What is zero trust networking? What are its benefits and drawbacks? Zero trust networking is a new approach to network security. Let’s take a closer look at this article.
What Is Zero Trust Networking?
The term Zero Trust networking was coined by Forrester to describe a new approach to network security. This is where all devices, applications, and users are treated with suspicion.
In contrast, the traditional network security model is referred to as the “trusted network.” In the trusted network model, all devices, regardless of whether they are on the network or not, are assumed to be trusted. This model assumes that there is no need to monitor traffic or evaluate behavior.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Zero Trust Networking
There are benefits and drawbacks of Zero Trust networking. Let’s take a look at both.
The Benefits
#1: It Is A More Secure Approach To Network Security
There are many benefits of Zero Trust networking. One of them is that it provides a more secure approach to network security.
Zero trust networking shifts the focus from the devices and users to the data and its usage. This is in contrast to traditional network security, which focuses on the devices and assumes that they are trustworthy.
#2: It Reduces The Risk Of A Breach
Another benefit of Zero Trust networking is that it reduces the risk of a breach. Given that Zero Trust networking requires all devices, applications, and users to be treated as potential threats, it becomes easier to detect and prevent a breach.
#3: It Provides Granular Control Over Network Access
Zero trust networking provides granular control over network access. In contrast, a traditional network security approach is more restrictive. For example, the trusted network model assumes that all devices on the network are trustworthy. This makes gaining access to the network more difficult.
The Drawbacks
#1: It Requires A Large Investment In Technology
Zero trust networking requires a large investment in technology. This is mainly due to its reliance on identity providers and micro-segmentation.
The use of identity providers requires the implementation of an identity management solution such as Microsoft Azure AD. This is a very powerful and flexible identity management solution, but it does require significant changes to an organization’s infrastructure.
Micro-segmentation requires the implementation of a micro-segmentation solution such as Microsoft Azure Virtual Network. This is another powerful technology, but it also requires changes to an organization’s existing network environment.
#2: It Requires A Significant Change In The Organization’s Culture And Processes
A Zero Trust networking approach requires a significant change in an organization’s culture and processes. This is because it focuses on preventing network breaches instead of simply detecting them after they’ve happened.
It also requires network administrators to adopt a new set of behaviors. For example, network administrators need to avoid making assumptions about the trustworthiness of users and devices.
#3: It Adds More Complexity To Network Security Processes
The complexity of Zero Trust networking is a drawback because it requires network administrators. This is to focus on evaluating the behavior of users and devices instead of simply trusting them. So, this results in an increased workload for network administrators.
Conclusion
Zero trust is a new approach to network security. It adds more complexity to network security processes, but it also provides some benefits in the form of improved security and simplified access controls.