Find out what is the difference between SASE and Zero Trust? Learn how it protects you from cybercriminals’ constantly evolving tactics and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in our networks.
What Is the Difference Between SASE and Zero Trust?
Network security is a constantly changing game. As soon as you implement a security measure, it becomes obsolete and new vulnerabilities to your network are discovered. The solution is not to get rid of your existing security measures, but to augment them with new ones.
The SASE model is one such augmentation that uses the Zero Trust methodology to protect your network against ever-changing threats. Also, it is an evolution of the trusted network model, which was based on the concept of least privilege. In the trusted network model, access control was implemented based on user identity and authentication.
However, it was still possible for a user to gain unauthorized access by abusing their privileges if their identity was compromised. To counter this, the Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria (TCSEC) stated that access rights should be granted. This is based on the sensitivity of the information and not on the identity of users or applications.
This led to the development of the SELinux operating system in 1996. Hence, SELinux is now available as a free software package and has been implemented in many Linux distributions.
Role-based Access Control
SELinux implements role-based access control (RBAC) for all system processes and users. This is on different levels of trust, with each level having its security policy. This approach provides three advantages over other systems.
NSA made a standard called Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP). It featured two main components, a “seal” certifying compliance of products using cryptography hardware and software to U.S Government standards. Secondly, a “trusted” module, is an application that would use that hardware or software.
It could only be used if it passed testing by NSA’s CCEB labs which were accredited by NSA under CMVP standard. So, if they passed conformance testing in NSA labs for that particular product or module version under evaluation for seal generation. One part of NSA approved trusted module test focused on validation against TCSEC Access Control Policy requirements for each specific version under evaluation for seal generation.
Zero Trust Network Architecture
Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) is a network security architecture. It strives to prevent cyber attacks by using a “lockdown and control” approach. Also, it implements an access control system that restricts users and applications from accessing only the data and services they are authorized for.
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches by making sure that all resources are protected. It is also referred to as “trust nothing”. This means that every resource is granted access only on a need-to-have basis.
Only the minimum amount of resources needed to accomplish a task are given access. Also, the Zero Trust Model considers everything untrustworthy, including the network itself, and requires constant vigilance from the users. This model has been implemented in various environments with great success.
This is such as financial institutions, government organizations, defense agencies, and large technology companies. Also, the SELinux model provides an RBAC type of access control for operating systems. It allows for the separation of duties among multiple roles within an organization to limit the damage caused.