The principles of Zero Trust in security
Escape the rat race by embracing the principles of Zero Trust in security: Never Trust, Always Verify.
We're bombarded daily with reports of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and disruptive DDoS incidents. The surge in cyberattacks can be attributed to several factors. First, a significant portion of the workforce now operates remotely through digital channels.
Second, as organizations increasingly rely on digital processes and IT infrastructure, they become more attractive targets for cybercriminals. These attacks may involve data theft, rendering services inoperable, or holding data hostage, all of which can lead to substantial financial losses. Data, now a prized asset, poses security risks when it falls into the wrong hands, potentially disrupting business operations. If the data is valuable to a competitor or geopolitical adversary, it can be easily monetized, given the substantial incentive to pay.
Third, the relative anonymity of digital currencies makes it easier for attackers to conceal their identities. Unlike traditional currency, digital transactions can leave fewer traces with a few simple steps and precautions.
Finally, executing an attack has become remarkably straightforward, especially for organizations lacking robust security measures. Toolkits and even hacker-for-hire services are readily available on the internet and dark web, creating an environment in which cybercriminals thrive.
This situation demands a fresh approach to IT security. Historically, the assumption was that threats originated from external sources, with office employees deemed trustworthy. Incoming traffic was filtered through a firewall to repel unwanted intruders. However, the rise of phishing emails with malicious payloads led to the addition of endpoint protection, triggering a race between cybercriminals and antivirus software. Cybercriminals continually tried to outsmart antivirus programs through obfuscation or by deploying malware faster than antivirus databases could be updated.
Unfortunately, many organizations still rely on a patchwork of systems, tools, and devices designed to mitigate specific types of attacks. IT managers and security engineers find themselves in a constant battle to stay ahead of emerging threats, with the risk of overlooking alerts that may only become evident once a breach has occurred.
The solution to break free from this rat race is Zero Trust, often referred to as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). The core principle is simple: Never Trust, Always Verify. This verification occurs on three levels: Enhanced Identity Governance and Policy-Based Access Control, Overlay Networks and Software-Defined Perimeters, and Micro-Segmentation.
Zero Trust is often seen as a solution for larger enterprises, but it can be adopted by smaller organizations as well. While implementing ZTA may pose challenges for enterprises with legacy infrastructure and policies, smaller organizations, with less legacy baggage, can build future-proof security architectures by adopting Zero Trust principles now. It's a phased approach that is more attainable than attempting to tackle it all at once.
