The Rise of Zero Trust Networks: A Proactive Solution for the Modern Threat Landscape

According to a recent report by Forrester, “the adoption of Zero Trust networks is on the rise and is expected to become the norm for many organizations”. Zero trust networks are designed to provide secure access to an organization’s systems and data by continually verifying users’ identities and permissions, regardless of their location or device. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and frequent, the need for more robust security measures has never been greater. Zero trust networks offer a proactive and comprehensive security approach tailored to the modern threat landscape. By implementing a Zero Trust network architecture, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and other cyber attacks while enabling more flexible and efficient employee access to resources.

What is Zero Trust Network? 

The Zero Trust Network security model operates under the assumption that all users, devices, and network resources could pose a potential threat. As a result, the model requires authentication, authorization, and encryption for every request, regardless of its origin, location, or purpose. The primary objective of the Zero Trust Network is to restrict access to sensitive data or resources exclusively to authorized users or devices. The model follows the “never trust, always verify” principle, wherein trust is established through continuous monitoring and validation of user and device conduct. 

How does Zero Trust Network work? 

Zero Trust Network is based on the following principles: 

1. Identify all network resources and their sensitivity levels: All network resources, including devices, data, and applications, must first be identified, evaluated, and their sensitivity levels determined to construct a zero-trust network. 
2. Authenticate and authorize every user and device: After identifying all available network resources, it is crucial to authenticate and allow each user and machine to access any network resource. This procedure involves confirming the device’s or user’s identity, looking for any security risks, and ensuring they have the necessary authorizations to access the resource. 
3. Encrypt all data in transit: Every data in transit must be encrypted using robust encryption algorithms to avoid illegal access and interception. 
4. Monitor and analyze network traffic: The Zero Trust Network model requires constant monitoring and analysis of network data since it helps identify any unusual behavior or security issues. This procedure entails setting up notifications and alerts to identify suspicious activities and prompt action to stop any potential dangers. 
5. Limit access based on the code of least privilege: The Zero Trust Network adheres to the idea of least privilege, which limits access to the minimum level required to carry out a specific task. This strategy reduces the potential damage a hacked user or device could cause. 

What advantages does the Zero Trust Network offer? 

1. Enhanced Security: ZTN offers a better level of security by operating under the presumption that no user or device is trusted by default. This strategy aids in reducing the risk of unapproved access, data breaches, and other security dangers. 
2. Better visibility and control: ZTN improves visibility and control over network resources by watching and examining all network traffic. This aids in identifying any potential security issues so that quick action can be taken to stop them. 
3. Easier compliance: ZTN offers a comprehensive framework for access control and security regulations, simplifying compliance with legal requirements. 
4. Flexibility and scalability: ZTN is highly flexible and scalable, making it easy to adapt to changing business needs and requirements. 

Auxin Insights

The Zero Trust Network security paradigm is quickly becoming necessary for safeguarding contemporary computer networks in today’s quick-paced, highly connected world. 

Zero Trust Network offers higher security, better visibility and control over network resources, and easier compliance with regulatory standards, assuming no user or device is trusted by default. Zero Trust Network is the perfect solution for businesses wishing to safeguard their valuable assets from online dangers, thanks to its adaptability and scalability.  

Auxin Security has experts in the field of SD-WAN and ZTA who would love to discuss ZTA, SD-WAN, and CASB with your organization.  For more knowledge, read our blogs on our website Auxin.io.