The Zero Trust Security Framework

As organizations continue to embrace flexible/remote work, a comprehensive approach to IT security is more than necessary, it is crucial.

The Zero Trust security works on a basic principle: never trust, always verify. So, regardless of the user, device, or application, Zero Trust security ensures every access request is carefully verified.

Zero Trust & Data Protection

The implicit trust approach is risky as the modern workforce is becoming increasingly mobile. Zero trust, in contrast to the traditional approach, constantly checks each access request to make sure that only users with the appropriate rights may access sensitive files or applications. This approach makes granular access restrictions and data-centric security imperative.

Therefore, all-access requests should be considered harmful, regardless of whether they are for files, apps, or services.

Key Benefits of Zero Trust Architecture

A Zero Trust architecture reduces considerably the attack surface and protects against a wide array of cyberattacks.

It provides secure application access based on account permissions for staff members and third-party users.

Access related decisions are based on pre-established rules that verify behavioral characteristics, device health, user identification, and real-time risk assessments.

Cybersecurity teams need to adapt the access strategy and technologies to ensure the business is secure, while enabling fast and simple access for all users, including third-party users.

It helps ensure compliance, trust, and prevents cyberattacks.

The IT security teams need to make sure that access is only allowed under very specific circumstances, users and devices will be regularly checked every time they try to connect to a network, application, or service.

Zero Trust security can improve your company’s security posture while reducing the risk of phishing, malware, ransomware, DNS attacks, etc.

It reduces complexity and saves resources.

Traditional technology deployment can take weeks (several hardware and software components) using valuable resources. A Zero Trust security model can reduce architectural complexity.

A Successful Zero Trust Setup

Set Your Priorities

Protecting business sensitive data is the primary objective of the setup. To achieve this, begin by assigning sensitivity ratings based on risk levels. This is the foundation of your entire zero trust setup.

Determine Users & Access Needs

Strict access and identity management are required in a Zero Trust approach. Organizations must implement least privilege access across all accounts and only provide access based on user-task combinations.

Create The Security Architecture

Create a security architecture to efficiently reduce risks. Implement zero trust data protection measures based on your infrastructure’s complexity, allocated budget, and IT resources. Apply industry best practices and regulatory needs.

Examine Access to Data

Find out how systems and users interact. Only authorized connections should be able to access certain databases and applications.

Track access trends using data-centric security techniques. Potential attacks may be indicated by suspicious activities, for instance, illegal data extraction.

Additionally, AI-driven analytics should be used for threat identification and mitigation.

Automate Procedures for Improved Security

Automate security. To protect data while it is in transit and at rest you should consider using encryption, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Identity and Access Management (IAM) to validate user identity.

Automated monitoring ensures ongoing threat detection and compliance.

Establish Success Metrics

Create key performance indicators (KPIs) to accurately measure the success of your Zero Trust data security plan. Increasing MFA usage, decreasing disproportionate access rights, and securing executive support are a few examples of possible measurements.

Zero Trust process in a helpdesk (especially via a Managed IT service Provider – MSP)

How does the helpdesk of an MSP know if it’s you calling and not an imposter? Make sure your MSP uses a “Zero-Trust Policy” when it comes to verifying the user for specific requests.  For example, when a request comes in for a password reset, account creation, or for added permissions, your MSP should verify the user by sending a verification code via text/SMS or via an authenticator app (Microsoft Authenticator or Duo).

Conclusion

With the Zero Trust security approach, organizations can successfully impose least privilege access, identity verification, and ongoing monitoring.

Your IT security strategy should cover all systems, applications, and datasets as each is a resource in need of cybersecurity policies. Make sure to plan and partner with the right team for professional implementation.