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Currently, companies are increasingly immersed in the digital universe . 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 guarantee their integrity.
Even more so if we take into account the growing number of cyber attacks . In Brazil, this scenario is serious: according to the NetScout Threat Intelligence Report, in 2023 the country was the second in the world with 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 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 necessary. 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 wants to protect its critical information against cyberattacks.
That's why, in this article, we're going to talk more about this relevant topic that is gaining more and more space.
Good reading!
What is Zero Trust?
The term “Zero Trust” was created in 2010 by analyst John Kindervag, and his definition was included in the NSTAC report , a 56-page document on zero trust compiled in 2021 by the US National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.
Zero Trust is a security model that assumes that no device or user is trusted , 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 really need so that the company can operate with minimal friction in relation to risks. Therefore, every time you access company data, identification , thus facilitating the identification of possible access anomalies.
With a zero trust policy you can:
- Register and monitor all corporate network traffic;
- Limit and control access to the network;
- Scan and secure network resources.
In other words, it is a framework that helps create a strategic approach against threats. Companies that implement this framework are better equipped to face modern security challenges.
Core Principles of Zero Trust
The Zero Trust security model is based on three key principles: continuous scanning, least privileges, and network segmentation. These principles ensure a robust and effective security approach. Let's see in more detail:
Continuous scanning
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 monitoring and validating each interaction and access on an ongoing basis. This method significantly reduces the risk of malicious attacks , as any abnormal behavior can be quickly identified and blocked.
The central idea is “never trust, always verify” , ensuring that each access is authenticated and authorized in real time. This is essential to maintain the integrity and security of the IT environment.
Least privileges
Limit and strictly enforce access control.
This principle aims to limit users' access to only what is necessary for their functions . 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 the privileged stay appropriate and safe.
Network segmentation
Third, but not least, comes network segmentation, which divides the infrastructure into smaller, isolated segments, making it 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 possible breaches, preventing an attacker from compromising the entire network by accessing a single point.
Additionally, 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 cybersecurity advantages it offers. Benefits include advanced data protection, internal and external risk mitigation, and compliance with strict 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 being leaked.
Additionally, multi-factor authentication and encryption are used to protect data in transit and at rest.
The constant verification of identities and devices ensures that only legitimately authorized users and equipment can interact with network resources, making systems hacking much more difficult for malicious actors.
Reduction of internal and external risks
If data security increases, risks, in turn, decrease. With strict 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, as each user and device is constantly checked. Network segmentation also helps attacks to be contained in specific segments, preventing propagation to other areas.
Another advantage is the ability to quickly detect and respond 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 makes it easier to comply with security and data protection regulations such as GDPR and LGPD. This is because, by maintaining strict access controls and detailed records of all network activity, companies can provide thorough 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 to avoid severe penalties associated with non-compliance with regulations, but also strengthens the trust of customers and business partners, demonstrating a solid commitment to information security.
Increased trust among customers and employees
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 something positive, 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 modern security policy.
Implementing the Zero Trust security model in a company requires a structured and planned approach , considering the specificities of the IT environment and security needs.
Below are the key steps to successfully adopting 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. Assess 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. Additionally, identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities . The initial analysis helps you understand which areas need greater protection.
3. Set 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 at a granular level.
Additionally, adopt Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to control remote access. ZTNA allows you to continuously verify credentials and access context.
4. Implement network segmentation
Divide the network into smaller, isolated segments, ensuring 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 like microsegmentation can be used to protect specific segments, such as cloud environments or data centers.
5. Adopt monitoring and analysis tools
Use continuous monitoring solutions to monitor activities in real time. User and entity behavior analysis (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 are aligned with changes in the IT environment and industry best practices. Perform frequent audits to identify and correct potential flaws.
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. Continuously evaluate and improve
After implementation, monitor the performance of 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 face 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. Let's talk a little about this in this topic.
Firstly, it is essential to address cultural awareness and acceptance within the organization. Changes always have an impact within organizations, so starting with a gradual and educational approach can facilitate the acceptance of new security practices.
The integration of legacy systems is another critical point. These integrations may require interoperability solutions and careful migration approaches.
Additionally, technology compatibility are also common. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate 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 know the importance of data protection and cybersecurity for business.
And to guarantee information security and shield your company against growing cyber threats, there is nothing better than counting on a partner specialized in the subject, capable of offering reliable and effective solutions.
Skyone platform offers a cybersecurity module with diverse products that will provide robust protection for your company and greater peace of mind for you!
Talk to our experts and find out more details!
Conclusion
Throughout the text we have seen that the Zero Trust is an innovative and proactive approach that focuses on continuous distrust rather than implicit trust.
This methodology requires that every identity, internal or external, be authenticated, authorized and validated continuously. This minimizes the impact of possible violations
Implementing Zero Trust involves a combination of several tools and technologies that, when integrated correctly, provide 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.
