What is a Zero Trust Strategy?

Zero Trust Strategy Definition

A zero trust strategy is a modern cybersecurity model that treats all users, devices, and actions as potentially untrusted – whether they originate inside or outside the network. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on network perimeter defenses, zero trust emphases continuous verification and strict access controls for every interaction. This approach minimizes the risk of unauthorized access by requiring dynamic validation, monitoring of each user and device, and adapting to evolving threats with greater resilience and precision.

Zero Trust Strategy FAQs

How Does a Zero Trust Strategy Work?

Shifting from a perimeter-based security model to a zero trust strategy, where trust is never assumed, involves most, if not all, of the following aspects:

• Verify identity. Users, applications, and devices are not trusted by default. Instead, their identities are thoroughly verified before granting access to any resources.
• Least privilege access. Users and devices are given the absolute minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks. This limits the potential damage in case of a breach.
• Continuous monitoring. Ongoing monitoring of network traffic, user behavior, device status and many other signals, is conducted to detect any unusual, suspicious or unauthorized activities.
• Micro-segmentation. The network is divided into smaller, isolated zones to limit lateral movement of threats in case of a breach. Access between segments is tightly controlled.
• Strong authentication. Confirming user and device identities using strong multi-factor authentication (MFA), and avoiding the use of legacy authentication schemes such as username and password.
• Encryption. Data is protected from unauthorized access with strong encryption, both at rest, and in transit.
• Continuous access control. Access permissions are re-evaluated and adjusted in real-time based on user behavior and contextual information. If something appears suspicious, step-up authentication should then be required, otherwise access is denied, restricted or revoked.
• Security policies. Clear and strict security policies are well defined and enforced throughout the enterprise to ensure consistent security measures.
• User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA). Advanced analytics can help detect anomalies in user and device behavior that could indicate a potential security threat.
• Automation. Automated processes are used to enforce security policies, respond to threats, and manage access control, reducing the risk of human error.
• Education and training. Educate employees and users about security best practices to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to social engineering or phishing attacks.

Benefits of a Zero Trust Strategy

The primary benefit of zero trust is an overall enhanced security posture, but there are many lesser and specific reasons for organizations to design a zero trust strategy and architecture:

• Reduced attack surface. Zero trust reduces the attack surface and minimizes exposure in case of a breach, by limiting access to resources and preventing lateral movement within a network.

• Enhanced data protection. Zero trust principles of encryption and access control help safeguard data both in transit and at rest, ensuring that even if unauthorized access occurs, critical data remains protected.

• Adaptive security operations. The continuous monitoring and dynamic access control of zero trust allows enterprises to adapt to changing circumstances, security incidents, and threats in real-time.

• Mitigation of insider threats. Zero trust strategies monitor user behavior and access patterns, making it more difficult for malicious insiders to misuse their privileges undetected.

• Improved compliance. Many regulatory frameworks such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR demand a zero trust strategy. The Department of Defense (DoD) Zero Trust Strategy also requires strict data protection measures and access controls. These compliance requirements offer a combination of robust security framework and best practices, and are applicable not only within federal, state, and local agencies but many other enterprises, including internationally.

• Better user experience. While zero trust does enforce strict security that may appear to be cumbersome for users, when implemented well, it actually provides a more seamless user-friendly experience due to its consistency.

• Flexibility and remote work support. Zero trust frameworks can accommodate the growing trend of remote work by enabling secure access to resources from various locations and devices without relying on a traditional network perimeter.

• Cost savings. Implementing zero trust may require initial investments in technology and training, but it ultimately saves costs in the long run by reducing the impact of security incidents and breaches.

• Vendor agnostic. Zero trust solutions are vendor-agnostic, so organizations can select and integrate product options from various vendors that best fit their needs.

• Long-term relevance. A zero trust strategy service can adapt to evolving threats and technology landscapes, making it a long-term and future-proof cybersecurity strategy.

How to Implement a Zero Trust Strategy

Implementing a zero trust cybersecurity strategy involves a series of steps and considerations. Below is a general roadmap for enterprises looking to adopt a zero trust strategy:

• Assessment. Assess existing security infrastructure, policies, and practices. Identify critical assets, data, and resources that need protection.
• Define objectives and scope. Clearly define the goals and objectives for implementing zero trust, including the scope of the initiative, and which networks, users, devices, and applications will be included.
• Inventory and mapping. Create an inventory of all devices, users, and applications, with trust boundaries and data flows mapped out.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM). Implement robust identity and access management practices, including strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users. Define roles and ensure all users have least privilege access.
• Micro-segmentation. Segment the network into smaller, isolated zones to limit lateral movement. Apply strict access controls between segments based on user identity, alowable devices, and other contextual information.
• Network security. Implement network security controls, such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Create secure, dynamic, and on-demand network connections with a Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP).
• Data protection. Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest. Implement data loss prevention (DLP) solutions to prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.
• Continuous monitoring. Set up continuous monitoring and behavioral analytics to detect anomalies and threats in real-time. Establish and promote incident response procedures that promptly address security incidents.
• Security policies and governance. Develop and enforce clear security policies, including compliance with relevant regulations. Regularly audit, review and update security policies to adapt to changing threats and technologies.
• Integration and automation. Integrate security tools and solutions that work together seamlessly and support the zero trust architecture. Automate security processes wherever possible, including access provisioning and threat response.
• Testing and validation. Conduct regular penetration testing and security assessments to validate the effectiveness of the zero trust strategies and their implementation. Continuously evaluate and refine the strategy based on results and feedback.
• Vendor selection. Choose security vendors and technologies that align with the zero trust goals, and phase out those that do not. Ensure compatibility and interoperability between different solutions.
• Phased implementation. Implement zero trust architecture in phases to minimize disruptions and allow for gradual adjustment. Start with high-value assets and expand outward.
• Documentation and training. Document the zero-trust strategy, policies, and procedures that have been implemented, in addition to any potential changes. Provide training to both IT staff and end-users on the new security measures and practices, with the goal of increasing both awareness and buy-in.

