Protecting an organization’s data resources in the cloud can be a challenging task. The complex hybrid and multi-cloud environments favored by many companies can be difficult to secure from external and internal threat actors. Adopting a comprehensive cybersecurity approach is critical to providing the level of protection required by an organization’s valuable IT systems and data resources.
Zero Trust is a cybersecurity strategy based on the premise that no entity interacting with an IT environment should be implicitly trusted. Entities are defined as users, devices, or applications. The Zero Trust security model requires an entity to be authorized and authenticated at each step of an interaction with the environment.
Embracing a Zero Trust approach can be instrumental in addressing the difficulties of protecting cloud resources. A majority of companies are considering or currently actively moving toward a Zero Trust security model. This article looks at the benefits of implementing Zero Trust security to safeguard your cloud infrastructure.
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The Zero Trust security model, introduced in 2010, revolutionized cybersecurity by eliminating implicit trust in any connection, internal or external. This approach emphasizes strict identity verification, fine-grained authorization, and continuous monitoring for all users and devices attempting to access network resources.
Unlike traditional security models that trust entities within the network perimeter, Zero Trust assumes potential threats are already present and requires verification at every step. Key components of this model include access management, authentication, network analytics, and threat scoring.
Implementing Zero Trust in cloud environments presents unique challenges due to the transient nature of virtual machine components, necessitating a cloud-specific approach that focuses on strict verification for all accesses and workloads. Organizations adopting Zero Trust for the cloud should follow a methodical approach, including asset cataloging, infrastructure mapping, and developing user access plans, while ensuring ongoing maintenance and adaptation to evolving threats.
Zero Trust is a perspective on providing cybersecurity that addresses the weaknesses of traditional, perimeter-based security techniques. Legacy security strategies were focused on keeping threat actors out of an organization’s IT environment by restricting access at the network level. Once an entity gained access to the infrastructure, it was granted a degree of authorization that allowed movement throughout the environment.
This legacy security strategy was typically sufficient to protect IT resources contained in a closed, on-premises infrastructure. Simply keeping threat actors out of the environment provided reliable security for an organization’s systems and data.
Threats from outside the organization were effectively handled by firewalls and other types of network security. The expansion of cloud computing solutions and the realization of the risks of insider threats combine to make this traditional method of securing the environment obsolete.
One of the major benefits of cloud environments is the universal availability of resources to anyone with an internet connection. This feature supports a remote workforce and promotes collaboration with teams located anywhere in the world.
The ease with which resources can be accessed increases the difficulty associated with protecting them. Organizations no longer have a well-defined perimeter to defend.
Security has to extend beyond the perimeter and take into account the possibility that entities already in the network need to be carefully monitored to ensure they do not access resources without authorization.
Zero Trust architecture significantly enhances security by inspecting every request, authenticating users and devices, and continually reassessing trust. This approach minimizes lateral movement within networks, effectively reducing the attack surface and limiting potential damage from breaches.
By implementing strict identity verification and microsegmentation, Zero Trust ensures that even if an attacker gains entry, they cannot access or steal data without establishing trust. This model also simplifies compliance with various regulations and supports smoother audits.
Zero Trust principles, such as explicit verification, using least-privilege access, and assuming breach, drive business agility while securing data and productivity. It enables organizations to build a secure hybrid workforce, safeguard critical assets, and modernize their security posture.
Additionally, Zero Trust for the cloud helps organizations stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements by providing a comprehensive strategy for data protection, management, and governance.
Implementing Zero Trust security involves a phased approach to minimize disruption to business operations. The process typically begins with visualization, where organizations catalog IT assets and map their infrastructure. This is followed by mitigation, where access policies are outlined and implemented.
Finally, optimization occurs, involving continuous maintenance and refinement of the security model. These stages are executed gradually, allowing for smooth integration into existing systems.
The implementation process remains largely similar whether applied to on-premises or cloud environments, focusing on tightly controlling access to critical systems and data.
Multiple Zero Trust frameworks are available to companies interested in implementing this cybersecurity approach. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a cloud-based Zero Trust architecture (ZTA) model defined in NIST Special Publication 800-207A. This document outlines policies and procedures necessary to implement Zero Trust for the cloud.
Following are some of the main points discussed in NIST SP 800-207A that should be incorporated when implementing Zero Trust for the cloud.
Data loss prevention solutions restrict access to valuable or sensitive data resources based on an organization’s pre-defined data handling policy. This functionality aligns with Zero Trust’s requirement to authenticate every interaction with the IT environment. DLP essentially implements the Zero Trust mindset in relation to the use of a company’s data assets.
The Reveal Platform by Next is a modern, cloud-native DLP platform built with today’s technology. It employs a non-intrusive self-auditing agent to identify and categorize data at the point of risk.
Reveal employs behavioral analytics to identify anomalous behavior that may indicate the presence of an insider threat. It also promotes enhanced security consciousness by providing user training at the point of risk with informative messages when a data access request is denied. Users will learn why the activity was restricted, minimizing future occurrences of the error.
Get in touch with the DLP experts at Next and schedule a demo to see the platform in action. Start applying Zero Trust security to your valuable data today.
Yes, the major cloud service providers support Zero Trust security and offer customers a roadmap to implementing it in their environments.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) is essential for Zero Trust in the cloud because of the expanded attack surface associated with cloud environments. The ability to access cloud resources from any internet connection raises the importance of authenticating users before allowing them to interact with systems and data assets. Once inside the environment, IAM should be enforced for each user request.
Zero Trust in the cloud addresses the risks of insider threats by authenticating users before permitting any interaction with the IT environment. Insiders are restricted from gaining access to resources they are not authorized to use, despite already having access to the infrastructure. Malicious insiders are prohibited from performing activities for which they are not explicitly authorized.
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