If you’re like most people, you probably think of the zero trust architecture as something that has to do with cyber security. But really, the zero trust architecture is all about trust – or rather, the lack thereof. In a zero trust architecture, every entity on the network is treated as though it were not trusted until proven otherwise. Keep reading to find out what they are!
Zero Trust Architecture Overview
Zero Trust Architecture is an approach that gains trust in a system and environment by verifying identities and validating intent. Zero Trust Architecture is an architectural style that provides a different approach to cybersecurity. It has proven to be increasingly difficult to protect in today’s dynamic threat landscape.
So, this is because the typical IT security model assumes that users are trustworthy and this assumption has been proven wrong repeatedly. Thus, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a new model. It doesn’t rely on trust and instead verifies identities and validates intentions before granting access.
This approach doesn’t mean you can’t trust your users. But it does mean that all users must be verified before accessing resources within your systems or environment. Thereby eliminating the “default trust” assumption that has been plaguing your organization for years.
In addition to verifying identities and validating intent, ZTA also requires that users are constantly monitored. This is for any changes in behavior. Since it could indicate potential compromise from an external or internal threat.
Identity Management Methods
It’s important to note that the Zero Trust Architecture isn’t just about technology. It’s about people, processes, and technology working together. In Zero Trust Architectures, everyone has a defined role within the organization, including non-employees such as contractors, vendors, or customers.
In addition, the business processes must be designed around this infrastructure. So, they can adapt to changes while maintaining compliance. Often, changes are needed in three areas. The first area of change is in the employee lifecycle management process.
Also, your organization must be able to verify new employees quickly and accurately. This is with a focus on identity management and user access control (IAM/UAC). It is either through background checks or other validation techniques such as biometrics or other methods.
In addition to validating their identity during the onboarding process, you’ll also need to ensure they have valid access privileges. This is throughout their employment with your business. So, the second area of change involves monitoring user behavior.
This is to ensure users are behaving as expected within your system or environment. By monitoring user behavior constantly throughout their employment with your business. Also, by using tools such as UBA (User Behavior Analytics), you can detect potential threats early.
ZTNA Naas
Security applications such as your antivirus and IDS/IPS will monitor traffic for known threats. But they aren’t monitoring user behavior. Nor are they capable of identifying potential threats by observing changes in user behavior.
ZTNA requires that you know who your users are. More importantly, it requires that you know what they’re doing in your environment or systems. This is to provide better authentication and access controls to your users.
In addition, it helps you secure access to resources within your system or environment for each user. So, take the time to develop a thorough understanding of each user’s role and responsibilities in your organization. Also, the systems and data they access throughout their workday.
What’s next after you understand who your users are and what they’re doing? Then monitor their behavior constantly throughout their employment with your business. Also, monitor any changes in behavior from normal routines or expected activity levels.