Zero trust may sound a bit radical at first, especially when considered in a private context. But in IT security, a zero-trust model is a huge advantage and fascinating for you and your company. It can serve as a helpful model, both now and in the future.
What is a Zero Trust model?
The Zero Trust model describes a special type of information security. Each endpoint, regardless of trust level or identity, is treated equally and initially treated with caution. All communication is thus first checked, and all users are classified as potential threats. Each network access is checked several times before access is authorized.
The model first gained real notoriety when Google developed the BeyondCorp zero-trust architecture in 2009 in response to the Operation Aurora cyberattacks. Initially, Google only used it internally, but 10 years later began implementing the technology for its Google Workspaces as well.
How does a Zero Trust network work?
As mentioned, the Zero Trust information security model does not blindly trust any user. It is important that both users and the devices they use can be identified without the need for login credentials. This creates a particularly high level of security – your company data is secured at all times and cannot be compromised by hacking at individual points.
The Zero Trust model is particularly relevant to security in complex IT environments with dynamic workflows. In the age of home offices and hybrid working, multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployments are being used more and more by companies. Employees sometimes even use their private devices to access cloud applications and corporate data – increased security to prevent data leaks is urgently needed.
Traditional network architectures tend to turn a blind eye to this and assume that all users and devices within the network are authorized and have good intentions. The Zero Trust model is more skeptical about this. It checks every single user identity in the network for its potential risk. “Check everyone, trust no one” is the motto here.
Setting up a zero-trust network – what to consider
When designing the company’s IT infrastructure, consider the following four aspects to build a zero-trust network:
- Identify and isolate any security incidents that may occur
- Prevent unauthorized external access to confidential company data
- Employees can also be compromised, especially if they work on the move
- Limit access rights to necessary asset access, as not all employees need full access within collaboration platforms
Design considerations such as these should be formulated in advance to precisely match the Zero Trust model to the behavioral patterns and requirements of the enterprise network.
Zero Trust Security Demystified – How can your company implement this cybersecurity strategy?
You can call the zero-trust security strategy a cautious skeptic. It was developed to counteract blind implicit trust towards employees and partners. Instead, more thoughtfulness and care should be exercised. Zero-trust models focus on both prevention and detection of cyberattacks. Central to this is a set of identity and access controls, such as multifactor authentication and strong encryption.
In addition, an Access Control List (ACL) is recommended – a software technique that limits access to data and functions. Unlike ordinary access rights, ACLs can be defined more finely, implementing the fourth aspect of building a zero-trust network. However, it is important to remember that you should not rely exclusively on the ACL. The Zero Trust model includes many more security provisions.
Zero-trust security, as a type of security strategy, is an essential part of your company’s risk management and emergency response plan. Hereby you protect not only your own organization, but also sensitive customer data and information of your partners.
How does Dinotronic help you with your Zero Trust security?
The model shown here not only impresses with a high security promise, but is also quite complex at the same time. This is good for your safety, but can be challenging in its scope.
As an accomplished IT security service provider, Dinotronic can guide you and your organization in building your own Zero Trust model. For this purpose we offer our Managed Workplace Service, where we support you step by step in the implementation of your information security model. Tailored systems, specifically for your business – using Cloud and Managed Services, you get a predefined toolbox and can increase security and adapt it to your business as needed.
