Digital transformation, cloud technology, remote work, interconnected operational technology, and the Internet of Things have changed the traditional security parameters. Earlier, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) were used as a secure tunnel for network support. However, the distributed nature of hybrid and remote teams has posed limitations on VPN.
Zero Trust imp lementation has changed the way companies secure their digital data and information. Zero trust is shaping networks, data centers, cloud environments, and the future. Zero trust security follows a rigid authentication and identification process for each device. Each individual can access the private network by passing through different verification processes.
The Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) framework makes sure that no user gets access to the network by default. Rather, the user must pass through the verification process to access network resources.
Reasons Why Zero Trust Will Shape The Future
Zero trust provides an added layer of security and helps companies to prevent data breaches. A report by IBM stated that the average cost of a security breach is $3 million, urging companies to adopt a zero-trust framework. Other key reasons why zero-trust security is here to stay for decades include:
Device Access Control
Zero trust implementation demands strict access controls to open any device. The system of zero trust monitors and ensures that the devices that are trying to access the network are authorized. The zero-trust framework also ensures that the devices trying to access the network are not compromised. This not only aids in minimizing the risk of attacks but prevents security breaches.
Constant Monitoring and Confirmation
Zero trust security follows the assumption that there are attackers inside and outside the network. That is why no user or machine shall be automatically trusted. Zero trust initially authorizes the identity of the user and verifies device identity and security. ZTNA ensures that login connections are periodically timed out after establishment and urges the user to verify his identity constantly.
Microsegmentation
Zero Trust network utilizes micro-segmentation for network access. Microsegmentation follows the policy of breaking up large networks into small zones and maintaining a separate access policy for each zone. For instance, a network divides into different files and data zones and each data zone requires a separate authorization process to access control. This authentication process not only secures the data network but also paves way for a robust security wall.
Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is the core base of the zero-trust security policy. Multi-factor identification process requires more than one valid identity to gain access, just entering the password is not enough. A common example is two-factor authentication. For this, the user needs a password as well as another code that is sent on another online platform, as a piece of evidence, to gain access.
Prevention of Lateral Activity
Lateral activity is an activity where the intruder has entered the network and is trying to access it. Sometimes it is difficult to detect any lateral activity as the attacker might have compromised the network. The zero-trust framework purposely counters and contains any lateral activity. Its micro-segmentation and periodic re-establishment of identity make it difficult for attackers to access the network.
Technologies that are Making Zero Trust The Ultimate Future
The nexus of technology is leading toward an uncertain security approach. This amalgamation requires policies that will safeguard digital information on the cloud. Cloud environments and networks continuously evolve. That is why organizations are opting for ways that are both adaptable and integrated.
For a risk-free security infrastructure, organizations must adopt a unified security approach that is the Zero Trust framework that will:
- Continuously keep a check on the flow of traffic and ensure that all the security guidelines are updated constantly.
- Provide safe and easy access to the data and applications of organizations across public cloud, private cloud, data centers, and SaaS applications.
- Control and limit the access and utilization of data assets.
The approach of zero trust is to process and address user access control through:
User identification
The zero-trust policy follows strict rules when it comes to the authentication of a user’s identity. A role-based access measure is interlinked with the user’s identity that strictly cross-checks the identity of the user.
Access management
Once the identity of the user is authenticated the next step is to verify the requested permission from the resource. The Zero Trust approach in access management denies and or permits the access request. This process ensures that the access controls are not ignored and no one gets access to the resource unapproved.
Endpoint protection
A compromised endpoint enables the cybercriminal to easily access the network resources and damage the assets. An effective and robust security wall against the endpoint is vitally lethal to avoid any security breaches.
Visibility and analytics
The architecture of Zero Trust has all the elements and features that continuously monitor user activity regularly. ZTNA analyzes the login activity on an ongoing basis, correlates the login credentials, and checks for signs of security compromises through phishing, etc.
Conclusion
The adoption of zero-trust as a security model provides organizations with end-to-end encryption of connections between resources and devices. The automated protection and accurate detection of security risks are urging companies to deploy zero trust architecture into their organization. The digital future laced with technology calls for certainty and minimal security breaches. The adoption of zero-trust provides real-time security to people, processes, and technology.