7 Facts About the Zero Trust Security Model

Trust is an excellent thing between two people — and a terrible thing between two computers. Today, over 70 percent of respondents polled have either adopted a zero trust security model or intend to adopt it. Zero trust security is a security model predicated upon never trusting anything, always verifying credentials and defaulting to the fewest permissions possible.

1. The zero trust security model is based on “never trust, always verify.”

In the beginning, most systems erred on the side of access. If they weren’t told to blacklist you, they would allow you to connect. Under a zero trust model, the opposite is true. Systems error on the side of disallowing access, unless explicitly told to provide access. As most companies have an ever-expanding network of endpoints (and an ever-expanding attack surface), the zero trust model becomes far more viable.

2. By default, zero trust network security will deny any action and any permission.

In addition to “never trust” and “always verify” the mantra continues: enforce least privilege. Even when access is granted, permissions will always be reduced to the minimum absolutely required. Under a zero trust security model, the best practice is always to give the fewest privileges that are strictly necessary.

3. The zero trust model of cybersecurity is inherently scalable.

Consider a “blacklist” system. If 20 people try to access it, 20 people gain access. If 2,000 people try to access it, 2,000 people gain access. The scale grows immeasurably unless the blacklist is continuously being increased and updated.

Under a “whitelist” system (a zero-trust model of cybersecurity), 20 people might be allowed. If 20 people try to access the system, 20 people access it. If 2,000 people try to access it… still only 20 people have access. The access is entirely under control.

4. Even small companies can adopt a zero trust security model.

It’s a myth that zero trust is something that only large organizations and enterprises embark upon. While large enterprises may have more to lose (and may have an expanded attack surface), every company today (even small ones) can benefit from the principles of the zero trust network security model.

In fact, smaller companies may even have more to gain. Small and mid-sized businesses are disproportionately under attack by cybercriminals, as they don’t just have troves of data, but they also tend to have worse security. When properly implemented, zero trust security models operate within the existing system and greatly improve security without improving the cost to the organization or needed administrative hours.

5. The zero trust network security model can be applied to existing networks.

An organization doesn’t have to completely redo its security solutions to apply a zero trust network security model.

Zero trust network security does involve some technology, but it’s largely a security principle and a security philosophy. This means that it can actually be applied to any network security that has tight controls over access and permissions.

Most companies will be able to retrofit their existing networks with a zero-trust network security model. Moreover, they should do this if they want to ensure that their network remains uncompromised.

6. Zero trust network security doesn’t just protect against external attacks.

In fact, most companies that adopt zero trust network security find that it lowers their administrative burden and improves their internal operations.

Zero trust network security errs on the side of revoking access and permissions. Effectively, this also means that employees are less likely to make mistakes, overwrite files or otherwise damage things that they shouldn’t have permission to alter.

Furthermore, it means that IT spends less time cleaning up messes and putting out fires. Less access and fewer permissions being granted means that less activity overall occurs. And because there are fewer cybersecurity issues, the IT team doesn’t have to respond to as many threats.

Additionally, companies have a lot to gain from the peace of mind — from knowing that their risks are as well-managed as possible.

7. An MSP can help an organization build its zero trust security model.

Many organizations are presently moving toward a zero-trust security model. But this is the type of large-scale infrastructure change that can easily be put off.

Some may worry that this infrastructure change could disrupt their existing operations or require extensive re-training. Others may find that their IT department just doesn’t have the time for a major transition.

But an MSP can help. An MSP can help an organization transition is network infrastructure to a zero trust security model, including building a project road map and supporting the changes through comprehensive employee training. An organization can consult with an MSP about the best security models for them — and find out how a zero trust model of cybersecurity can fit into their existing infrastructure.

If your system isn’t already operating on the zero trust model of cybersecurity, it’s time to explore it. Contact Red River today to learn more about the major advantages of a zero trust system.