ZERO TRUST NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
A zero trust security framework is an information security concept or model that prohibits unverified users or devices from accessing network resources. It requires users or devices to pass identity verification first. This is basically what a zero trust network architecture is about. Upgrading your old software and hardware equipment can be expensive. A cost-effective solution is to use a cloud service. A cloud-based zero trust architecture can fit your organization’s needs. Your cloud service provider shoulders and manages the equipment and setup. Migrating to a zero trust network architecture is your best option. Windows 7 is an operating system for people who value privacy but not security. Windows 10 focuses on security more than privacy. Support for Windows 10 is continuous and active, while support for Windows 7 is nearing its end. A cloud-based zero trust network architecture will solve your computing problems. In this article, you will learn about the amazing features of a zero trust network architecture, as well as the principles behind it.
THE FEATURES OF A ZERO TRUST NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
Windows 7 is still the most common operating system in use today. But as mentioned, it will only receive security updates until January 2021. What steps are you taking now? Are you planning to update your operating system? Upgrading to Windows 10 requires you to meet its system requirements. Are your machines capable of migrating to Windows 10 platform? Are you willing to spend money on hardware and software upgrades? Stop worrying about the technical details and relieve yourself from stress. Migrating to a cloud-based zero trust network will save you time, money, and effort. Here are the features that a zero trust network architecture provides:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Work Difficulty Reduction | Do not stress about the technical details of upgrading your old equipment. Your cloud service provider will lend their hardware and software equipment. They will configure, set up, and manage your network. |
| Skill Shortage Decrease | Cybercrimes are rampant today. There is not enough cybersecurity experts to combat cybercriminals. A skill shortage exists, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals is high. It is also expensive to hire them. A zero trust network architecture fills this gap. |
| Protection of Business and Client Data | Migrating to a zero trust network architecture stops data breaches from happening. An attacker would need different access codes for each network segment. It is like a firewall defending each network segment against threats 24/7. |
| Satisfying End-User Experience | People hate it when there’s a distraction or disruption while working. Migrating to a zero trust network architecture eliminates this stress. A happy employee is a productive employee. A productive employee attracts more customers and business opportunities. |
| Faster Breach Detection | A zero trust network architecture assumes that the network is hostile by default. Location is no longer an indicator of trust. A threat can come from within the network itself. A zero trust network architecture enforces the “never trust and always verify” principle. Detecting malicious activities before it does any harm is possible. |
THE PRINCIPLES OF A ZERO TRUST NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
The success of a zero trust network architecture relies on the main principles behind it. Here are the zero trust network architecture key principles:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| “Never Trust Anything or Anyone” | A threat can either be external or internal. Users and devices don’t have network access by default, only if they pass identity verification first. |
| Least-Privilege Access | A user or device gaining network access is still bound by restrictions. Doing this minimizes the potential security risks. Imagine the consequences if a user or device gets admin access. They can wreak havoc on the network, leading to loss of income. |
| Microsegmentation | A “divide-and-conquer” algorithm breaks down a problem into two or more sub-problems. Repeat this process until the problem becomes simple enough to solve. Microsegmentation divides a network into smaller zones. Each zone has its own security measures in place. |
| Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) | Login is the primary form of authentication. You enter your username and password and the system checks it. After successful verification, you then gain network access. MFA mixes two or more authentication methods. A sample MFA is login authentication and biometric authentication. |
| Strict Controls on Device Access | If users have access restrictions, devices get them as well. A zero trust network watches over the number of devices trying to gain access. Those devices with authorization only gain network access. This is possible using device certificates and a whitelisting feature. |
Conclusion You have learned what a zero trust network architecture is and its amazing features, as well as the principles behind zero trust network architecture. For more information, please click here.
