With cyberthreats at an all-time high, it’s best to treat every user in your IT network with scrutiny. Zero trust security embodies this principle, ensuring that no one, whether inside or outside the company, is granted unchecked access. Let’s explore the various benefits of this approach and why it’s become an essential framework for any modern business.
What is zero trust security?
Traditional notions around cybersecurity typically assume everyone inside a network is trusted, and everyone outside is untrusted. However, zero trust security aims to challenge this very idea by not automatically trusting anything or anyone trying to access your IT systems.
Instead of solely fortifying networks from external threats, zero trust security focuses on continuously verifying and validating identities, devices, and applications before granting access to resources. This leads to an enhanced security posture and reduced attack surface, as every access request is treated with caution and subject to rigorous authentication.
How to implement a zero trust framework
To effectively implement a zero trust security framework, you need the following elements:
Dynamic authentication strategies
When implementing a zero trust security framework, consider using a dynamic authentication approach. Dynamic authentication takes into account various factors such as user behavior, location, and device health to determine the level of access granted. For instance, if a user is attempting to access company applications outside a verified network, the dynamic authentication system may either block the access attempt or add extra steps in the login process.
One of these extra steps is multifactor authentication — a system where users must provide more proof than just their password to gain entry into the system. Other authentication factors may include temporary passcodes generated by a mobile device or a fingerprint scan.
Granular access control policies
Granular access controls involve defining detailed rules and restrictions regarding who can access specific resources in your system and what actions they can perform. Instead of granting broad access permissions, organizations should adopt a principle of least privilege, where users have access only to the resources necessary for their roles and responsibilities.
To achieve this, assign classification levels to different types of data and define who should have access to them. Confidential files or sensitive applications may require stricter access controls compared to publicly accessible information. It also doesn’t make sense for all users to have full access to the data specific to their roles. Some may only require read-only access, while higher-level executives may need permission to modify files. By classifying resources appropriately, organizations can minimize data leaks and privacy complications.
Continuous monitoring and access validation
With zero trust security, it’s important to constantly keep an eye on those accessing your network and whether their activities align with your security policies. This continuous monitoring will involve using advanced tools and technologies to track system activities in real time, helping you detect suspicious activities before they escalate into greater security threats. These could include network traffic analysis tools, endpoint detection and response solutions, and security information and event management software.
Access validation goes hand in hand with continuous monitoring by ensuring that every access request is thoroughly validated before granting entry. This validation process involves verifying user identities, checking device health and compliance, and confirming that access permissions are appropriate based on the principle of least privilege.
Consistent education and training
Finally, ongoing employee education and training ensures that everyone understands the importance of zero trust principles and their role in maintaining a secure environment. Through regular training sessions, employees can become acutely aware of data management best practices, scam identification and prevention, and password hygiene. This dramatically reduces security breaches that are often attributed to human error.
Continuous training could also keep employees informed about the evolving threat landscape, ensuring they’re updated on the latest tactics used by hackers and the emerging technologies to help counteract them. This knowledge can help your workforce better adapt to evolving security challenges and contribute to a more proactive defense strategy.
Ready to upgrade your network security? Our experts at Tech Partners Hawaii are dedicated to providing tailored cybersecurity solutions for Hawaiian businesses of all industries. Learn to implement a zero trust approach with the latest tools and technologies, and get in touch with our team today.