Understanding Zero Trust: The Security Concept that Challenges Traditional Perimeters 

What is Zero Trust? 

Zero Trust is a security concept centered on the belief that organizations should not automatically trust anything inside or outside its perimeters and instead must verify anything and everything trying to connect to its systems before granting access. 

 

How Does Zero Trust Work? 

The Zero Trust model operates on several key principles: 

  1. Verify Explicitly: Zero Trust requires that every access request is authenticated, authorized and encrypted before granting access. This means that every user, device, and system must prove their identity and permissions before they can access resources. This is often achieved through multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access. 
  1. Use Least Privilege Access: This principle involves giving users the minimum levels of access — or permissions — they need to perform their work tasks. This can significantly reduce the potential damage caused by a user falling victim to a phishing attack or other forms of compromise. 
  1. Assume Breach: In a Zero Trust model, organizations operate under the assumption that breaches will occur, and therefore, focus on limiting the potential impact of a breach. This is done by segmenting the network, user, devices and application awareness and applying micro-perimeters around resources to prevent lateral movement of threats. 

 

Why Some Companies Will Never Achieve Zero Trust 

While the Zero Trust model is a powerful tool for enhancing an organization’s security posture, there are several reasons why some companies may struggle to fully implement it: 

  1. Legacy Systems: Many older systems were not designed with Zero Trust in mind and may not support the necessary security protocols. Upgrading these systems can be costly and time-consuming, and in some cases, may not be possible without replacing the entire system. 
  1. Complexity: Implementing Zero Trust is not a simple task. It requires a deep understanding of an organization’s IT environment, including its data flows, assets, and connections. It also requires the ability to continuously monitor and log events for anomalies, which can be a complex undertaking in large or distributed environments. 
  1. Resistance to Change: People are often resistant to change, particularly when it comes to new technology. Employees may see Zero Trust as an inconvenience, particularly if it makes their work more difficult or time-consuming. Overcoming this resistance requires clear communication about the benefits of Zero Trust and training to help employees understand how to work within a Zero Trust environment. 
  1. Cost: Implementing Zero Trust can be expensive. It may require a significant investment in new technology, resources, and ongoing costs for monitoring and maintaining the Zero Trust environment. 

 

While achieving Zero Trust can be challenging, with the right approach and resources, it is possible for many organizations. It requires a clear understanding of the principles of Zero Trust, a commitment to overcoming challenges, and a willingness to invest in the necessary technology and training.