By: John Shepler
Network security is a major concern for businesses today. One might even miss the days of isolated computers, unconnected to any network.
However, even those isolated computers weren’t entirely secure. Malware could still spread and confidential files could be copied through physical transfer of files using floppy disks. The challenge today is that modern networks, encompassing local networks, data centers, multiple cloud platforms, and the internet, make it incredibly difficult to track who is accessing the network and their intentions.
A single security breach in a corporate network can lead to millions of dollars in losses. Ransomware attacks can amplify these costs significantly and cause widespread disruption. The solution lies in adopting a “zero trust security” model, where the system operates with inherent suspicion towards all users and devices.
What is Zero Trust and How is it Different?
Traditional network security is often compared to a castle protected by a moat. The castle represents the corporate network, where everyone inside is assumed to be trustworthy and friendly. Anyone outside the moat is perceived as a potential threat. The drawbridge symbolizes the firewall, responsible for granting access to authorized individuals while keeping threats at bay. This model assumes that all threats originate from the internet.
This approach has a couple of flaws. Firstly, threats can originate from within the network itself. These could be individuals disguised as trustworthy employees, such as spies, infiltrators, or even trusted employees who have turned malicious. Our tendency to trust our colleagues can work against us. Automatically trusting vendors and customers adds another layer of vulnerability.
The tale of the Trojan Horse illustrates another vulnerability. A seemingly harmless entity is allowed inside, only to wreak havoc once inside. This highlights the danger of naive individuals within an organization unknowingly granting access to malicious actors, leading to devastating consequences.
The lesson here is that organizations can be easily compromised by a single misstep. A zero-trust model eliminates implicit trust, verifying everyone and everything. Network security should not be misconstrued as a lack of integrity, but rather a measure to enhance security for all and prevent minor oversights from escalating into major crises. This involves implementing robust security protocols both within and outside the network.
What Makes Zero Trust Work?
The foundation of Zero Trust security is the principle of verification. Every user and device connected to the network must undergo authentication to prove their identity and verify their access privileges. Logging in doesn’t automatically grant unrestricted access to all files and peripherals on the network.
Instead, access is granted based on the principle of least privilege, where users only have access to the information and resources essential for their specific roles. This entails dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments, each requiring separate authentication. For instance, an employee might have access to specific data necessary for their job function, but not to sensitive information like trade secrets or financial records. Access to HR files would be restricted unless explicitly authorized.
Each user and device has a unique profile that defines their access rights and limitations. Network administrators use these profiles to grant or deny access requests. Users might encounter session timeouts, requiring them to re-authenticate to maintain access to specific resources. Multi-Factor Authentication, which combines a password with a code sent to a mobile device or a physical security key, is particularly valuable for internet-based access or when handling highly sensitive data.
Implementing and maintaining Zero Trust Security requires considerable effort, but it’s an effective way to safeguard your network and data from hackers and other malicious actors. If you’re feeling vulnerable, explore options to fortify your network security.
