Data is precious and important. It should stay secure while in storage, while in use, and while in transit. Bad things could happen if an attacker gets your sensitive and confidential data. They can sell your credit card numbers on the dark web or steal your identity. Your network protection must be as strong as the Forrester zero trust security model.
The Forrester zero trust security framework is all about paranoia — it doesn’t trust anyone or anything by default. It will always try to verify the identity before giving network access. It enforces the “never trust and always verify” principle.
It is mandatory for any user or device to undergo identity verification first. Once successful, it’s the only time they get access to the network’s resources. Their access also has restrictions so they can’t go beyond their privileges. The Forrester zero trust architecture applies this approach at every network segment.
In the next section, you will learn the best practices in the Forrester zero trust security model.
Forrester Zero Trust Security Model Best Practices
Best practices are methods or techniques that produce superior results than many alternatives. These have become the standard way of doing things. Here are a few of the best practices in the Forrester zero trust security model:
Best Practices #1: Automatic Threat Containment
Your network extends its range to include endpoint devices. This includes laptops, smartphones, and tablets, among other mobile devices. Protecting these computing devices from threats without affecting user productivity is challenging. Your zero trust security approach should contain threats inside a container upon detection. Once inside, they can’t do anything harmful to the outside environment. This best practice also provides protection against zero-day attacks.
Best Practices #2: Fast Verdict
Your zero trust security approach should investigate the threats under containment. A global threat intelligence network assists you with this. Your zero trust security approach should show results quicker than expected. The combination of human expertise and machine learning make this possible.
Best Practices #3: Cloud-Delivered
Your zero trust security approach should be adaptable and show real-time threat visibility. The software tool must be easy to use and under a central platform. The client-side application’s size should be small. A cloud service provider can provide you with these tools.
Best Practices #4: Detection and Discovery of Suspicious Activities
Your zero trust security approach should discover intrusions and malicious activities. Your software tool must be able to expose violations in security policies. If an attacker has their eyes on you, the same tactic applies to them. Always remember the “never trust and always verify” principle. Adding a web application firewall (WAF) strengthens your network’s security as well.
Best Practices #5: Threat Hunting
A reactive approach to network security is not an option anymore. Why would you wait for something to happen before you take any security measures? A proactive approach is the best technique. You must continue searching for the whereabouts and hideouts of threats. Conduct regular network vulnerability assessments as well. These reveal all your network’s weaknesses so you can deploy patches. This prevents an attacker from exploiting these vulnerabilities.
Best Practices #6: Managed Response
It is advisable to provide endpoint and network security using the correct configurations. The best defense is achievable by adding many layers of security. Being redundant is better than not having any backup plan at all. If one security layer fails, another one emerges to provide backup support.
Best Practices #7: Quick Deploy
Your tool should be quick in adding networks and approving security policies. It should also let you edit the DNS settings faster.
Best Practices #8: Remote User Protection
Web browsing rules are applicable to all employees or users regardless of location. You can observe their browsing activities from afar.
Best Practices #9: Simple Customize
Your tool should customize categories and security rules according to your business's needs. This also applies to both productivity and security.
Conclusion
Now you know what the Forrester zero trust security model is and the best practices to apply it, as well as the importance of having a zero trust network. For more information, please click here.