Clearly, organizations need more robust cybersecurity protections in place, which is leading many to adopt a zero-trust architecture approach.
Zero-trust flips conventional security on its head by shifting from an implicit trust model to one where verification is required every step of the way.
As cyberattacks proliferate and become more advanced due to trends like remote and hybrid workforces, cloud migrations, and digital transformation initiatives, zero-trust stands out as a logical model to counter these evolving threats.
Implementing zero-trust is a major undertaking requiring extensive planning, buy-in across departments, technological integration, and cultural change.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore critical considerations around transitioning legacy security into a zero-trust architecture.
By the end of this guide, cybersecurity, network, and IT leaders will have a solid foundation for strategizing, planning, and ultimately actualizing zero-trust architecture in their organizations.
Zero-trust architecture is centered around the concept of eliminating implicit trust in favor of continuous verification of every user, device, and network flow attempting to access resources.
Unlike traditional perimeter-based security, where authenticated users and devices are generally trusted everywhere once inside, zero-trust segregates access and privileges, requiring re-verification as users attempt to reach new resources.
Zero-trust assumes threats exist both outside and inside the network and limits lateral movement through micro-segmentation and granular access policies.
Implementing zero-trust is a complex undertaking involving people, processes, and technology.
Transitioning from legacy implicit trust designs to zero-trust represents a sweeping overhaul for most IT environments and security postures.
Much of the technology in place at companies was purchased when zero-trust principles were not top of mind or viewed as impractical.
Integrating or replacing dated systems that conflict with zero-trust will add cost, effort, and potential business disruption during transition states.
Organizations leveraging cloud platforms need to evaluate how zero-trust maps to infrastructure-as-a-service and software-as-a-service environments outside their full control and identify supplemental controls required on top of cloud-provided functionality.
First, let's examine the core components required to build a zero-trust architecture.
Transitioning to zero-trust comprises a technology transformation just as much as a process or cultural one.
Extending zero-trust to data itself via persistent usage auditing, classification schemes, rights management, and automated tools prevents exfiltration and misuse even once user access has been granted.
Cloud security posture drifts, or gaps could undermine broader zero-trust integrity if left unmonitored and misconfigured.
In addition to the deployment of new security tooling and platforms, zero-trust also relies heavily on the configuration of accompanying policies - stored as code rather than implicit rules.
Now, let's examine key integration and configuration steps technology leaders must spearhead to transform these isolated controls into an end-to-end zero-trust architecture.
This Cyber News was published on feeds.dzone.com. Publication date: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:13:04 +0000