Zero-Trust Model - Is it Right For Your Business?
The Zero-Trust Security model shifts our thoughts about security. No, this isn’t some new product or service we’re trying to pitch. Instead, think of it this way: rather than identifying something you’d like to protect and building a wall around it to keep hackers on the outside, all users must constantly prove themselves trustworthy - whether inside or outside the network. In the world of constantly expanding remote work and cybersecurity, a shift to zero-trust security can be a game changer. Why zero trust? Well, it’s in the name: zero trust means “trust no one, verify everyone.” This cybersecurity concept arose because most data breaches often happen from the inside - such as when a hacker steals someone’s credentials, allowing them to move around virtually unchecked. According to recent research by IBM, the average data breach cost amounted to $4.24 million. And according to a recent study by Cybersecurity Insiders, 73% of organizations are in various stages of zero trust security adoption.
But before you can decide whether or not zero-trust security is the right move for your company, let’s dive deeper into how it works and some benefits of this shift in cybersecurity.
How Does Zero-Trust Security Work?
Zero-Trust security operates on two guiding principles: continuous validation and least-privileged access.
- Continuous Validation: Your cybersecurity uses a continuous process of authorization rather than a single validation. This means the user must prove their trustworthiness before moving through the network. One way to think about this is that there is a house, and each user has a unique set of keys to get in. Each user may have a key to get them into the front door, but each room inside the house requires another set of keys, and once you enter a room, the closet or dresser also requires a different key for each. In this example, the keys all represent other points of validation needed for each user to move throughout the network.
- Least-Privileged Access: Access is restricted based on each user’s identity and context. For example, one user might only be able to access the applications required to perform their job rather than access everything within the network.
Benefits of Zero-Trust Security
If you’re a company with remote workers, cloud-based services, or possibly both, the zero-trust security model is an ideal consideration for your business. There are several reasons for this. Remote works use a variety of wi-fi networks and devices - all of which have access to sensitive company information. The zero-trust model can help solve the issue of how to protect your company’s data by closing those security gaps. Other benefits include:
Specific Identity and Access Management
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is one of the first steps to a zero-trust model. IAM creates secure connections between people, devices, apps, and data by using a single identity solution that gives you flexibility and control. When used with multifactor authentication (MFA), every identity is verified before being granted access; Each employee’s access can be controlled in relation to their position in the company.
Simple Integration
A well-designed zero-trust security solution is easily integrated with an organization's identity management system. Users will benefit from a seamless and transparent authentication and access system. Since IT and security teams can easily define access policies that follow users across their devices, this will significantly reduce malware and ransomware attacks.
Easy Scalability
Since zero-trust security systems are cloud-native, it’s easy to scale across your entire workforce regardless of end-user location or choice of devices. This means you can rest assured that your company’s data is safe without disrupting your everyday workflows.
Interested in Zero-Trust Security for Your Business?
A successful zero-trust security approach aims to easily integrate, consolidate, and simplify many legacy cybersecurity technologies. This means no more IT headaches and late nights worrying about data breaches! You and your employees can rest assured that your company’s data is safe no matter where and on their working devices. Employees will have access to the resources they need to do their jobs.
Zero-trust systems can also help create automated threat responses and help track security threats. We know how important it is to keep your company running smoothly and securely. Implementing a zero-trust security system is worth considering as more employees move to remote or hybrid work environments. If you think this cybersecurity solution is right for your business or have questions about zero-trust security, our team can help! Our IT team is here to help alleviate your cybersecurity pain points. Just contact us to get started!