What is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a security concept.  It is not a product you can buy off a shelf or a service you can pay for.  Zero trust is a concept where all networked devices and systems used in your business are untrusted until proven otherwise. This is in contrast to traditional security models, which assume that devices and systems inside a secured network perimeter are trusted and those outside are not.

Zero Trust networks are usually highly segmented and micro-perimetered, with strict access controls, monitoring, and incident response processes at each perimeter.  This means that every service or application within your network has its own security perimeter. If network security can be thought of as the gate to your community, micro-perimeters are the locks on your door.

The goal is to limit the impact of a potential security breach to a small, contained area of the network, rather than allowing it to spread unchecked across the entire network.

Why is it important?

Zero Trust is important to businesses for several reasons:

Increased security: By treating all devices and systems as untrusted, Zero Trust networks can help prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of a security breach.

Compliance: Many industries have regulations that require businesses to protect sensitive data and maintain a certain level of security. Zero Trust can help businesses meet these requirements.

Remote workforce: With more employees working remotely, traditional security models are becoming less effective. Zero Trust can help businesses secure access to their network and data regardless of where employees are located.

Better incident response: In Zero Trust networks, when a security incident occurs, it is limited to a small, contained area, rather than spreading throughout the entire network. This makes it easier to identify and contain the issue, and minimize the impact on the business.

Cost-effective: Zero Trust allows organizations to have granular access control and better visibility of the network, which allows organizations to identify and remediate security issues quickly, reducing the overall cost of security.

How can I implement Zero Trust?

You can’t buy a “Zero Trust” product, it is a way of working and the systems and processes that form the total Zero Trust solution.

Some steps organizations can take to implement a Zero Trust security system:

• Identify and classify assets: Understand what assets you have, where they are located, and how they are used. This information can be used to create a detailed inventory of devices, systems, and data that will be protected by the Zero Trust security system.
• Multi-factor authentication: Require all users to use multiple forms of authentication before being granted access to network resources. This can include passwords, using a phone or fob or using biometrics like a fingerprint.
• Create micro-perimeters: Use network segmentation to create smaller, more secure areas within the network. These micro-perimeters can be used to limit the spread of a security incident and make it easier to identify and contain the issue.
• Continuous monitoring and incident response: Monitor all network traffic and activity, and have a plan in place to respond quickly to any security incidents.
• Least privilege approach: Only grant access to network resources to those who need them and only for as long as needed. This will reduce the risk of a security incident occurring as a result of an unauthorized user gaining access to sensitive data or systems.
• Network Access Control (NAC): These are solutions to ensure that only devices that are compliant with the organization’s security policy are granted access to the network.
• Security Policies: Review and update security policies and procedures regularly and test them to ensure they are effective and appropriate.

What is an example of Zero-Trust?

One example of a Zero Trust security system is the Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) from Google, also known as BeyondCorp.

This system uses a combination of hardware, software, and security protocols to create a highly segmented and micro-perimetered network. Access to network resources is controlled through multi-factor authentication and the use of security tokens.

The system also includes continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities, allowing Google to quickly identify and contain security incidents.

Additionally, BeyondCorp uses a “least privilege” approach, which grants access to network resources only to those who need it and only for as long as needed. This helps to reduce the risk of a security incident occurring as a result of an unauthorized user gaining access to sensitive data or systems.

BeyondCorp also uses Network Access Control (NAC) solutions to ensure that only devices that are compliant with the organization’s security policy are granted access to the network. This ensures that any device attempting to access the network is secure and in compliance with the organization’s security policy.

These are some of the key features of Google’s BeyondCorp, it’s important to note that there are other Zero Trust solutions from different vendors that might have different features and implementation methods.

Next Steps?

Advance2000 offers a variety of services to help implement Zero Trust solutions for your business.