WHAT IS ZERO TRUST ARCHITECTURE?

What is zero trust architecture and why is it important for you? It is a must to use a zero trust security framework because it prevents breaches from happening. It aims to address lateral threat movement within the network. This is possible through microsegmentation and granular perimeter enforcement.

What is zero trust architecture and what do you gain from it? There are various benefits that you can get from using a zero trust architecture. One primary benefit is that it reduces business operating costs. A cloud-based zero trust security framework is a cost-effective solution to your needs.

You will learn more about what is zero trust architecture and its great benefits, as well as the best practices used for the implementation of a zero trust network.

The Benefits

Any consumer would like to know a product’s features or benefits before buying it. The same logic applies when choosing a zero trust solution. Here are the benefits you get from using a zero trust architecture:

Benefit #1: Prevents Data Exfiltration

Using a zero trust architecture prevents customer data exfiltration. Other terms for this are data extrusion and data exportation. Data exfiltration is also a form of data theft. It moves the data into a command and control (C&C or C2) server outside the network.

Cybercriminals use these C2 servers to maintain communication with botnets within a network. Botnet stands for “bot network” and refers to a group of compromised computers. Here are the types of exfiltrated data:

• Usernames, passwords, and other system authentication-related information.
• Information associated with strategic decisions.
• Cryptographic keys.
• Personal financial information.
• Social security numbers and other Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Mailing addresses.
• United States National Security Agency hacking tools.

Benefit #2: Improves User Experience

It enhances user experience through Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-on (SSO). Remembering complex passwords and re-authenticating is not advisable anymore. An example of MFA includes a mix of login authentication and biometric authentication. A good example of SSO is in Google services.

Benefit #3: Enhances Visibility into Network Traffic.

Zero trust architecture follows the “location is not an indicator of trust” principle. It assumes that the network is always hostile. A threat can come from anywhere within and outside the network. You cannot verify what you cannot see. Visibility is the foundation of verification.

Benefit #4: Streamlines the Security Task

Your cloud-based zero-trust solution vendor manages, maintains, and monitors your network. They provide both the software and hardware equipment you need. This is a convenient and cost-effective solution. You have time to relax and have peace of mind while they take care of the technical aspects for you.

Benefit #5: Reduces Breach Detection Time

A study from Ponemon found out that it takes an average of 206 days for U.S. companies to detect a data breach. You can’t afford to sacrifice the security of your network. Migrating to a zero trust network reduces this timeframe.

Imagine having security guards on patrol in every corner of your building 24/7. This is how tight the security of a zero trust network is. Reporting of any suspicious activity is also faster.

Best Practices

Best Practice #1: Firewall

A firewall is one of your first defenses against various threats. It observes inbound and outbound web traffic for any sign of suspicious activity.

Best Practice #2: Web URL Filtering

Every unknown application and process will run inside a container. This ensures that they will not harm your network. Another term for application containerization is auto-sandboxing. This also defeats zero-day attacks.

Best Practice #3: Application Containerization

Web URL filtering gives a specific group of users access to a certain website. Users have no access to non-work related websites because of security reasons. If everyone has unrestricted web access, malware can infiltrate and infect the network.

Best Practice #4: Antivirus

A cybercriminal can orchestrate attacks through malware. Your antivirus software should be able to defend you against the following:

• Viruses.
• Trojans.
• Worms.
• Rootkits.
• Spyware.
• Adware.
• Ransomware.

Best Practices #5: Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS)

This is similar to an intrusion detection system, or IDS. It watches important operating system activities to ensure protection against malware intrusion.

Best Practice #6: File Lookup Services (LS)

This is a cloud-based service that conducts an immediate examination of suspicious files.

Conclusion

You learned about what is zero trust architecture and its amazing benefits, as well as the best practices used when migrating to a zero trust network. For more information on what is zero trust architecture, please click here.