Zero Trust Security

Zero trust security redefines the traditional network perimeter approach to app security by forgoing “trust but verify” in favor of a “never trust, always verify” mantra. In other words, zero trust assumes no implicit trust and promotes an “assume breach” mindset which limits the trust placed in apps, services, identities, and networks and treats them all—both internal and external—as potentially not secure.

To support a zero trust model, organizations prioritize continuous validation of all users and devices, irrespective of their location, and take a layered security approach throughout their infrastructure, applying zero trust measures not only at the edge but in front of containers, workloads, etc.

The majority of today’s enterprises rely on hybrid cloud environments (a mix of on-premises and dedicated private clouds, multiple public clouds, and legacy platforms) where apps are deployed across all environments and accessed from anywhere. Zero trust aims to addresses the growing risks associated with these environments, replacing the outdated traditional perimeter security approach of “trust but verify” which primarily addressed security for applications and resources within a corporate network, accessed by users inside corporate walls.

Zero trust security is a cybersecurity strategy that assumes attackers may already be present in the network, requiring strict verification for every user and device before granting access. This approach shifts the focus from static, perimeter-based defenses to dynamic, identity-based controls to protect sensitive data and critical resources from evolving threats.

The zero trust security framework:

• Assumes attackers are already lurking on the network
• Trusts no environment more than any other
• Assumes no implicit trust
• Continually analyzes and evaluates risks
• Mitigates risks

Overview of the Zero Trust Framework

The zero trust framework is built on the principle of "never trust, always verify." It encompasses continuous monitoring, least privilege access, and strict identity verification for all users and devices. This framework helps organizations safeguard their sensitive data and critical resources against advanced and persistent threats.

Exploring Zero Trust Network Access

Zero trust network access (ZTNA) is a core component of zero trust security. ZTNA provides secure, remote access to applications and services based on granular access policies. It ensures that only authenticated and authorized users can access specific resources, reducing the attack surface and enhancing security.

Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection

Continuous monitoring and threat detection are fundamental to zero trust security. This involves the real-time analysis of user behavior, device health, and network activity to detect anomalies and potential security incidents, enabling organizations to respond promptly to threats.

Enforcing Least Privilege Access

Enforcing least privilege access means granting users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks. By restricting permissions, organizations can minimize the risk of unauthorized access and limit the potential damage from compromised accounts.

Controlling Device and Endpoint Access

Controlling device and endpoint access is crucial in a zero trust security model. This involves verifying the security posture of devices before granting access and continuously monitoring them to ensure compliance with security policies.

Using Microsegmentation to Strengthen Security

Microsegmentation involves dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments to limit the spread of threats. Each segment can have its own security policies, reducing the risk of lateral movement by attackers within the network.

Limiting Lateral Movement in Networks

Limiting lateral movement is essential in preventing attackers from moving freely within the network once they have gained access. This includes using microsegmentation, strict access controls, and continuous monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activity.

Strengthening Authentication with MFA

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before accessing resources. This significantly reduces the risk of account compromise and unauthorized access.

Hybrid, multicloud environments demand a zero trust strategy. Key drivers for adopting zero trust security include the increasing sophistication of cyberthreats, the rise of remote work, and the need to protect sensitive data and critical resources in a complex IT environment. These factors make it essential for organizations to adopt a security model that continuously verifies and monitors access to ensure the protection of their assets.

Safeguarding Networks from Threats

Zero trust security helps safeguard networks by continuously verifying access requests and monitoring for suspicious activity. This reduces the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks by ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access sensitive resources.

Secure and Seamless Access for Users

Users benefit from secure and seamless access to resources with single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication). These features enhance both security and the user experience by simplifying the authentication process and providing additional layers of protection.

Streamlining IT Operations and Reducing Complexity

Zero trust security streamlines IT operations by automating security processes and reducing the complexity of managing access controls across diverse environments. This allows IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives while maintaining a strong security posture.