Cybersecurity threats are becoming more complex and widespread. As of 2023, social engineering attacks like phishing increased 62% from two years prior.
Traditional security models just can’t keep up with this influx of sophisticated threats, leading to more breaches and fines at scale. It’s critical for organizations to embrace a more proactive approach to cybersecurity, which is why more businesses are using Zero Trust architecture.
Zero Trust architecture is a cybersecurity model that requires continuous validation for all users, whether inside or outside the organization’s network, before granting access to applications or data. This agile security framework is the antidote to concerns over increasing cybersecurity threats, regardless of your organization’s size.
However, setting up Zero Trust can be challenging if your organization still follows a traditional model. In this guide, we’ll explain how Zero Trust architecture works and offer real-world examples to help you understand its practical applications.
In this article:
Traditional security models assume that everything inside an organization’s network is trustworthy. However, this perimeter-based approach has too many vulnerabilities, especially as organizations increasingly adopt cloud services, remote work, and IoT devices.
On the other hand, Zero Trust architecture assumes that threats could be both inside and outside the network, which requires a more rigorous and dynamic approach to security. When properly implemented, Zero Trust architecture can actually reduce security complexity.
Zero Trust architecture requires:
Zero Trust principles extend to application security by removing implicit trust between application components. This approach recognizes that applications themselves cannot be inherently trusted and require ongoing scrutiny.
Instead of assuming applications are secure once deployed, Zero Trust architecture mandates continuous monitoring during runtime to validate their behavior and ensure they operate as intended. This real-time observation allows for the detection of anomalies or potential security breaches within the application layer.
By applying the Zero Trust approach to applications, organizations can better protect against threats that may exploit vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in inter-component communications. This granular level of control and verification aligns with the core Zero Trust tenet of "never trust, always verify," extending it beyond network boundaries to the application level itself.
Zero Trust architecture is the cornerstone of an effective cybersecurity strategy. Best practices will get you far, but it’s also helpful to understand how other organizations implement Zero Trust policies. Check out these Zero Trust architecture examples to design an airtight strategy for your business.
Google pioneered the Zero Trust model with its BeyondCorp initiative. This model shifts access controls from a wide perimeter to each user and device.
The system grants access based on user identity, device status, and context, such as location or time. Google also segments the network into smaller zones and continuously verifies every access attempt.
However, tighter security doesn’t hurt the user experience. In fact, employees can access corporate applications from any location without a traditional VPN.
Microsoft employs a comprehensive Zero Trust strategy across its enterprise, integrating it into products like Azure Active Directory and Microsoft 365. Microsoft uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) and conditional access policies to ensure that only verified users can access critical assets.
It also ensures that all devices accessing the network comply with security policies through Microsoft Intune and uses advanced analytics and AI to monitor user behavior and detect anomalies.
IBM developed a Zero Trust security framework that integrates various security solutions to protect data and systems across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. The platform conducts continuous user authentication and device compliance checks to ensure secure access.
IBM also uses encryption and data loss prevention (DLP) technologies to safeguard sensitive information and mobilizes AI to respond to threats in real time.
Zero Trust architecture is a paradigm shift for cybersecurity, particularly in the age of digital transformation. It focuses on rigorous verification and least privilege access to protect critical assets, sensitive data, and systems.
By understanding and implementing Zero Trust, organizations can improve their security posture and better defend against cyber threats. As you consider adopting Zero Trust principles, the examples provided can serve as a blueprint for your own efforts.
Some organizations design and implement Zero Trust policies independently, but the most efficient way to embrace Zero Trust is by implementing a security platform aligned with the Zero Trust approach. The Reveal Platform by Next uses Zero Trust principles to streamline insider risk management, device management, incident inspection, visibility, and much more.
Book your Reveal demo now to see it in action.
Integrating Zero Trust architecture with existing security infrastructure requires:
Implementation takes time and resources, especially if the business uses legacy systems. Employees may also resist changes to security protocols they perceive as inconvenient or disruptive. They will likely need change management and additional training to accept the new solution.
Endpoint devices are usually the first point of access to the network. Zero Trust ensures security through:
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