Cybersecurity is an overriding concern for every organisation, regardless of the size of the network. It is safe to say that the digitally interconnected world demands robust security measures for a dynamic performance.
One of the most popular security protocols used to protect your network from unwarranted access is the Zero Trust Network Access system. This solution assumes that no user, device, network, or location should be trusted or given inherently access.
Let us explore the zero-trust architecture a little more.
Understanding Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
A security system that identifies and authorises devices, networks and users explicitly and offers an accurate amount of access is called the zero trust network access system. Regardless of the user’s status, i.e., internal or external, the system will authenticate and authorise them.
Unlike traditional authentication systems, where the user, once logged in, is allowed access to the entire network, ZTNA ensures the appropriate level of access; not more than they are authorised for and not less than they are allowed to access.
The Zero Trust Architecture: Explanation
- Identity and Access Management: Multi-factor authentication, role-based access control and adaptive authentication form the foundation of zero-trust security. This ensures that only authenticated users can access specific resources.
- Device Security: Device security protocol ensures that only secure and compliant devices are connected to your organisation’s network.
- Microsegmentation: This is a process where your network is divided into smaller, isolated segments. This process limited any user’s lateral movement in the network to avoid threats.
- Continuous Monitoring: The zero-trust security system also ensures continuous monitoring and real-time visibility into network activities to detect and respond to potential security breaches.
Key Concepts of Zero Trust Security
Least Privilege Access Principle
In zero trust security, users and devices are granted minimum access permissions necessary to perform their roles. As mentioned above, the system will follow the “never trust, always verify” mantra.
This minimises the attack surface and reduces the risk of unauthorised access and subsequent threats. Access controls are also enforced dynamically based on the user’s roles, location, device health and behaviour pattern.
Continuous Network Monitoring
The zero-trust architecture ensures real-time monitoring of all network activities. This allows your system to detect and respond to suspicious behaviours and activities instantaneously. By continuous assessment of the legitimacy of users, devices, networks and locations, your network can identify any kind of threat and contain breaches at a rapid pace.
Regular Network Validation
Along with monitoring, the system also performs continuous and regular network validation. The zero-trust network access system enforces periodic and dynamic validation of user identities, device health and application permissions.
This approach ensures that access privileges to your network are aligned with your policies and user responsibilities.
Primary Assumption is Breach
The zero-trust security system operates under the assumption that a breach has either already occurred or is imminent. This stance ensures that your organisation adopts a defence strategy, deploying layers of security tools to mitigate potential damage.
This proactive stance and principle also emphasise the micro-segmentation process, endpoint security, and encrypted communication to limit an attacker’s lateral movement within the organisation’s network.
Use Cases of Zero Trust Security
- Provides secure remote workplaces.
- Protects cloud environments.
- Safeguards critical network infrastructure.
- Enhances the bring your own device policies.
- Adherence with regulatory requirements.
Summing It Up!
In summary, the zero trust architecture has revolutionised cybersecurity for your network. With ZTNA, you are embracing a more proactive, data-centric approach that employs continuous verification, micro-segmentation, least privilege access and enhanced monitoring. Implement zero trust security to best experience the modern shift, enhanced agility and reduced risk.
Also Read: Cyber Security: The Ten Fundamental Trends For The Future Of Security