Authenticated. Authorized. Validated.
That is the framework of the Zero Trust security model of physical, data-access control. Long adopted in the IT and cyber worlds, the Zero Trust model-premise is that no identity, end-point device, or other elements are allowed default trust––period. Multi-factor authentication is a critical step to gaining access control for all. Even when long-standing permissions are established, the trust model is the best way to grant access to applications and data in an arena with multiple users, and your company needs to mitigate risk.
Next Generation Security Concepts is your go-to for security integration. That’s why we want you to understand Zero Trust options and why you need them in the fast-paced cybersecurity and information access world.
Why Zero Trust?
Zero Trust security systems are critical for today’s digital world. Now that telecommuting is more of a norm than an anomaly, it can be challenging for companies to guard against ransomware threats while providing cloud-type data storage access. Zero Trust cyber security protects networks, whether local, cloud-based, or a combination of the two, no matter where workers are based.
This is not the “trust but verify” method: a traditional means of granting access. This design puts data banks, companies, and their client’s information at risk for looming threats. The introduction of cloud migration meant inventing new parameters for safety. Thwarting threats is continual, not random, meaning one-time user validation ends.
How Zero Trust Security Works
The structure of Zero Trust requires continuous monitoring, validation, and permission-granting to devices and users. It also means putting policies into place where users understand privileges must be continually granted to gain access. It is important to communicate to employees this is not due to mistrust or negligence on their part. The last thing anyone needs are actors compromising accounts and information across your organization.
Compliance with the Zero Trust model is critical. All data areas must be accounted for and remain under lock and key until a user gains access. Think of it as a continual vetting process that includes:
- User identity
- Type of credentials
- Device privileges
- Human and device behavior patterns
- Endpoint hardware
- Geolocation
- Protocols and authentication
- Operating system version and patches installed
- Installed applications on the endpoint device
- Incident detections
- Suspicious activity and attack recognition
What IT Decision Makers Should Do
Thoroughly accessing IT infrastructure is the best place to start. Knowing potential hazards before they happen protects your system from breaches. Most data attacks happen due to the use or misuse of network credentials. Because the pathways of invasions are ever-evolving, protecting your network is critical. Those who should not be there are immediately challenged. Anything or anyone suspicious is denied access.
Enforcing Zero Trust
When enforcing a Zero Trust infrastructure, these are the physical-cyber security risk-reduction practices to put into place:
- Identify threats and risky user behavior
- Establish user identity with a multi-factor process
- Track behavior
- Limit the perpetual and lateral movement of users
- Ensure all access points have security steps
- Reconfigure security protocols for total compliance
- Share tactics and information across physical and cyber security teams
- Audit usage and provide metrics to stakeholders and decision-makers
- Invest in security automation
- Never trust. Always verify
Next Generation Security Concepts has the Zero Trust cybersecurity solution your company needs. It is essential to secure every area prone to risk. Stopping data breaches in real-time requires hyper-accurate detection. Let us provide your company with a FREE security assessment in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Contact us today, and let NGSC help you navigate security solutions.
