Zero Trust security is rapidly changing the cybersecurity landscape. Zero Trust security protocol shifts controls from traditional perimeter-based security models. Every connection to your business assets is continuously verified before access to resources is granted. So effective is it that 56% of global organisations say adopting Zero Trust is a “Top” or “High” priority.
A zero-trust approach offers significant security advantages, but the transition process presents several potential pitfalls. Running into these can harm rather than help a company’s cybersecurity posture.
In this blog, we explore common pitfalls whilst offering guidance on navigating effective Zero Trust security adoption.
What is Zero Trust security?
A Zero Trust security model assumes that everything and everyone could be a potential threat. This is true even for all users, even those already inside a company network. Whilst it sounds like a drastic measure to take, it adds an effective lay of security and provides organisations with controls that allow it to better manage users.
The key tenets of Zero Trust are:
- A Policy of Least Privilege: company users are only given access to areas that are essential for them to perform their job role. This is managed using RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) measures, and access can be both granted and withdrawn at any time.
- Continuous Verification: Authentication isn’t ‘one and done”; it’s an ongoing process. Users and devices are being perpetually assessed against access rules configured by the business. If a user and/or device stops meeting these rules, they will be asked to reauthenticate.
- Micro-Segmentation: Networks are broken down into smaller areas. This mitigates the potential damage done to the wider network in the event of a security incident, as it allows for easier isolation and resolution of an issue.
The Most Common Zero Trust Implementation Mistakes
Thinking of Zero Trust as Product and Not A Strategy
A lot of software and hardware vendors pitch Zero Trust as a product feature, leading organisations to think of zero trust as a product. This is the wrong way to think of Zero Trust security. Zero Trust is a methodology and a philosophy and it should be used as such,
Zero Trust should form the basis of how and why a company uses products and applications. For example, using multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a key part of a Zero Trust security model; it helps support a company’s security posture.
Prioritising Technical Controls, Not People
Whilst the implementation of technical controls is crucial to the success of implementing a Zero Trust security model, a company’s culture and staff behaviour is just as key. It is important to communicate with employees and train them to understand what is required of them to help protect the business.
Not Taking Your IT Inventory
It’s hard to protect something if you don’t know that it exists. The best way to avoid this issue is to take an inventory that catalogs devices, users, and applications prior to implementing a Zero Trust model. Once you have done so, you can consider the roadmap to a successful rollout.
Overcomplicating the Rollout
As mentioned above, you should create a roadmap to help guide you through the process of implementing a Zero Trust security model.
A roadmap will stop you from attempting to do everything at once; something that can cause huge problems and cause unnecessary stress. Prioritise business-critical areas before expanding to other areas of your organisation.
Forgetting Third-Party Access
Whilst third parties may not be employees, they may need access to certain company assets. Forgetting them could serve a problem in the form of work stopping and tickets piling up. Whilst third parties are, by their nature, a security risk, you can manage this by effectively defining access controls and monitoring activity.
Zero Trust Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint
Building a Zero Trust environment takes time and great effort. To keep yourself on the right path, do the following:
- Set Realistic Targets: Define achievable milestones and take a moment to celebrate small wins along the way.
- Employ Continuous Monitoring: The threat landscape is evolving constantly. Monitor your Zero Trust system and adjust strategies as required.
- Invest in Training for Your Employees: include staff as active participants in your Zero Trust implementation. As is always true, security awareness training is vital.
With these pitfalls and the amount of effort required, is Zero Trust security worth adopting?
Yes. Something easy to do is rarely worth doing. Employing a Zero Trust security model will lead to enhanced data protection, an improved user experience, and increased levels of compliance.
