Table of content:
The Zero Trust model is a security framework that emphasizes the need to constantly verify the identity of users and devices before allowing them to gain access to corporate resources. Implementing a Zero Trust security strategy can be a challenge for organizations, but there are a few key steps that can help to make the transition smoother. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what the Zero Trust model is, and how organizations can start to implement it.
What is the zero trust model?
The zero trust architecture is a security approach that assumes that all users, devices, and networks are untrustworthy. Under this model, all users and devices must be verified and authenticated before they are given access to any resources. This contrasts with the traditional security model, which assumes that users and all IoT devices inside a network are trustworthy.
The zero trust model is a response to the growing number of security breaches that have occurred in recent years. By assuming that all users and devices are untrustworthy, companies can take steps to better protect their data and resources. In many cases, the zero trust model is used in conjunction with other security measures, such as two-factor authentication.
Why is zero trust important for security?
As the world becomes increasingly connected, the importance of security increases. One of the most important security measures is known as "zero trust." Zero trust is a security model that requires every user, device, and service to be verified and authenticated. In this section, we'll explore the reasons why zero trust is so important for security.
Steps to implementing the zero trust model
Zero trust is a security model that assumes that no one is to be trusted by default. In a zero-trust security model, all users, devices, and networks are treated as untrusted until they are proved otherwise. The zero trust model is built on security best practices, most notably the principle of least privilege, which requires that all users have the minimum amount of access necessary to do their jobs.
While there are many options for implementing zero trust there are some core steps that need to be performed. Here are some steps that need to be taken to implement a zero trust security model:
1) Define your protection surface
Your protection surface is the set of people, processes, and systems that need to be protected from threats. It includes everything from your critical infrastructure to your confidential data.
Identifying your protection surface is the first step in developing a security strategy. By understanding what needs to be protected, you can better identify the risks and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
The size and complexity of your protection surface will depend on the type of business you're in and the size of your organization. But no matter what, it's important to have a clear understanding of your protection surface so you can develop the best possible security strategy for your business.
2) Map traffic flow on your network
The way traffic flows across your network will determine how you need to protect your environment. You need to understand how specific resources interact to properly enforce controls and access. To map traffic flow on your network, you will need to use a network traffic analysis tool. This tool will allow you to see how traffic is flowing between different devices on your network. By understanding traffic flow, you can optimize your network security.
3) Architect your zero trust network topology
In a zero trust model, all traffic is treated as untrusted, and all devices on the network are treated as potential threats. This means that the network must be designed in such a way that all traffic is isolated and compartmentalized, and that all devices are verified and authenticated before being granted access to any resources.
There are many ways to architect a zero-trust network, but some common features include micro-segmentation, identity-based security, multi-factor authentication, remote access controls, and least privilege access controls. By understanding the basics of zero trust networking, companies can start to build their custom topologies that fit their specific security needs.
4) Create a zero trust policy
Once your zero trust model is created you need to create a zero trust policy. This policy will include a whitelist of which resources should have access to one another. It should also outline what users should have to access these resources and how they should be authenticated before gaining access to these resources. Here are some of the questions you should ask when deciding on these things:
-
Who should be accessing a resource?
-
What application is being used to access a resource inside the protected surface?
-
When is the resource being accessed?
-
Where is the packet destination?
-
Why is this packet trying to access this resource within the protected surface?
-
How is the packet accessing the protected surface via a specific application?
By creating a proper zero trust policy you greatly reduce the ability of attackers to perform lateral movement once inside the network.
5) Monitor and maintain your network
Implementing a zero trust model is an iterative process. You need to continually log and review logs for your network to identify areas of improvement. Monitoring and maintaining your network are important to keep it running smoothly. To do this, you'll need to keep an eye on the devices that are connected to your network, as well as the data that is flowing through it. You should have formal reviews at least once per year to ensure that all resources on the network are being adequately protected. Even a cloud environment logging should be considered an important part of your overall cloud security strategy.
Recap
Implementing a zero trust model is a great way to improve your security posture. The zero trust model is built on the principle of least privilege and assumes that no user, even those inside of the network is trustworthy. It assumes that all users need to be authenticated before accessing resources. However, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to implementing this model. This article provided some tips to help you get started. To make sure you are implementing a zero trust model correctly, subscribe to our newsletter for more tips.