FORRESTER ZERO TRUST MODEL OF INFORMATION SECURITY
Updated on October 22, 2022, by Xcitium
What Is the Forrester Zero Trust Model of Information Security?
The Forrester Zero Trust Model of Information Security is a cybersecurity framework developed by Forrester Research analyst John Kindervag in 2010. The model is based on the principle of “Never Trust, Always Verify,” requiring continuous validation of users, devices, applications, and network activity before access is granted to protected resources.
Most cybercrimes revolve around exploiting existing vulnerabilities due to the slow deployment of security patches. Another reason is the poor implementation of security policies. This is preventable through the Forrester zero trust model of information security.
What is the Forrester zero trust model of information security? It is a security model that replaces the old “castle and moat” approach and enforces the “never trust and always verify” principle. A user or device trying to connect to your network must pass identity verification first. Once successful, they gain network access with restrictions in place. Why is the Forrester zero trust model of information security important? Prevention is the solution to any problem, even in computing. Migrating to a zero trust security framework enforces threat prevention methods. Your network has protection against external, internal, and unknown threats. That is how strong this security model is. In the next section, you will learn about the different components of zero trust security framework, as well as the various amazing benefits of zero trust security framework.
Who Created the Zero Trust Model?
The Zero Trust model was developed by John Kindervag while working as a principal analyst at Forrester Research.
Why Was Zero Trust Created?
Traditional security models relied heavily on perimeter defenses, assuming that users inside the network could be trusted. As cyber threats evolved and organizations adopted cloud computing and remote work, this approach became increasingly ineffective.
Kindervag introduced Zero Trust to eliminate implicit trust and reduce security risk.
The Core Principle of Zero Trust
Never Trust, Always Verify
The foundation of the Forrester Zero Trust Model is simple:
Never trust any user, device, application, or network connection automatically.
Every access request must be continuously verified regardless of where the request originates.
Key Principles
- Verify explicitly
- Apply least-privilege access
- Continuously monitor activity
- Assume breach
- Limit lateral movement
Protect Surface vs Attack Surface
Protect Surface vs Attack Surface
One of the most important concepts introduced by Forrester is the shift from protecting the entire attack surface to protecting the organization’s most valuable assets.
Attack Surface
The attack surface includes every possible entry point attackers may target.
Examples include:
- Devices
- Applications
- Users
- Cloud services
- Networks
Protect Surface
The protect surface focuses on critical assets.
Examples include:
- Sensitive data
- Business applications
- Critical systems
- Intellectual property
- Customer information
Comparison Table
| Attack Surface | Protect Surface |
|---|---|
| Broad and constantly expanding | Small and manageable |
| Difficult to secure completely | Easier to protect |
| Focuses on everything | Focuses on critical assets |
| Reactive approach | Strategic approach |
THE COMPONENTS
A zero trust security framework creates micro-perimeter defenses around each network asset. The challenge here is applying this to the entire network. Here are the components of zero trust security framework:
Component #1: Visibility The foundation of zero trust network security is visibility. You cannot verify and secure what you cannot see. An unknown threat makes it difficult to counter it. Enforcing various security measures will make this threat visible. Always keep in mind the “never trust and always verify” principle.
Component #2: Automation Migrating to a zero trust network is both difficult and tiresome. It involves configuring, testing, and managing various settings in the network components. Strong implementation of security policies is mandatory. Automating this technical work is necessary because it reduces human error.
Component #3: Segmentation It is mandatory and a top priority to secure each network asset. This is the main goal of network segmentation or microsegmentation. Segmenting a network into smaller zones is the logic here. Protecting each segment and asset is tedious but prevents data breaches.
Component #4: Compliance PCI-DSS is the information security standard for organizations that handle credit card transactions. It stands for Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standard. It is compulsory for a business that accepts credit card payments to comply. Using a zero trust security framework aids in making your business compliant.
How the Forrester Zero Trust Model Works
Forrester’s approach follows a structured methodology.
Step 1: Define the Protect Surface
Identify critical data, applications, assets, and services.
