Back in 2011, Sony’s PlayStation Network was hacked, compromising the personal information of 77 million accounts, including names, addresses, emails, and credit card details.
Because of this catastrophe, the gaming giant lost approximately $171 million in costs related to the breach, and PSN was down for 23 days, causing significant frustration among users. All of this caused a significant loss in Sony’s reputation in the market. (Twingate)
As we all know, security infringements are damaging various organizations, and invaders are constantly trying to snatch critical data to sell them for their use.
However, the volume of these attacks increased over the years, but simultaneously, technologies also got refined to provide extensive defense mechanisms. And the Zero Trust Architecture is emerging as the cornerstone of this domain.
In this blog post, we are going to take a comprehensive look at this concept and learn some valuable insights.
Let’s get started!
What is Zero Trust Architecture?
In the past, organizations often functioned with a level of implicit trust; however, Zero Trust is a cybersecurity model founded on the principle of “never trust, always verify.”
Its core tenets promote ongoing authentication and guarantee stringent, verified access while determining the appropriate control over devices and user access resources.
Zero Trust Principles
The Zero Trust model has four key principles that focus on threat elimination and data protection. Organizations can embrace these principles to build a robust security strategy that truly protects them. Here are the four key principles to consider:
1. Minimal Level Least Privilege Access;
2. Continual Verification;
3. Micro-Segmenting Networks;
4. Secondary Authentication Methods.
Interesting Facts ZTA’s focus on continuous verification and access control helps prevent data breaches and minimizes the potential impact of a breach. (Source)
The Principles Explained
Now, let’s take a look at each principle to understand how it can be adopted into a comprehensive security plan.
Minimal Level / Least Privilege Access
Least privilege is the concept of providing only minimal-level access to users and devices to minimize the possibility of unauthorized access.
Role-based access control (RBAC) is a prime example of this. With RBAC, organizations can assign privileges hierarchically, giving access to specific resources or areas solely to those who need it. Using RBAC can help limit damage in the event of a security breach.
Continual Verification
Zero Trust models advocate for continual verification of access rather than authenticating it just once upon request. This can be achieved by monitoring user behavior and other contextual factors. Many are turning to AI to assist with the analytical aspects and identify anomalies in real time.
Micro-Segmenting Networks
The following principle is to micro-segment your networks, dividing them into isolated segments.
That way, should an unauthorized party gain access, they are restricted to that specific segment, reducing the damage that can be done.
Software-defined networking (SDN) tools are the best way to tackle the task alongside policy-based controls.
Secondary Authentication Methods
Multi-factor authentication (MFA, such as 2FA) is another core concept for your Zero Trust model.
On top of access credentials, the user or device needs to be confirmed with a secondary method, perhaps a one-time code or even through the use of biometrics.
MFA is becoming pretty standard for access, but amazingly, 55% of small businesses are not aware of it. It can be used in tandem with adaptive authentication techniques and behavior analysis.
Intriguing Insights This infographic here shows the elementary benefits of ZTA
Using Zero Trust Principles to Develop Comprehensive Security Models
The above principles, when used together, create a very solid security model, but you can’t just jump from one strategy to a fully zero-trust model. Let’s take a look at how to implement it in a structured way.
Security Posture Assessment
Before making a change, you must first assess your present security posture to find any vulnerabilities.
Compliance audits and risk assessments can be compared to Zero Trust criteria and used as a benchmark.
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
As with the RBAC, which we touched on, a strong IAM system can help protect critical resources. Especially with other security orchestration tools and JIT, access ensures a seamless authentication experience while keeping strict security controls.
Secure Endpoints & Networks
Network security is another paramount part of a Zero Trust model. It involves protecting all endpoints, which are frequent targets of attacks and include laptops, mobile devices, and Internet of Things devices.
Network access controls, VPN use for distant connections, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can all help achieve this.
VPN encryption alongside Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a good shout. Visit the following link for a reliable Canadian VPN service.
Real-Time Threat Detection & Rapid Response
To adhere to Zero Trust principles, real-time threat detection and response mechanisms are necessary.
Artificial intelligence is playing a huge role in modern-day Zero Trust models, such as advanced User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions. Each aids organizations in identifying irregularities and taking quick action to stop breaches.
Continual Monitoring & Compliance
Moving to a Zero Trust model is more than a mere shift of operation; it is a continual process.
Network activity must be monitored constantly, and audit security policies need to be built around it to ensure compliance with regulations such as NIST, ISO 27001, and GDPR.
Conclusion
It’s time to eliminate implicit trust and opt for ZeroTrust Architecture to help keep sensitive data and critical infrastructure safe.
Organizations can improve their security and raise it to a new level by following the fundamentals.
By using least privilege access, zero trust models guarantee stringent access control and consistently put security first.
You have a complete defense strategy when you incorporate micro-segmentation, robust identity management, sophisticated threat detections, and secure endpoints. One that tackles the complexities of modern, evolving cyber threats.
Gaurav Rathore
