All you need to know about Zero Trust Policies
Today, our world has digitalized, and technology has progressed by a mile. All this has enabled the users and security perimeters to exchange data. That said, there are several data-sharing models for which the data was and is transferred. The most popular being the castle and moat model. The castle and moat model includes devices, users, and applications within the assigned network trustworthy.
Previously, this model may seem fine when employees were only allowed to share the authenticated data from the company's workstation and servers, all of which were monitored by the security perimeter. However, today, where the use of personal devices, such as laptops and mobiles, has become common in the workplace, companies' valuable data is no longer safe. This is where the zero-trust policy comes into play.
What is a zero-trust policy?
The zero-trust policy is a data sharing model that follows the "Do not trust" policy. According to this method, devices, users, and applications within or outside a particular network set by a company's security professional are not deemed trustworthy. Compared to the castle and moat model, the zero-trust policy is more efficient and protects the valuable asset of a company.
To enter a particular network assigned by the professionals, a device must follow security authentication steps to be labeled trustworthy. With the zero-trust model, companies can monitor access control and see the transfer of data from point A to point B, which can safeguard the data.
How does the zero-trust policy work?
Zero-trust policy has some core principles, or fundamental steps, making the zero-trust model one of the most secure data sharing models.
- 1. Micro-segmentation
By default, a network is a single network, and in the castle and moat model, each authenticated device within that network can access it. However, this is not the case with a zero-trust policy. Zero-trust policy integrates micro-segmentation, which involves dividing a single network into zones.
Each zone is protected and monitored with different parameters. Devices, users, or even applications having different zones cannot communicate with each other unless authorized.
- 2. Multi factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication, shortened as MFA, is another principle the zero-trust policy follows. MFA involves the users verifying their identity by more than one means.
Examples of MFA include getting a code on both emails and mobile phones (OTP) after users have entered their login credentials. Other forms of MFA include fingerprint scans, retina scans, facial scans, and more.
- 3. Single-sign on
Single sign-on authentication is also an integral part of the zero-trust policy. Single-sign allows users to access a network if they have already logged in to one of the reputable platforms deemed authenticated by the security professionals.
One of the common examples of singe-sign on authentication includes logging on YouTube, play store, and other google apps just by creating and logging into your Gmail account.
- 4. Limited access or less privileged data access
Less privileged data access means allowing users within zones or a network limited access to data. This core principle includes the security professionals having absolute control in which you can access the company's data.
- 5. Encryption is the key
All users' login credentials and valuable data present over a network are encrypted. This means fewer cyberattacks and misuse of the leaked information if the data leaks in case of a tragedy or a cyberattack.
How are they helpful?
- As specified earlier, the core principles of the Zero-trust policy. These core principles are beneficial in numerous ways. Some of those include:
- - Dividing a network into zones prevents the whole network from getting breached in case a single zone gets breached. This saves a ton of valuable data.
- - MFA ensures that a non-authorized person does not enter a network or a zone, which protects both the data and the employees' privacy.
- - Single-sign-on makes the logging-in process more safe, secure and swift. Overall, it is more convenient.
- - With a less privileged data model, crucial data remains inside the cloud and the company's server.
Conclusion
The zero-trust policy can help protect your company and employees' data without putting anything at stake. Therefore, if you are considering integrating the zero-trust data sharing model, ensure to know its core principles and how each contributes to safeguarding your data.