Step 2: Map Transaction Flows
Understand how users, devices, and applications interact with protected resources.
Step 3: Build a Zero Trust Architecture
Design security controls around the protect surface.
Step 4: Create Zero Trust Policies
Develop granular access controls based on business requirements.
Step 5: Monitor and Maintain
Continuously assess security posture and adapt policies.
THE BENEFITS
Benefit #1: Lessens Technical Difficulty There will come a time that your business has to upgrade its network equipment. This will cost you money, time, and effort. You have to consider every technical detail for both hardware and software components. Doing this is impractical, tedious, and boring. You can avoid this scenario by using a cloud-based zero trust solution. A cloud service provider shoulders, handles, and manages the hardware and software for your business. This frees you from the stress and provides peace of mind.
Benefit #2: Solves Skill Shortage As technology advances, the tactics of cybercriminals also evolve. Your sensitive and confidential data are their prime target. Defending your network against them requires skills, but there are not enough cybersecurity professionals today. A cloud-based zero trust framework decreases the need to hire security experts. Your cloud service provider’s staff handles and manages your network security.
Benefit #3: Protects Data Protecting your clients’ and business’s data is a top priority. Someone trying to hack through your defenses will have a tough time. They will have to bypass all authentication methods for each asset and network segment. Even if an attacker manages to gain network access, restrictions still apply. This limits the potential damage they can do on the network.
Benefit #4: Provides Good User Experience It is stressful to remember your complex passwords whenever you are logging in. Zero trust model enforces the use of Single-Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). You only have to log in once and provide another form of authentication. SSO will log you into the apps and services you often use. As for MFA, you can provide your biometric signature or your geolocation. A hassle-free login system with extra security leads to a good computing experience.
Benefit #5: Detects Breaches Faster The old security model assumes that inside a network is safe and threats only come from the outside. This is no longer advisable, as threats can come from inside the network itself. Any user or device trying to connect to your network is visible and trackable. This makes it easier to spot unusual activities and prevents threats from happening. A zero trust network observes activities for any sign of malicious intent 24/7/365.
How Is Zero Trust Different from Traditional Security?
| Forrester Zero Trust | Traditional Security |
| Never trust by default | Trust internal users |
| Continuous verification | One-time authentication |
| Protect surface approach | Perimeter-focused approach |
| Least-privilege access | Broad access permissions |
| Assumes breach | Assumes trusted network |
Forrester Zero Trust vs NIST Zero Trust
Many users compare these two frameworks.
| Forrester Model | NIST Zero Trust |
| Introduced in 2010 | Formalized in NIST SP 800-207 |
| Created by John Kindervag | Developed by NIST |
| Strategic framework | Technical implementation guidance |
| Focuses on protect surface | Focuses on architecture design |
Benefits of Zero Trust Security
Organizations implementing Zero Trust can achieve:
- Reduced attack surface
- Better protection against ransomware
- Improved identity security
- Stronger cloud security
- Reduced insider threats
- Improved compliance readiness
- Enhanced visibility
- Faster threat detection and response
Conclusion Now you know what the Forrester zero trust model of information security is. You also learned about its components and its benefits and are now aware of the importance of having a strong security model. For more information, please click here.
FAQ
What is the Forrester Zero Trust Model?
The Forrester Zero Trust Model is a cybersecurity framework developed by John Kindervag that requires continuous verification of users, devices, and applications before granting access.
Who created Zero Trust?
John Kindervag created the Zero Trust Model while working as a principal analyst at Forrester Research in 2010.
What is the main principle of Zero Trust?
The core principle is “Never Trust, Always Verify.”
What is a protect surface in Zero Trust?
A protect surface consists of an organization’s most critical data, applications, assets, and services that require the highest level of protection.
What is the difference between Forrester Zero Trust and NIST Zero Trust?
Forrester introduced the Zero Trust strategy, while NIST provides detailed architectural guidance for implementation.
Why is the Forrester Zero Trust Model important?
The model helps organizations reduce cyber risk by eliminating implicit trust and continuously validating access requests.
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