What is "Zero Trust"? ~Strategy and Effects~
- Pipeline Co. Ltd.
- Oct 8
- 6 min read
What is Zero Trust? Strategy and Effects
Zero Trust is an approach to strengthening a company's security system. In the traditional security model, the idea of "trusted inside, untrusted outside" was common, where the internal network was trusted and the outside world was distrusted. However, the Zero Trust model removes this boundary and uses the fundamental principle of not trusting any access, whether internal or external, and always verifying it.
The Fundamental Requirements of Zero Trust
Specifically, the requirements are as follows:
Least Privilege
Users and systems should only have the minimum access privileges necessary, reducing the risk of privilege abuse.
Strict access control
All users and devices must undergo strict authentication and authorization before accessing the network.
Microsegmentation
Segmenting your network into smaller pieces increases security, preventing attackers from moving freely within your network.
Multi-factor authentication
Use two or more factors of authentication rather than just passwords.
Endpoint Security
All devices undergo security checks and are only allowed to connect to the network if they are deemed safe.
Real-time monitoring and response
Monitor security events in real time and respond immediately if anomalies are detected.
Zero Trust Strategy
The Zero Trust strategy involves implementing the following:
Continuous Risk Assessment
We regularly conduct risk assessments and update our security policies.
Clarifying security policies
Set clear guidelines and policies and communicate them to your employees.
Introducing technological solutions
Appropriate security software and hardware must be in place.
Employee training
Employee education and training is important to improve security awareness.
Collaboration with partners and suppliers
Security needs to be considered not only within the company, but across the entire ecosystem, including partners and suppliers.
When adopting a zero trust model, companies must take the above requirements and strategies into account and implement them appropriately to fit their business. Security needs are constantly changing, so a flexible and adaptable approach is necessary.
The Benefits of Zero Trust
The benefits of adopting a zero trust security model are many and varied, including the following key benefits:
Strengthening measures against internal threats
While traditional security models rely on trusting internal networks, Zero Trust addresses threats from within, strengthening defenses against data leaks and malicious activity by insiders.
Improving remote access security
With the increase in remote work, external access has become the norm. The Zero Trust model makes it easier to ensure security by implementing strict access control and verification even for remote access.
Reduced attack surface
Least privilege and micro-segmentation reduce the opportunities an attacker has to propagate within a network, thereby reducing the attack surface and localizing the impact of a security incident.
Meeting compliance requirements
To meet strict data protection regulations, Zero Trust enforces need-to-know data access, strengthening data protection and privacy.
Improved real-time monitoring and response capabilities
Continuous monitoring and automated response ensures you're prepared to respond quickly to security incidents.
Cloud compatibility
Zero Trust easily integrates with cloud-based services, strengthening data protection in cloud environments.
Improved user experience
Users can access resources securely from anywhere, ensuring security without sacrificing productivity.
Increased business flexibility and scalability
A flexible security model allows you to quickly adapt to new business needs and technology adoption.
Cost reduction
By reducing the number and impact of security incidents, you can expect to reduce security-related costs in the long run.
Furthermore, it not only improves the security of your business infrastructure, but also brings about changes in employee awareness and work behavior.
Impact on employees
Change access privileges
Least privilege policies may mean that employees are only granted access to the minimum resources they need, which can impact their access to information and systems they need to do their jobs.
Tighter login process
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds multiple authentication steps to the login process, which increases security but requires a bit more effort from employees.
Frequent security checks
Security policy enforcement and monitoring will be strengthened, with employees undergoing routine security checks, which may include device health checks and dynamic risk assessments of access attempts.
Increased security awareness
Increased security training and education will continually raise employee security awareness, which will require them to consider security in their work practices.
Using the new tools
Zero Trust requires the use of new security tools and software, which means employees need to become familiar with new systems.
Improved remote access
The zero trust model is useful for supporting remote and mobile work, enabling flexible working styles by providing anywhere access from a secure environment.
Changes in Communications
There may also be changes in the way employees communicate and share data, with security considerations being introduced, leading to a different approach than traditional methods.
