Why Zero Trust Architecture Should Be the Catalyst for Any Organization

When businesses are either standing up new architecture or updating their existing infrastructure, they must account for the likelihood of attacks occurring both inside and outside of their organization. While tools like VPNs, DDoS prevention software and anti-virus can prevent attacks from outside sources, insider threats are just as (if not more) likely to happen and have to be accounted for. One of the easiest ways to reduce insider threats is through zero-trust architecture. Businesses will often incorporate a security model that implicitly trusts users/devices inside of a network. While this is usually the easiest implementation, it does leave a vulnerability for if a user’s account is compromised the attacker will have access to everything the user had. With zero-trust architecture (ZTA), it forces all users to authenticate themselves and that no entity is safe. No matter if they are inside or outside of the network, they will always need to prove who they are.

What is Zero Trust Architecture?

Zero Trust Architecture or ZTA is a framework in cybersecurity that relies on everyone identifying themselves, regardless of location. This type of approach secures modern day environments by requiring continuous authorization and in some cases, relying on micro-segmentation to safeguard data. ZTA is especially useful today given the recent shifts to cloud services and remote work. Many systems connect well beyond a firewall and may not always be protected the usual way(s). Now, devices can live in many different clouds all the while being a part of a massive attack surface.

What are the Core Components

Continuous Monitoring

Logging in real-time and consistent evaluation of all traffic/access requests

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Continuous validation of user identities and devices before confirming access

Data Protection

Guarding sensitive data, often using encryption

Microsegmentation

Dividing network into secure zones to contain breaches (if/when they happen) and restrict lateral activity

Key Strategies

Least Privilege Access

Limit user access with only what’s necessary to perform certain tasks

Assume a Breach

Utilize analytics to detect potential threats and enforce end-to-end encryption

Verify Explicitly

Authenticate based on every available data point (service, location, identity, etc)

How to Apply ZTA

Why making these types of changes can be challenging given most environments are already operating. In most cases, it can be extremely difficult to incorporate newer technologies with legacy systems because of compatibility issues. It is actually best to plan out the implementation and execute in phases. This makes sure the current architecture continues to operate while segments are updated. Here are some ways to adopt ZTA overall:

Determine Data Permissions

Allocate classification levels to data to determine what needs to be encrypted and least privileged access

Manage Device Access

Ensure all endpoints are compliant with security measures. Make sure all connections are secure, both in-office and remote. You can also segment networks to limit unauthorized access

Monitor Infrastructure

Implement measures to track actions across the network to easily identify unauthorized behavior

Set Permissions on Apps

Make sure apps are only accessible through what’s needed

Strong IAM Policy

Authenticate access to all apps, resources, services etc. Allow administrators to make risk assessments to determine potential vulnerabilities.