Zero Trust security | What is a Zero Trust network?

Zero Trust Security

Zero Trust security is an IT security model that requires strict identity verification for every person and device trying to access resources on a private network. Unlike traditional security models, which trust users and devices within the network perimeter, Zero Trust does not trust anyone or anything by default, whether inside or outside the network.

Key Concepts of Zero Trust Security:

1. Continuous Monitoring and Validation: Zero Trust assumes that there are attackers both within and outside the network, so no users or machines should be automatically trusted. User identities, privileges, device identities, and security postures are continuously verified. Established logins and connections time out periodically, necessitating constant re-verification.
2. Least Privilege Access: Users are given the minimum access they need to perform their tasks, similar to how an army general provides information on a need-to-know basis. This minimizes each user’s exposure to sensitive parts of the network, reducing the potential damage from a compromised account.
3. Device Access Control: In addition to user access, Zero Trust requires strict control over device access. Networks monitor the number of devices accessing them, ensure each device is authorized, and assess devices for potential compromise, thereby minimizing the attack surface.
4. Microsegmentation: This practice involves breaking up security perimeters into small zones to maintain separate access controls for different parts of the network. For example, a network with files in a single data center might be segmented into dozens of secure zones, each requiring separate authorization.
5. Preventing Lateral Movement: Once an attacker gains access to a network, lateral movement refers to their ability to move within it. Zero Trust contains attackers by limiting their ability to move across the network. Access is segmented and must be periodically re-established, preventing attackers from accessing other microsegments.
6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA requires more than one piece of evidence to authenticate a user, such as a password and a code sent to another device. This adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

Benefits of Zero Trust:

• Reduced Attack Surface: By verifying every access request, Zero Trust minimizes the network’s exposure to potential attackers.
• Contained Breaches: Microsegmentation and least privilege access help to contain breaches within a small area, reducing the cost and impact of recovery.
• Protection Against Credential Theft and Phishing: MFA and continuous monitoring reduce the risk posed by stolen credentials and phishing attacks.
• Secure IoT Devices: Zero Trust reduces the risk from vulnerable Internet of Things (IoT) devices by continuously verifying device security.

History of Zero Trust Security:

The term “Zero Trust” was coined by a Forrester Research Inc. analyst in 2010. Google’s implementation of Zero Trust security in their network led to broader adoption within the tech community. By 2019, Gartner recognized Zero Trust security access as a core component of secure access service edge (SASE) solutions.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA):

ZTNA is the main technology enabling organizations to implement Zero Trust security. It sets up one-to-one encrypted connections between devices and the resources they need, effectively concealing most infrastructure and services.

Use Cases for Zero Trust:

• Replacing or Augmenting VPNs: VPNs are often inadequate for modern security needs, and Zero Trust can provide a more secure alternative.
• Supporting Remote Work: Zero Trust allows secure access control from any location without the bottlenecks associated with VPNs.
• Controlling Cloud Access: Zero Trust verifies any request, reducing the use of unauthorized cloud-based services.
• Onboarding Third Parties and Contractors: Quickly extend restricted, least-privilege access to external parties.
• Rapid Employee Onboarding: Facilitate quick onboarding of new users, making it ideal for fast-growing organizations.

Best Practices for Implementing Zero Trust:

• Monitor Network Traffic and Devices: Maintain visibility for continuous verification and authentication.
• Keep Devices Updated: Quickly patch vulnerabilities and restrict access to unpatched devices.
• Apply Least Privilege Access: Minimize access for all users to limit potential damage from compromised accounts.
• Partition the Network: Use microsegmentation to contain breaches and prevent their spread.
• Act as if the Network Perimeter Did Not Exist: Acknowledge the numerous points where the network touches the Internet or cloud.
• Use Security Keys for MFA: Prefer hardware-based security tokens over soft tokens for added security.
• Incorporate Threat Intelligence: Stay updated on evolving threats to identify and mitigate risks.
• Balance Security with Usability: Avoid overly strict measures that might encourage users to bypass security.

Implementation:

Adopting Zero Trust can be streamlined with the right technology partner. For instance, Cloudflare One offers a SASE platform with built-in Zero Trust protections, simplifying the adoption process for organizations.