Skip to content
Currently, companies are increasingly immersed in the digital world . Processes, systems, and information that were once "physical" or in-person are now based on online and digital services. However, along with this scenario comes the need to protect data and systems to ensure their integrity.
This is even more concerning when we consider the growing number of cyberattacks . In Brazil, this scenario is serious: according to the NetScout Threat Intelligence Report, in 2023 the country was second in the world for the most hacker attacks.
Therefore, new tools, technologies, and strategies related to cybersecurity are gaining ground in the corporate market. Among current security trends is the concept of Zero Trust .
This model is based on the philosophy that no person or device, inside or outside an organization's network, should be granted access to connect to IT systems or workloads unless explicitly required. In short, it means the absence of any implicit trust .
It is a practice based on ongoing distrust, but it helps mitigate risks and can be crucial for any organization that intends to protect its critical information against cyberattacks.
That's why, in this article, we're going to talk more about this relevant topic that's gaining more and more attention.
Enjoy your reading!
What is Zero Trust?
The term "Zero Trust" was coined in 2010 by analyst John Kindervag, and its definition was included in the NSTAC report , a 56-page document on zero trust compiled in 2021 by the U.S. National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.
Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no device or user is trustworthy , regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter. This means that all access must be authenticated .
In practice, the user only has access to what they truly need so that the company can operate with minimal friction regarding risks. Therefore, every time company data is accessed, user and device identification
With a zero-trust policy, it is possible to:
- To record and monitor all traffic on the corporate network;
- Limit and control network access;
- Verify and protect network resources.
In other words, it's a framework that helps create a strategic approach against threats. Companies that implement this framework are better equipped to face modern security challenges.
Fundamental principles of Zero Trust
The Zero Trust security model is based on three key principles: continuous verification, least privilege, and network segmentation. These principles ensure a robust and effective security approach. Let's look at it in more detail:
Continuous verification
Continuous verification is one of the pillars of Zero Trust. Instead of relying on one-time authentication, the system requires constant validation of the identity of users and devices.
This means continuously monitoring and validating every interaction malicious attacks , as any abnormal behavior can be quickly identified and blocked.
The central idea is "never trust, always verify ," ensuring that every access is authenticated and authorized in real time. This is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of the IT environment.
Minimum privileges
Limit and strictly enforce access control.
This principle aims to limit user access to only what is necessary for their roles . This approach reduces exposure to sensitive data and resources.
It is implemented through strict access control policies , which ensure that users only have the strictly necessary permissions. This limits the attack surface and minimizes the risks associated with compromised accounts.
Therefore, it is essential to adjust permissions regularly, reviewing access and revoking those that are no longer necessary. This ensures that privileged users remain appropriate and secure.
Network segmentation
Third, but no less important, is network segmentation, which divides the infrastructure into smaller, isolated segments, making it more difficult for threats to move laterally. In practice, each segment operates as an independent unit with its own security controls and policies.
This is crucial to contain potential breaches, preventing an attacker from compromising the entire network by accessing a single point.
Furthermore, segmenting the network also makes it easier to apply specific security policies to different types of data and systems.
Benefits of the Zero Trust approach
Now that we understand the concept of a zero-trust policy, let's look at the range of cybersecurity it offers. These benefits include advanced data protection, mitigation of internal and external risks, and compliance with stringent regulations.
Improved data security
One of the main benefits of the Zero Trust model is improved data security. By logging and monitoring all corporate network traffic, the Zero Trust approach ensures that all data and resources are inaccessible by default, allowing access only when strictly necessary . This prevents unauthorized access and reduces the likelihood of sensitive information leaks.
In addition, multifactor authentication and encryption are used to protect data in transit and at rest.
Constant verification of identities and devices ensures that only legitimately authorized users and equipment can interact with network resources, making system intrusion much more difficult for malicious actors.
Reducing internal and external risks
As data security increases, risks, in turn, decrease. With rigorous access control measures, the Zero Trust approach significantly limits opportunities for attackers to exploit the network.
This not only reduces external risks, but also internal ones, since each user and device is constantly monitored. Network segmentation also helps contain attacks within specific segments, preventing their spread to other areas.
Another advantage is the ability to detect and respond quickly to threats. With continuous monitoring tools, any suspicious activity can be identified and neutralized before it causes significant damage.
Compliance with regulations
The Zero Trust approach also facilitates compliance with security and data protection regulations, such as the GDPR and LGPD. This is because, by maintaining strict access controls and detailed logs of all network activity, companies can provide comprehensive audits and demonstrate that they are taking appropriate measures to protect sensitive information.
