Updated on October 22, 2022, by Xcitium
A Zero Trust model is a cybersecurity framework that assumes no user, device, application, or network connection should be trusted automatically. Instead, every access request is continuously verified based on identity, device health, permissions, and risk before access is granted to organizational resources.
Traditional network security is like the “castle-and-moat” concept. A moat surrounds the castle and protects everyone inside it from outside threats. This was a good security approach until internal data breaches became rampant. The need for a stronger security model has arisen. Zero trust security model is the solution. But what is a zero trust model? The old “castle-and-moat” concept has a distinct weakness. It only protects a network from outside threats. It wasn’t capable of defending against internal threats. What is a zero trust model and why do you need it? It’s an information security model designed as protection against external and internal threats. Every user or device trying to gain network access undergoes strict verification first. Upon successful authentication, the user or device gains network access, but with restrictions. This is a security control to limit what a user or device can do on the network. Imagine the consequences of a user gaining administrator level access. They can wreak havoc on the system and do other malicious things. This is the reason it is important to use a zero trust architecture. What is a zero trust model and does it matter for your business? It enforces strict verification for every user or device that needs network access. Protecting your clients’ sensitive data and your business’ confidential info is essential. A zero trust security framework offers strict authentication methods and end-to-end encryption. That’s how robust this security model is. You will learn more about what is a zero trust model in the next sections. You’ll also learn about endpoint security, MDR, and network security.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Core Principle | Never trust, always verify |
| Access Control | Least-privilege access |
| Authentication | Continuous verification |
| Device Validation | Security posture checks |
| Network Security | Microsegmentation |
| Monitoring | Continuous visibility |
| Goal | Reduce cyber risk |
A Zero Trust model continuously evaluates trust before granting access.
Every user, device, and application must be authenticated and authorized before access is granted.
Examples
Users should only receive the minimum permissions necessary to perform their tasks.
Benefits
Organizations should operate under the assumption that attackers may already have access to part of the environment.
Why It Matters
This principle helps reduce lateral movement and improve threat containment.
Protecting sensitive and confidential data from various threats is vital. Endpoint devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets contain valuable information. Stopping threats from infiltrating your network is next to impossible. You should restrict threats from writing to the hard disk and registry. Having advanced endpoint protection is one good solution. Here are the features that your endpoint security provider should offer:
Feature #1: Auto-Containment This feature protects endpoint devices against unknown threats without affecting user productivity. This also gives you zero-day attack protection. The threat is immediately contained upon detection. It can’t harm any file or process outside the virtual environment.
Feature #2: Fast Verdict The threats under containment undergo analysis, and results show up quicker than expected. This is possible through a combination of machine learning and human expertise.
Feature #3: Cloud-Delivered Your endpoint protection should be manageable within a central platform and show real-time visibility. The client-side application should be lightweight as well. A cloud-based zero trust solution provider is what you need.
At this point, you may well be wondering how you’re reaching to deal with all the technical stuff. A cloud-based Security Operations Center (SOC) will do these things for you. Think of this as an outsourced IT department with its own facility and hardware. outsourced IT department with its own facility and equipment. Here are the MDR features that you should get:
Feature #1: Detect and Find Security analysts will observe for malicious activities, policy violations, and intrusions 24/7. This is like deploying security guards to every corner of a building. Having said that, you can also enforce this as part of your network’s physical security.
Feature #2: Threat Hunting A proactive approach in searching for threats in client networks is advisable. There should be no room left for any threat to hide and do malicious activities.
Feature #3: Managed Response Analysts will add endpoint security and network protection using the right configurations. The best defense is always having many layers of security.
You can prevent employees from exposing your network to various threats. You can also regulate their web browsing activities from anywhere and on any device. You can identify the gaps in your network security faster. Here are other features to look for that a zero trust network security provider should offer:
Feature #1: Secure DNS Filtering You can add a network, confirm security policies, and change DNS settings in a few minutes. These are all doable at the same time while preventing unproductive web browsing. Your zero trust network security provider should be able to do all these things.
Feature #2: Remote User Protection Web browsing rules are applicable to all employees, whether they are in the office or not. Their browsing activities are observable from anywhere.
Feature #3: Customize With Ease You can customize category and security rules according to your needs. This also applies to both protection and productivity.
Conclusion You learned what is a zero trust model. You also learned about endpoint security, MDR, and network security. For more information on what is a zero trust model, please click here.
Traditional network security assumes users inside the network perimeter can be trusted.
Modern organizations face new challenges:
Zero Trust helps address these challenges by continuously validating trust.
| Zero Trust Model | Traditional Security |
| Never trust by default | Trust users inside the perimeter |
| Continuous verification | One-time authentication |
| Identity-centric security | Perimeter-centric security |
| Microsegmentation | Flat network architecture |
| Least-privilege access | Broad permissions |
| Assumes breach | Assumes trusted internal users |
Controls authentication and authorization for users.
Adds an additional layer of identity verification.
Validates device security before access is granted.
Restricts lateral movement between systems and applications.
Provides visibility into user activity and potential threats.
Detects anomalous behavior and security risks.
Protect employees accessing resources from remote locations.
Secure SaaS applications and cloud workloads.
Limit contractor and vendor access privileges.
Secure high-value systems and sensitive assets.
What is a Zero Trust model?
A Zero Trust model is a cybersecurity framework that continuously verifies users, devices, and applications before granting access to resources.
What are the three principles of Zero Trust?
The three principles are verify explicitly, use least-privilege access, and assume breach.
Why is the Zero Trust model important?
It reduces cyber risk by eliminating implicit trust and continuously validating access requests.
How does a Zero Trust model improve security?
Zero Trust limits unauthorized access, reduces lateral movement, strengthens identity verification, and improves threat detection.
What is the difference between Zero Trust and traditional security?
Traditional security trusts users inside the network perimeter, while Zero Trust continuously verifies every access request.
Is Zero Trust only for large enterprises?
No. Organizations of all sizes can implement Zero Trust principles to strengthen security and reduce cyber risk.
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