Once Google adopted Zero Trust Security into its network, it began to gain interest from the tech community. Zero trust is recognized as a reliable network security method to prevent data breaches. The model implements a policy that treats each user as a potential threat until authentication.
An effective cyber security model limits the risk of exposure and implements potent contingencies. All of these factors are taken into account with Zero Trust network access. Assuming a constant threat keeps the system vigilant in identifying potential threats and securing the network.
How Does Zero Trust Work?
The Zero Trust principle has become a standard practice in tech. It works to offer network and cloud security; it is based on two safety principles that dictate its structure. This model does not take security for granted at any stage. It varies from traditional security models in two ways:
Constant Vigilance
Newer models have always taken a more trustworthy approach in maintaining security. Devices already in the network do not come under scrutiny. Instead, they have access to any data contained within the network with verification. Without endpoint security, a network would be left vulnerable to internal attacks.
Zero Trust does not assume a device or user is safe simply based on its user history or network access. Instead, it automatically assumes any device seeking access is a potential threat and treats it as such. Access is also always limited to what is needed, limiting exposure.
Data Collection
User access, unlike traditional models, is not based on one-off verification. Zero Trust security continuously monitors every access request. It analyzes risk exposure for every device to minimize the impact of data breaches. This entire process requires collecting and updating device data.
Before authenticating a device, the process involves monitoring endpoints, perimeter networks, and enterprise zones. It also collects and continuously assesses user identity, credentials, authentication protocols, and risk assessment data. A supportive IT infrastructure maintains network security by analyzing this data.
How is Zero Trust Necessary For You
With Zero Trust security, your network is protected at every step. Security is never taken for granted, which reduces the risk of a breach. As it becomes a standard for data security, it has highlighted the internal risks posed by traditional security models. Without Zero Trust, increasing security threats leave your network vulnerable. Here’s why Zero Trust is no longer optional:
Internal threats
Having internal access used to be the basis of trusting a user or device on the network. While some of the greatest threats come from outside sources, they should not automatically overlook potential internal threats. Zero Trust uses a “trust no one” policy that takes this factor into account.
Risks of Cloud
Cloud-based networks are becoming more commonplace with WFH policies starting with the pandemic. Cloud security has become imperative as employees are spread out over more expansive geographical areas rather than working from a single location.
Traditional models based on perimeter security cannot cater to this aspect. Moving from the private data center to the public cloud requires a shared responsibility model. Zero Trust considers the involvement of other parties when implementing security.
Need for Limiting Access
Not everyone involved with the organization needs access to its entire network. Traditional models cannot limit data or segregate users based on their access authentication. Corporations deal with many external parties, such as contractors, who need access to only a tiny data segment.
Trust dimensions in Zero Trust security limit access to data based on the user’s needs. Instead of allowing total access that increases risk, this approach protects the company from unnecessary network access.
Increasing External Attacks
The world of cybersecurity has been undergoing rapid expansion in recent years. At the same time, cyberattacks have been on the rise. Especially with the move to e-commerce during the pandemic, businesses have become victims of increasing attacks and are open to greater risk of an attack.
New threats call for a new and aggressive approach to cybersecurity. This is provided by Zero Trust security that does not automatically trust any device and stays more vigilant in network protection.
Conclusion
With expanding online networks and databases, and company operations moving to cloud-based networks, cybersecurity has become an increasing concern. With this in mind, Zero Trust has now come to define the standard of security to protect organizations from malicious attacks.
Without Zero Trust, organizations leave themselves vulnerable to internal and external threats. A robust and vigilant approach is the best practice in limiting exposure and preparing contingencies. Zero Trust is not only necessary but vital for network security.