We have been using mobile devices for different tasks in our daily lives. We use them for our personal needs, like communication and entertainment. Some people also use their mobile devices for work. Using endpoint devices for work also increases security risks. Protecting the data these computing devices contain is necessary. You can achieve this by enforcing a Forrester Research zero trust network architecture.
Zero trust security framework follows the “never trust and always verify” principle. Any user trying to gain network access will have to pass identity verification first. This applies even to trusted users within the network itself. Devices must also pass validation before they gain access. This is important so no device can do any malicious activity on the network. These security measures are part of the Forrester Research zero trust network architecture.
Zero trust architecture is a stronger approach to network security. It provides protection for every network component against threats. This is possible through network segmentation or microsegmentation. This process segments or divides a network into smaller zones. Each zone has its own security controls in place, like Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). This makes the Forrester Research zero trust network architecture a better security model.
You will learn the benefits of Forrester Research zero trust network architecture, as well as the steps in enforcing this security model.
The Benefits of Forrester Research Zero Trust Network Architecture
Here are the benefits of having a Forrester Research zero trust network architecture:
| Benefit/Feature | Description |
| Decreases Work Difficulty | Maintaining old equipment and outdated software is tiresome. Don’t stress yourself about the technical aspects. You can let someone do this for you, such as a cloud service provider. They will first take on the hardware and software costs of your business. They will do the installation, configuration, and management of your network equipment and handle your network security as well. Enforcing a Forrester Research zero trust network architecture is a cost-effective solution. |
| Resolves the Skill Shortage | There is no doubt that there exists a cybersecurity skill shortage on a global scale. The demand for cybersecurity experts grows daily. It is expensive, however, to hire a staff of security pros. A cloud-based zero trust provider can resolve this skill shortage. They have a staff of professionals who will handle and resolve issues from a remote location. This shows the advantage of having a Forrester Research zero trust network architecture. |
| Has Data Protection for Clients | Enforcing a Forrester Research zero trust network architecture prevents data breaches from happening. An attacker has to hack various security perimeters first. This is like putting a firewall in every part of your network, which checks for suspicious activities 24/7/365. |
| Provides a Good Computing Experience | Any user would be happy if there are no disruptions in what they’re doing. This gives them a pleasant computing experience, leading to an increase in productivity. Imagine the effect of having happy employees all around you. This creates a positive aura in the work environment. Productivity increases, as well as your profits. This is possible through the Forrester Research zero trust network architecture. |
| Lowers Breach Detection Time | Visibility is important in a Forrester Research zero trust network architecture. You can’t verify what you can’t see. Tracking malicious activities is easy if there are security controls already in place. This is like having motion detectors all over your building premises. One suspicious activity in your network triggers various security measures. |
Steps in Enforcing a Forrester Research Zero Trust Network Architecture
Achieving strong protection for your network is necessary. Securing your business’s and clients’ data is a top priority. This is possible by enforcing a Forrester Research zero trust network architecture. Here are the steps to do this:
Enforced Multi-factor Authentication (MFA).
MFA is a key principle of Forrester Research zero trust network architecture. It is the addition of an authentication method to an existing one. Using a single form of authentication is not advisable anymore. Relying on login authentication alone is insufficient.
MFA is important in network security. An example of this is when you opt to receive a verification code whenever you log in to your account. You get this code either through SMS or email. A stronger MFA method uses biometric signatures. It makes use of unique identifying features like a fingerprint, voice, and face. Many mobile devices today support biometric authentication.
Device Validation and Compliance.
Users must undergo verification when devices undergo validation. A whitelist contains the IP addresses of devices that have network access. IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every hardware equipment has a corresponding IP address. A device can’t access the network’s resources if it is not part of this list. Device registration is necessary to gain network access. An attacker who manages to bypass authentication would still not gain network access. Their device must be part of the whitelist to begin with. Some people call this whitelisting technique MAC (Media Access Control) filtering.
Devices must also follow security standards. This decreases the chances of security risks from occurring. Devices should always have the latest patches and malware protection. They should also use encryption while data is in storage, in use, and in transit.
Least-Privilege Access.
Employees should only get the necessary privileges to do their job. Going beyond this limitation would be a security risk. Imagine an employee having unrestricted network access. They can view payroll files and other company confidential information. They can also visit websites that can cause harm to the network.
Having unrestricted access also lessens their productivity. They tend to visit non-work-related sites every now and then. It is important to enforce access restrictions to prevent data breaches from happening.
Microsegmentation.
Microsegmentation is the process of dividing a network into smaller zones or segments. Each segment has its own set of security controls in place. Accessing other parts of the network requires permission, identity verification, and authentication again. This applies to external and internal users and devices.
Conclusion
Now you know what Forrester Research zero trust network architecture is. You also learned its benefits and a few important steps in enforcing this security model. For more information, please click here.