One of the most critical steps in securing an organization’s infrastructure is planning and implementing a strategy that will allow them to manage its various security programs. There are a variety of frameworks that security leaders can use to improve their programs. One of these is the zero trust security model, which is a different approach from other security frameworks.
The concept of zero trust security is that all resources, devices, and users are considered untrustworthy regardless of their location or identity.
This is different from traditional security frameworks, which typically create security control boundaries that are designed to protect only those individuals on the outside. With zero trust, there is no boundary, and everything is not inherently secure.
A zero trust network access (ZTNA) from a company like Zscaler is a type of security framework that creates a context-based, logical boundary around an app or set of applications. Despite being more restrictive, zero trust security is still beneficial because it allows organizations to protect their digital assets and sensitive data from unauthorized access. This is because the increasing number of devices and users has created a need for more secure networks.
Benefits of a Zero Trust Network
1. Accuracy of Inventory
One of the most important steps that organizations must take when implementing zero trust security is to clearly understand the various resources and devices that are part of their infrastructure. This will allow them to make informed decisions regarding their security programs.
2. Improved Alerting and Monitoring
When implementing zero-trust security, it is important to clearly understand the different people who have access to the infrastructure. This will allow them to make informed decisions regarding their security programs.
One of the most critical factors that security leaders need to consider when it comes to monitoring their zero trust security framework is the availability of tools that can help them identify and respond to security issues.
3. Enhanced End-User Experience
One of the most common factors that end users think about when it comes to security is the difficulty of keeping track of the multiple passwords they need to access their various applications and data. One way to simplify this process is by implementing a single sign-on solution that can provide a single sign-on for all of your devices.
4. Streamlined Creation of Security Policies
Traditional security models used a combination of tools to prevent unauthorized access to the network. This method leaves parts of the infrastructure vulnerable when one of the security tools gets misplaced or is not maintained properly.
5. Flexibility
As the needs of the business change, so does the need for the technology that supports them. When it comes to moving applications and data to the cloud or vice versa, a security administrator has to create a new security policy for each new location manually.
This process can be very time-consuming and can lead to security vulnerabilities. With zero trust security, it eliminates the need for manual creation and management of security policies. By using automation tools, security administrators can easily migrate these policies to new locations.
Zero trust security is considered an insurance policy against the loss or theft of sensitive data. Given the cost of implementing and managing a comprehensive zero trust security framework, the organization must consider this a well-spent investment.