hash”).

What is risk-based authentication?

Risk-based authentication (RBA) dynamically assesses the risk level of each login attempt or transaction based on the risk and context.

What is passwordless authentication?

Passwordless authentication is a way to identify your identity without using a password. Instead, it uses more secure alternatives like possession factors or biometrics.

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Jul 18th, 2024
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