Zero Trust Strategy Best Practices

The core best practices of a zero trust security strategy revolve around the same fundamental principles of “never trust, always verify” previously discussed. These practices are essential for successfully implementing and maintaining a zero trust security model:

• Strong authentication. Implement strong MFA to ensure that only authorized individuals gain access.
• Least privilege access. Enforce the principle of least privilege, so users and devices have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks. Regularly review and adjust access permissions based on job roles and responsibilities.
• Micro-segmentation. Divide the network into smaller, isolated segments or zones to limit lateral movement of threats. Apply strict access controls between the segments to ensure crossing into different zones is not only accounted for, but based on strong authentication of user identity.
• Continuous monitoring. Continuously monitor network traffic, user behavior, and device health to detect anomalies and potential threats. Identify suspicious activity with user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA).
• Data encryption. Always use strong data encryption protocols and conduct robust key management practices.
• Dynamic access control. Base access decisions on real-time context and user behavior, not static policies.
• Application-centric security. Shift from network-based security to application and user-centric security.
• User and device authentication. Authenticate devices, and not just users. Ensure devices meet security standards, such as up-to-date patches and adhere to known security configurations.
• Automation. Use automation to dynamically adjust and enforce security policies and access controls. Circumstances change quickly in cybersecurity, and automation can both mitigate risks quickly, and reduce the risk of human error. Use tools and technologies that can adapt to changing conditions.
• Incident response readiness. Develop a comprehensive incident response plan to respond effectively to security incidents. Test it periodically to ensure a rapid, coordinated response when the need eventuates.
• Vendor agnosticism. Select security solutions that are compatible and interoperable with various vendors. Avoid vendor lock-in to maintain flexibility in the security stack.
• Compliance and reporting. Align your zero trust strategy with industry regulatory requirements. Maintain documentation and reporting to demonstrate compliance.
• Executive buy-in and support. Gain support from top-level executives and leadership to ensure that the zero trust security model is prioritized and adequately resourced.

Zero Trust Strategy Use Cases

A zero trust strategy can be applied to a variety of use cases and across different industries to enhance cybersecurity, and protect critical assets:

• Secure remote work. Enterprises can use zero trust to ensure secure access to corporate resources from various locations and devices without relying on a traditional network perimeter.
• Protect cloud environments. Zero trust principles can secure access to cloud-based applications, data, and infrastructure, helping to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Privileged Access Management (PAM). Implementing zero trust for privileged users, such as administrators, can help ensure even trusted insiders have restricted access and can prevent misuse of privileges.
• IoT security. Internet of Things (IoT) devices are particularly vulnerable to attacks, but zero trust can secure the environment by continuously verifying the identity and integrity of these devices.
• Third-party access. Enterprises often grant access via external connections to third-party vendors or partners that zero trust can help secure, to minimize outside access against potential threats.
• Secure DevOps and containers. A zero trust DevOps environment can secure the continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline and protect containerized applications.
• Protect critical infrastructure. Industries like energy, utilities, and manufacturing use zero trust to secure critical infrastructure against cyberattacks that could have catastrophic consequences.
• Healthcare data security. Zero trust principles can protect patient data, ensure secure access to electronic health records, and mitigate the risk of data breaches.
• Financial services. Banks and financial institutions can leverage zero trust to enhance security for online banking, customer data protection, and secure access to vital financial systems.
• Government and defense. Agencies and defense organizations can apply zero trust to safeguard sensitive national security information and protect against cyber threats.
• E-commerce and retail. Retailers can use zero trust to secure customer data, e-commerce platforms, and payment processing systems, reducing the risk of breaches and fraud.
• Educational institutions. Zero trust can offer secure access to student and faculty, as well as research data to help institutions comply with regulations like FERPA.
• Supply chain security. Zero trust strategy can ensure that only trusted entities have access to sensitive digital supply chain data and systems.
• Multi-cloud environments. Enterprises using multiple cloud providers can apply a zero trust strategy to secure access across these different cloud platforms and data centers to create a cohesive and more manageable solution.
• Zero trust network access (ZTNA). ZTNA solutions offer secure, granular access to applications and resources, even for users connecting from untrusted networks.

Does Yubico Support a Zero Trust Strategy?

Yes! One way to accelerate the transition toward a zero trust strategy is through strong, purpose-built multi-factor authentication (MFA) that malicious actors cannot easily bypass. Implementing phishing-resistant MFA as part of a zero trust strategy ensures that only authenticated users and devices can access networks and data.

But not all MFA is created equal. Phishing-resistant MFA is foundational to accelerating the zero trust journey, and can greatly mitigate against modern cyber attack risks.

Learn more about Yubico’s zero trust strategy here.

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