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Patrick Martin

By: Patrick Martin on October 18, 2024

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Zero Trust Security Framework Explained: What Is It And Do I Need It?

Cybersecurity

What is Zero Trust and what does it include? How will implementing a Zero Trust strategy strengthen my IT infrastructure security posture? Can Zero Trust be added to my existing systems seamlessly?

If you’re like many small and medium-sized businesses, you may be asking these and other questions when it comes to protecting your network against cyber threats.

A Zero Trust security framework is a cybersecurity model that protects an organization’s sensitive data by relying on the premise that threat actors are lurking all around, both within and outside your network infrastructure.

The rapid rise of cloud migration and the growing trend toward hybrid and remote work models are driving factors in the increasing demand for Zero Trust.

It recognizes that your network perimeter can include on premises data centers, cloud storage and computing, and remote devices and applications.

Zero Trust requires that all users be constantly validated, abandoning the old method of “trust first, verify later.” By upending the traditional implicit trust model, Zero Trust’s system of continual verification is designed to better safeguard modern business environments against cyber threats.

After reading this article, you will have a thorough understanding of what Zero Trust principles are and the steps you need to take to implement this effective security strategy.

What Is A Zero Trust Security Framework?

A Zero Trust approach incorporates many factors since each device or user must be verified at every stage of interaction.

Zero Trust predetermines and regulates communication between users, devices, and applications. It requires that everyone trying to access your network provide more than one method of verification (or multi-factor authentication).

The basic philosophy behind Zero Trust is what’s known as “least privilege access,” or zero trust network access (ZTNA). This security measure simply approves the least amount of access needed for users to do their jobs. It also provides end-to-end encryption over the internet to ensure secure remote access to data on your network.

Following its fundamental principle of “never trust, always verify,” Zero Trust’s demand for continuous authentication means no one and nothing is to be trusted by default.

Zero Trust assumes that breaches can happen both inside and outside your network. By limiting network authorization on a need-to-know basis, Zero Trust restricts movement within your IT network to prevent hackers from gaining access to your sensitive files and applications.

You might be wondering at this point what goes into launching a Zero Trust framework?

While the concept is relatively straightforward, seamlessly weaving it into an established network environment is far from simple.

That’s because it can mean significant changes to your IT infrastructure and logistics and require knowledgeable personnel to handle it.

Here are the main components of a Zero Trust security framework:

  • Critical asset identification and verification
  • Strong multi-factor authentication of user
  • Biometrics
  • Device privileges and certification
  • Identity and Access Management
  • Endpoint security
  • Data and email encryption
  • Geolocation
  • Firmware updates
  • Authentication protocol and risk assessment

As you can see, Zero Trust encompasses many different security systems within your network. So, while Zero Trust does offer advanced protection for your IT infrastructure, its complexity also means that it will require more time and cost more to implement than standard measures.

Establishing A Zero Trust Model: 3 Essential Components

Before you can get started in setting up Zero Trust, it is important to have a team in place to begin evaluating your entire IT environment. Undertaking a Zero Trust architecture means having a thorough understanding of your assets and how they function within your IT landscape.

3 steps to launching a Zero Trust Security Framework:

1. Evaluate Your IT Infrastructure

To begin your Zero Trust implementation journey, start by conducting a thorough inventory of your IT environment, including users, devices, data, applications and services. You can then classify and segment these critical assets by roles, device types, services, identity, or group functions.

A systemwide review and audit analysis will help you know your starting point and understand what vital assets you have that need safeguarding.

A Zero Trust Security Model uses real-time visibility to evaluate all access requests. So, you have to identify who your users are, the applications they use, and their methods of access.

2. Establish Your Policies and Procedures

From here, you can set up controls to regulate access to the critical assets you identified, being mindful of your existing protocols as well as any regulatory requirements.

Develop and launch a policy of continuous tracking and monitoring as the basis for your Zero Trust framework. This process should include devising an effective incident response plan to cyber threats to allow time for an appropriate response and to mitigate damage.

A comprehensive Zero Trust system will evaluate your established policies and user behavior in real-time to guard against possible cyberthreats. In this way, Zero Trust acts as a perpetual security system to watch over your organization’s IT infrastructure.

Federal regulations such as NIST 800-171 and CMMC establish robust cybersecurity requirements for companies doing business with the Department of Defense.


Related Article: CMMC Timeline: What You Need To Know Before It’s Too Late


The regulations are meant to better safeguard federal contract information (FCI) and controlled unclassified information (CUI) among DoD contractors and subcontractors that handle such sensitive information.

While adopting a Zero Trust security framework is not a requirement, it is a best practice for organizations looking to optimize their security.

3. Create Cybersecurity Buy-in Within Your Organization

Change is never easy, and trying to implement new processes and procedures as part of your overall security initiative will require that everyone within your organization is on board.

Providing employee security awareness training is an essential part of fostering employee buy-in.

The cybersecurity education helps staff to not only be able to identify potential threats, but also to understand how to avoid them altogether. They also learn what to do and who to reach out to in the event of a cyber incident.


Related Article: Why Employee Security Awareness Training Helps Prevent Cyber Incidents


With regular employee security awareness training, your employees will be positioned to act as the front line of defense against hackers, protecting your critical data and systems.

Where Do I Go From Here To Adopt A Zero Trust Strategy For My Business?

After reading this article, you now know the main components of Zero Trust and the 3 essential steps you need to take in order to implement an effective zero trust strategy.

If the complexities of implementing a Zero Trust security platform seem daunting, you may be wondering where to turn from here.

Some organizations have in-house resources that can take a leadership role in integrating the security protocols needed for compliance with the CMMC 2.0 rules. Others may need to reach out to an external managed IT services provider for assistance. 

If you are looking for outside help, we encourage you to check out several providers to ensure that you get the right fit for your business.

No matter how you choose to proceed, take action today so that your organization is both protected from cyber threats and prepared to meet security regulatory compliance.

We believe so strongly in the importance of evaluating several providers that we’ve already done some of the legwork for you. Read this honest comparison of Walker Vs. Kelser to see how we stack up against one of our competitors.

Kelser provides managed IT support services that help customers meet compliance and regulatory requirements.

We understand, however, that managed IT isn’t right for every organization. That’s why we are committed to providing educational articles like this one that explain important IT topics business leaders like you need to know. 

If you still have questions about adopting a Zero Trust security framework or need help with network security click the button and one of our IT experts will reach out to schedule a 15-minute call to learn about your current technology situation, pain points, and security goals. (No sales pitch; just a conversation.)

 

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About Patrick Martin

As vice president, engineering services, Patrick tackles technical challenges on a daily basis. He enjoys working with customers to help them use technology effectively to achieve their strategic business goals and objectives.

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