What is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust is a security framework that requires all users, whether inside or outside the organization's network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated before being granted access to applications and data. It eliminates implicit trust based on network location.
Core Principles
Never Trust, Always Verify Every access request is fully authenticated and authorized.
Assume Breach Design systems assuming attackers are already inside.
Verify Explicitly Use all available data points for access decisions.
Least Privilege Access Limit access to only what's needed, when needed.
Zero Trust Architecture Components
Identity
- Strong authentication (MFA)
- Identity governance
- Privileged access management
Devices
- Device health verification
- Endpoint detection and response
- Mobile device management
Network
- Micro-segmentation
- Software-defined perimeter
- Encrypted communications
Applications
- Application-level access control
- API security
- Secure development practices
Data
- Data classification
- Encryption
- Data loss prevention
Implementation Steps
- Define protect surface
- Map transaction flows
- Build Zero Trust architecture
- Create Zero Trust policies
- Monitor and maintain
Zero Trust vs. Perimeter Security
| Traditional | Zero Trust |
|---|---|
| Trust internal network | Trust nothing |
| Castle and moat | Micro-perimeters |
| VPN for remote | Identity-based access |
| Network-centric | Identity-centric |