Data is the lifeblood of any business in today’s digital world. But data also comes with risks, especially when it is stored, accessed, or shared across different devices, networks, and locations. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, targeting not only large corporations but also small and medium-sized businesses. According to a report by IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2020 was $3.86 million, and the average time to identify and contain a breach was 280 days.
To protect your data and business from cyber threats, you need a security model that adapts to the complexity and dynamism of the modern environment. That’s where zero trust security comes in.
What is meant by zero trust security?
Zero trust security is a security framework that requires all users, whether in or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. Zero trust security assumes that there is no traditional network edge; networks can be local, in the cloud, or a combination or hybrid with resources anywhere as well as workers in any location.
Zero trust security is based on the principle of “never trust, always verify”, which means that users and devices should not be trusted by default, even if they are inside the network perimeter. Instead, every access request should be verified using multiple factors, such as user identity, device health, location, data classification, and anomalies.
Why use zero trust security?
Zero trust security offers several benefits for businesses of all sizes and industries, such as:
– Enhanced data protection: By limiting user access to only what they need and encrypting data at rest and in transit, zero trust security reduces the risk of data breaches, leaks, or theft.
– Reduced attack surface: By segmenting access based on granular policies and minimizing lateral movement within the network, zero trust security prevents attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities or compromising credentials to access sensitive data or systems.
– Improved compliance: By enforcing consistent and auditable security controls across all devices, networks, and locations, zero trust security helps businesses comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
– Increased productivity: By enabling secure access to applications and data from anywhere and anytime, zero trust security empowers employees to work more efficiently and collaboratively.
What is an example of zero trust security?
One example of zero trust security is Microsoft’s Zero Trust Model, which provides a comprehensive framework for implementing zero trust security across six pillars: identity, devices, applications, data, infrastructure, and network. Microsoft’s Zero Trust Model leverages advanced technologies such as risk-based multi-factor authentication, identity protection, next-generation endpoint security, and cloud workload protection to verify user or system identity, consider the context of each access request, and maintain system hygiene.
What is zero trust security policy example?
A zero trust security policy is a set of rules that defines how users and devices can access applications and data in a zero trust environment. A zero trust security policy should be based on the following best practices:
– Use least-privilege access: Grant users only the minimum level of access they need to perform their tasks, and revoke access when it is no longer needed.
– Use just-in-time access: Grant users temporary access to resources only when they need it, and expire access after a predefined period of time.
– Use risk-based adaptive policies: Adjust user access based on real-time factors such as device health, location, behavior, or threat intelligence.
– Use data protection: Apply encryption, classification, labeling, and retention policies to data to prevent unauthorized access or leakage.
How to get started with zero trust security?
To get started with zero trust security, you need to assess your current security posture, identify your gaps and priorities, and plan your roadmap for implementation. You can use tools such as Microsoft’s Zero Trust Assessment Tool to evaluate your maturity level across the six pillars of zero trust security and receive customized recommendations for improvement.
You also need to choose a trusted partner that can help you design and deploy a zero trust solution that meets your specific needs and goals. Microsoft offers a range of products and services that can help you achieve zero trust security across your entire digital environment. For example:
– Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) provides identity and access management for users and devices, enabling secure sign-in, conditional access, and identity protection.
– Microsoft Endpoint Manager provides unified endpoint management for devices, enabling device compliance, configuration, and protection.
– Microsoft 365 provides productivity and collaboration tools for users, enabling secure access to applications and data from any device and location.
– Microsoft Azure provides cloud infrastructure and services for businesses, enabling secure hosting, storage, and processing of data and applications.
– Microsoft Azure Sentinel provides cloud-native security information and event management (SIEM) for businesses, enabling threat detection, response, and investigation.
To learn more about how Microsoft can help you embrace zero trust security, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/zero-trust.
Zero trust security is a modern security model that can help you protect your data and business from cyberattacks. By adopting a zero trust approach, you can enhance your data protection, reduce your attack surface, improve your compliance, and increase your productivity. To get started with zero trust security, you need to assess your current security posture, identify your gaps and priorities, and plan your roadmap for implementation. You also need to choose a trusted partner that can help you design and deploy a zero trust solution that meets your specific needs and goals. Microsoft is a leader in zero trust security, offering a comprehensive framework and a range of products and services that can help you achieve zero trust security across your entire digital environment.