Incident response
A reporting and response process will be established when a security incident or anomaly is discovered, and employees are expected to act promptly in accordance with this process.
To realize these benefits, Zero Trust is based on transforming the security culture throughout an organization and embedding security into business processes, allowing organizations to more effectively address modern threats.
Moving to Zero Trust
The cost and time it takes to transition to a Zero Trust model will vary greatly depending on factors such as:
Organization size
Larger enterprises manage large numbers of users, devices, and applications, so migrations require more time and resources.
Current state of IT infrastructure
If you have legacy systems or customized solutions, the migration can be more complex and time-consuming.
Implementing necessary security technologies
The more new technologies required, such as multi-factor authentication, endpoint security solutions, and identity management tools, the higher the costs.
Policy and process redesign
Developing and implementing a zero trust policy requires reviewing existing policies and creating new ones, which can take time.
Employee training and cultural change
Employee training programs and awareness-raising are also costly and time-consuming, and Zero Trust is not just a technology change; it also involves a cultural shift.
Project Management and Support
Costs also vary depending on whether you use internal resources or external consultants to manage the migration project.
The specific costs and time are estimated as follows:
Initial cost:
This can include purchasing new security solutions, upgrading systems, or hiring external expert advice.
Operating costs:
The costs of maintaining the new system, regular training and monitoring will continue.
Transition period:
This can be a project that lasts for a few months in a small organization or several years in a large company.
In reality, detailed cost estimates and timelines are required depending on your organization's specific circumstances. The transition is often phased, with risk managed as you gradually adopt Zero Trust principles rather than doing it all at once.
Latest Trends
The concept of zero trust security continues to evolve, with several emerging trends emerging.
Cloud-native security integration
Zero Trust principles are being applied to cloud-native applications and services, and there is an accelerating trend to incorporate Zero Trust into cloud security architectures.
Enhanced endpoint security
The rise of remote work has led to increased security for endpoint devices, placing greater emphasis on solutions like endpoint detection and response (EDR) and mobile device management (MDM).
Leveraging AI and machine learning
AI and machine learning are used to monitor and manage your Zero Trust environment, enabling real-time detection of anomalous behavior and automated security countermeasures.
The evolution of identity access management (IAM)
As user identity becomes the new security perimeter, IAM solutions are becoming more sophisticated, with multi-factor authentication and risk-based access control becoming standard features.
Security Orchestration and Automation (SOAR)
Security automation and orchestration are gaining popularity, with many organizations adopting SOAR solutions to speed up and streamline response to security events.
Microsegmentation
Micro-segmentation, which divides networks into smaller pieces and securely manages each segment, is becoming increasingly popular, effectively preventing insider threats and lateral movement.
Cybersecurity Mesh
Cybersecurity mesh architectures are gaining traction, enabling distributed identity and policy management, providing uniformity and flexibility for security across different locations and platforms.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Instead of VPNs, ZTNA is being promoted, which allows users access only to the applications they need, while hiding access to the network itself.
These trends are evolving to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of implementing and maintaining Zero Trust principles in an increasingly complex security environment. By embracing these new technologies and strategies, organizations are strengthening their security posture and preparing to adapt to the changing threat landscape.
conclusion
The Zero Trust security model is a modern approach to strengthening enterprise security and is based on the principle of "never trust, always verify" to address internal and external threats. This model replaces traditional perimeter-based security by requiring users and devices to be verified at every access point.
Zero Trust implementation includes requirements such as least privilege, strict access control, microsegmentation, multi-factor authentication, endpoint security, and real-time monitoring. Meeting these requirements requires continuous risk assessment, clear security policies, implementing technical solutions, training employees, and collaborating with partners and suppliers.
Moving to a zero trust model means new security processes and tools for employees, modified access privileges, and stricter login processes, but it also strengthens protection against insider threats, improves remote access security, and helps organizations better meet compliance requirements and strengthen endpoint security.
Recent trends, such as the integration of cloud-native security, the use of AI and machine learning, the evolution of identity access management, automated security orchestration, microsegmentation, cybersecurity mesh, and zero trust network access (ZTNA), are key developments that make the zero trust model easier to implement, more efficient, and more effective.
