Cybersecurity: Zero Trust
2023-01-31
Zero Trust is a cybersecurity, based on the premise that an enterprise should not have a default trust option for anything within or outside its boundaries. Instead, it must authenticate anything that tries to access and connect to the system.
Definition of Zero Trust
Traditional network security is based on a concept known as lock and moat, which is difficult to access from the outside, but trusted by everyone on the network. The problem with this strategy is that if a hacker manages to pose as an insider (person, process inside) he will have access to everything on the network.
As such, the ZeroTrust model proposes that companies disable all access until the network has verified the user and knows that they are authorized. Nothing and no one has access until they are authenticated and does not need network access for a good reason. To achieve this, you need a flexible security strategy that uses modern technology.
Why Zero Trust?
According to cybercrime statistics, 43% of companies were affected by a cybersecurity breach in 2018, and the state of California (USA) alone lost over $214 million due to cybercrime. These statistics illustrate the extent of the monetary losses and challenges that companies will face if they do not protect confidential and personal data.
Today, many organizations store critical data and information in the cloud, which makes it even more important to verify and authorize users before granting access.
In addition, users now have access to data and applications on the web and are increasingly mobile. They can also use personal and public devices to access organizational data online as well as in the cloud. This additionally requires that access at all levels be subject to a Zero Trust policy.
How does the zero trust model work?
The Zero Trust model is about creating a secure environment first using continuous infrastructure transformation. It requires thinking differently and staying one step ahead of hackers to ensure a secure environment.
The model requires the security team to implement multi-factor authentication to access various micro-segments of the network to ensure a high level of security, effectively making it difficult for hackers to get all the information they need to access someone's account.
The model also incorporates a high-level risk management philosophy that is based on anomaly detection and data analysis. This helps you mitigate network threats and identify and respond to security breaches faster.
What is a Zero Trust Network?
Zero Trust Networking is a security model that stops lateral movements in the corporate network. This means that a user who is at the same corporate level as their colleague will not have the same access as that counterpart.
The model is created by adding circuits to be verified at each stage in the network. It uses micro-segmentation and adds granular boundaries at critical locations in the network. This prevents a malicious insider from accessing sensitive data and system processes.
The Zero Trust network also removes the shortcomings of the traditional perimeter (perimetry) security model by completely removing the trust of legitimate internal users and increasing security around valuable assets.
The technology behind Zero Trust
Zero Trust starts by granting users access, as defined by the organization's policy, only for a limited time needed to complete a specific task. In addition, it uses the latest technologies related to assessment, file system permissions, orchestration, analysis and multi-factor authentication.
Zero Trust is not just technology. It also develops security parameters by understanding the business process, stakeholders and their attitudes. Security is designed from within, not the other way around.
Benefits of Zero Trust Security
In addition to providing a more secure environment, the primary benefit of Zero Trust Security is that it overcomes the limitations of firewalls and perimeter network security. Zero Trust also emphasizes the thorough and effective verification of user credentials at regular intervals across the network. Includes the use of perimeter protection and encryption to protect target systems.
Zero Trust serves as a barrier to protect your app, its processes, and data from malicious insiders and hackers. Thanks to effective implementation, the Zero Trust Security model can set a new cybersecurity paradigm.