In the age of digitalization, massive data gets stored online and most business operations are subject to automation. This dependency of the cyber space means that the threat of data breach will always be looming. It is becoming very evident that the traditional remote security model is now becoming inadequate when tackling the new emerging and evolving cyber attacks. Companies are therefore now prioritizing the integration of cyber security systems rather than simply tools.

These systems utilize various security methods and tools to collectively form layers of protection access. This also includes stringent security models such Zero Trust. Overall, companies are beginning to realize that stern cyber security measures are becoming a necessity.

What is Zero Trust Security?

Zero trust is an IT security model in which users and devices are granted access only when they have been authenticated, and only when they need to use the resources to operate. This model obligates a much more stringent identity verification process for each user.

In 2010, this model was developed due to the shortcomings and faults of the traditional security model. The conventional model is one that assumes all the entities and players in a traditional model to be trust worthy. This is an outdated approach that rids all the chances of cyber threats occurring internally rather than externally.

The core rule of the zero trust security policy is to never trust anyone and always verify before granting access. As opposed to the model where each individual is a trusted entity by default, the zero trust security frameworks is one in which no one is spared in terms of trust. Since its inception, zero trust has become a widely used mechanism in the cyber security sector.

The Implementation

Implementation of this security model requires IT service provides to use advanced technologies in combination with others. Identity and access management technologies play a huge part in deploying zero trust. This is because they are responsible for controlling the access of individuals into or out of your system.

Another technology that is essential to the zero trust deployment is the multiple factor authentications. This is when the system uses more than one authentication method before you try to access company systems. For instance, you may need to authenticate using both, email address and personal number before the system can let you into the system.

There is also a next generation security technology that you can use, alongside identity protection. These technologies can work together to make sure that each individual entering the system is verified. The primary goal of zero trust is to stop any potential data breach attempts and also minimize damage a business’s system is compromised.

The Rules of Zero Trust Security

There is no particular technology that is solely associated with this security system. IN stead, there are rules that define zero trust architecture. Some technologies happen to cope well in the zero trust environments, while others do not. It is instead a combination of technologies that work together to optimize protection for a business.

Identity and Access Management

This type of management enables companies to easily manage everyone that is entering and exiting a system. They can also manage various entities such as people, software’s, servers, hardware and others. It can also be critical in authenticating user identities before they can allow good access. Additionally, good management of identities and access allows you to enforce user authentication that relates to validation, policies and privileges.

Least Privilege Access

This is a rule that you find commonly in zero trust security, and it involves granting access to the resources that each individual needs in order to function. This essentially entails only granting the level of privilege you need to only fulfill a particular task. Moreover, this access is also limited to time, and this time will reflect the amount of time that you need to perform such a task.

The goal of setting access control and privileges is to stop lateral movements across the network. As perpetrators start to gain access to data, they compromise user access and move across the network laterally. Implementing this rule eradicates any possibility of this type of movement. Organizations can also use this approach to limit the amount of surface attacks that they encounter.

Micro-Segmentation

This zero trust security principal is one that involves dividing network assets to granular levels. This reduces the potential attack surface, and also helps mitigate the diversity of attacks. This ensures that potential threats can be slowed down. In the event of an attack, tools that allow for micro segmentation will automatically generate alerts that happen in real time. They also create blockage for unauthorized activity.

How Zero Trust Improves Security

In the traditional model, you have servers both on-premise and in the cloud. This can often allow hackers to seep in between the bridge of the on-premise applications and the applications of the cloud. This is why the zero trust security method is critical, especially for businesses that run a small portion of their services on the cloud. For them to not utilize this method, they have to provide additional security layers, which will enable businesses to add next level security remotely.

Another pillar used in creating a zero trust infrastructure is by utilizing analytics that monitor user behavior. Using these analytic strategies, businesses can monitor their network perimeter, and quickly identify and respond to threats in real time. In an environment which deploys zero trust, users cannot be trusted even after they have verified.

Even while they are inside the network, a zero trust frame will initiate alarms to the control unit over any suspicious activity that occurs by a user. This is because the software will have a record of their usual behavior inside a network.

Allow Prescient Solutions to Offer Zero Trust Aspects

Prescient Solutions can offer IT solutions and expertise that offer the best shift from tradition cyber security models to a modern one that is built around a zero trust mechanism. We have the right tools, partnerships and talent that can transform your IT security systems.