What is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust is a security model based on the principle of "never trust, always verify." Unlike traditional perimeter-based security, Zero Trust assumes that threats can come from anywhere—inside or outside the network.
Core Principles
1. Verify Explicitly
Always authenticate and authorize based on all available data points:
- User identity
- Location
- Device health
- Service or workload
- Data classification
2. Use Least Privilege Access
Limit user access with just-in-time and just-enough-access (JIT/JEA):
- Implement role-based access control (RBAC)
- Use time-limited access
- Implement attribute-based access control for fine-grained permissions
3. Assume Breach
Minimize blast radius and segment access:
- Implement microsegmentation
- Use end-to-end encryption
- Use analytics for threat detection
Implementation Steps
Phase 1: Identity
Start with strong identity management:
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Use single sign-on (SSO)
- Deploy identity governance
Phase 2: Devices
Ensure device compliance:
- Implement device health checks
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR)
- Enforce device encryption
Phase 3: Network
Segment your network:
- Implement microsegmentation
- Use software-defined perimeter
- Deploy network access control
Conclusion
Zero Trust is not a product but a strategy. Implementation is an ongoing journey that requires commitment from all levels of the organization.