If security is your main concern and first priority when it comes to cloud technology then the Zero Trust model may be your best bet. This method avoids relying on a single technology to provide security. Instead, Zero Trust incorporates a variety of different best practices and technologies for a more comprehensive approach. Learn more about this model and how it can help protect your business.
Defining Zero Trust
Other security models operate on the principle of trust but verify. Zero Trust, on the other hand, takes the never trust and always verify approach. This model relies heavily on identity verification to make sure that every person, program, or technology that is trying to access your cloud is fully verified before they can cross security perimeters. The same process applies to both in-office and remote access.
Traditionally, security has tended to focus on protecting against outside threats, but Zero Trust recognizes that breaches often occur from within the company. Whether these breaches are malicious or accidental, Zero Trust prevents them from happening. While recognizing perimeter threats is an important part of cloud security, fixating on this aspect can allow for internal vulnerabilities.
Basic Tenants of Zero Trust Security
– Never trust. Verification is essential. Start from a stance of zero trusts and require users to work through a verification process.
– Cloud segmentation. It is important to divide the network into smaller segments that each require their own access credentials. If a malicious actor does manage to enter one segment, they will have limited access, which can help mitigate damage.
– Multi-factor authentication. Instead of simple password protections, users are required to use at least two different ways to prove their identity.
– Adaptive system. It isn’t enough to simply put solutions in place and hope for the best. Cloud technology is a dynamic system that is constantly in flux. This requires security controls that are operating in real-time to identify emerging threats. These controls will be able to detect abnormal behaviors and send alerts through the proper channels for faster response times.
Why Use the Zero Trust Model
Zero Trust is quickly becoming the standard in business security. It has become clear that creating a perimeter is no longer an effective security strategy. This is especially true as cloud technology allows for more remote workers and devices. The boundaries are continuing to expand and there is no central location to protect. The Zero Trust model takes this into account and also assumes that not all threats are coming from the outside.
Increases in cybercrimes are a clear indication that trust-based security models that prioritize perimeter protections simply aren’t working. Experts predict that by 2021, cybercrimes will cost businesses $6 trillion in damages. Zero Trust models may be the key to curbing these crimes.
How to Build Your Zero Trust Architecture
Before you can begin to change access protocols, you need to have a clear understanding of various access needs. If you don’t have a clear picture of your network and all the various moving parts, it can be easy to overlook vulnerabilities. This also means knowing which employees need to access what information. From there, you can operate from the least privileged standpoint where employees only have access to what they need and nothing more.
It is also important to recognize that any company’s security plan is only as good as its employees. Security training and education are essential to effectively implementing and using Zero Trust architecture. Education will also help cultivate a workforce that is supportive of security efforts, which can be an invaluable tool.
On a more practical level, you will need to onboard some new technology to build your Zero Trust security model. Start with an advanced firewall that can help with network segmentation, allow you to encrypt data, and provide other protections. From there, look for adaptive security tools that can go beyond identifying existing risks and find emerging threats as they are happening. Finally, include a multi-factor authentication tool that fits your company’s needs.
Cloud technology is an essential part of today’s business world, which means that cloud security is also a concern. While there is no way to prevent all threats and breaches, the Zero Trust model provides the most effective and comprehensive approach. If you would like to learn more about this model and other ways to improve your cloud security and compliance, contact the experts at prancer.