Furthermore, the Zero Trust model ensures that security policies are always up-to-date and aligned with best market practices. This not only helps avoid severe penalties associated with non-compliance, but also strengthens the trust of clients and business partners, demonstrating a solid commitment to information security.
Increased customer and employee confidence
As a consequence of increased security and reduced risks, comes the trust of customers, business partners, and employees. The Zero Trust approach shows that the company cares about information security, which can be seen as a positive thing, impacting the organization's image.
How to implement Zero Trust in your company
As the definitions suggest, Zero Trust is not a single technique or product, but a set of principles for a modern security policy.
Implementing the Zero Trust security model in a company requires a structured and planned approach , considering the specifics of the IT environment and security needs.
Below are the main steps to successfully adopt this strategy.
1. Understand the principles of Zero Trust
Before beginning implementation, it is crucial to understand the basic principles of Zero Trust: “never trust, always verify,” network segmentation, strict access control, and continuous verification of users and devices. This understanding will help shape the policies and technologies that will be applied.
2. Evaluate the network infrastructure and data
Identify all company assets, including users, devices, applications, and data. Map how these elements interact with each other, highlighting critical data flows.
This mapping is essential to define which areas need greater protection and to implement effective network segmentation. Furthermore, it identifies weaknesses and vulnerabilities . The initial analysis helps to understand which areas need greater protection.
3. Define strict access policies
Establish access policies that ensure users and devices only have access to what is necessary to perform their functions. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to verify identities and role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions in a granular way.
In addition, adopt Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to control remote access. ZTNA allows for continuous verification of credentials and access context.
4. Implement network segmentation
Divide the network into smaller, isolated segments, ensuring that each has its own security policies and access controls.
This prevents a potential breach in one part of the network from affecting other critical areas. Tools such as microsegmentation can be used to protect specific segments, such as cloud environments or data centers.
5. Adopt monitoring and analysis tools
Utilize continuous monitoring solutions to oversee activities in real time. User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) tools can help detect anomalies and potential threats, while security information and event management (SIEM) systems centralize log and incident management.
6. Update and maintain security policies
Zero Trust is not a one-time implementation, but an ongoing process. Regularly review and update security policies to ensure they align with changes in the IT environment and industry best practices. Conduct frequent audits to identify and correct potential vulnerabilities.
7. Train the team
Educate your employees about the importance of Zero Trust and how their daily activities are impacted. Proper training ensures everyone understands security policies and knows how to follow best practices, from using multi-factor authentication to recognizing phishing attempts.
8. Evaluate and continuously improve
After implementation, monitor the performance of the new security measures and be prepared to make adjustments as needed. Cybersecurity is a dynamic field, and the Zero Trust posture must evolve over time to address new threats and challenges.
Challenges and considerations in implementing Zero Trust
Implementing a Zero Trust approach can bring several benefits, but it can also be complex and present challenges. We'll discuss this further in this topic.
First and foremost, it's essential to address awareness and cultural acceptance within the organization. Change always has an impact on organizations, so starting with a gradual and educational approach can facilitate the acceptance of new safety practices.
Integrating legacy systems is another critical point. These integrations may require interoperability solutions and careful migration approaches.
Furthermore, technology compatibility are also common. Therefore, it is necessary to assess whether existing devices and systems can support the new architecture.
Another challenge is the implementation cost , which can be significant. New technologies and tools can be expensive, so it's important to evaluate long-term returns and justify investments.
Count on Skyone to protect your data
Now that you are familiar with the concept of Zero Trust, you understand the importance of data protection and cybersecurity for businesses.
And to guarantee information security and protect your company against growing cyber threats, there's nothing better than relying on a partner specialized in the field, capable of offering reliable and effective solutions.
The Skyone offers a cybersecurity module with diverse products that will provide robust protection for your company and greater peace of mind for you!
Speak to our experts and learn more details!
Conclusion
Throughout the text we have seen that the Zero Trust is an innovative and proactive approach that focuses on ongoing distrust instead of implicit trust.
This methodology requires that all identities, internal or external, be continuously authenticated, authorized, and validated. This minimizes the impact of any potential breaches
Implementing Zero Trust involves a combination of various tools and technologies that, when properly integrated, offer robust and comprehensive protection for IT infrastructure.
Therefore, it is essential to choose the solutions that best suit your organization's specific needs and ensure that all technologies are aligned to work together effectively.
Read our special guide and learn more about cybersecurity!
