By Funminiyi Philips
Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and traditional security models are no longer effective. This is where Zero Trust Security comes in – a revolutionary approach that’s changing the way organisations protect themselves from cyber threats. A cybersecurity expert explained that Zero Trust Security is a framework that operates on the principle of “trust no one, verify everything”.
Zero Trust Security assumes that threats exist both inside and outside an organisation’s network and requires continuous authentication, authorisation, and validation for every user, device, and system attempting to access resources. This approach operates on a foundation of strict verification, ensuring that every access request is assessed and validated before granting entry to critical systems and data.
Key principles of zero trust security
The Zero Trust Security model is built on several key principles, and to implement Zero Trust Security effectively, five key principles must be followed. Firstly, verify explicitly, which involves authenticating and authorising access based on all available data, including identity, location, and device health. This ensures that only authorised users and devices can access sensitive information.
Secondly, grant least privilege access, where users and systems are given only the minimum level of access needed to perform their functions, reducing the risk of unauthorised access. Thirdly, implement micro-segmentation, which involves breaking the network into smaller zones to prevent lateral movement in case of a breach, limiting the damage that can be caused.
Fourthly, assume breach and continuously monitor and log activity, responding to anomalies in real-time, allowing for swift action to be taken in case of a security incident. Lastly, ensure device and endpoint security by verifying that all devices accessing the network meet security requirements, preventing vulnerable devices from posing a threat to the network.
Benefits of zero trust security
Implementing Zero Trust Security provides organisations with several significant benefits. One of the primary advantages is that it prevents unauthorised access and insider threats by verifying every entity before granting access, which substantially reduces the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.
Additionally, Zero Trust Security reduces the risk of data breaches by minimising the attack surface through limiting access to sensitive data and applications, thereby protecting critical information from potential threats. Furthermore, Zero Trust Security strengthens security in cloud-based and remote work environments by providing real-time monitoring and visibility into all user activity, enabling organisations to detect and respond to threats more efficiently.
Challenges of achieving zero trust
Implementing Zero Trust Security is a tough task for organisations. It requires integrating new technologies into existing systems, which can be costly and time-consuming. Old systems may not be compatible, requiring extra security measures or even replacement.
Additionally, the constant checks and limited access can slow down work and frustrate employees, affecting productivity. To overcome these challenges, organisations need to plan carefully, implement in phases, and train employees to ensure a smooth transition to Zero Trust Security.
Zero Trust Security is a powerful solution for protecting organisations from cyber threats. It works by constantly verifying users and devices, making it harder for hackers to get in. Despite some challenges, the benefits of Zero Trust are significant. Organisations that use it will be better equipped to safeguard their important data, follow regulations, and build a secure future online.
Funminiyi B. Philips is a cybersecurity enthusiast. He can be reached on LinkedIn.
