Zero trust access is becoming more common in enterprise networks. But, what is zero trust access in network security? How will you benefit from it?
Tune in to find out.
Introduction
With zero trust access, you can prevent breaches. It is done by ensuring that only valid users and devices get network access.
If a user or device is not on your pre-approved list, then they may be denied entry to the network. This approach is different from traditional identity-based access control (IBAC).
IBAC uses users’ identities to grant or deny them network access. With zero trust access, you use network resources and devices to validate users’ identities. This type of access control is more robust than IBAC because it can detect unknown threats and unauthorized devices.
What Is Zero Trust Access in Network Security?
If you want to improve the security of your enterprise network, then implement zero trust access. Here are the main benefits of this approach.
1. Zero Trust Access Can Detect Unknown Attacks
With zero trust access, you can identify and detect unknown attacks.
When a new device or user tries to connect to the network, its behavior is analyzed. If it is deemed to be a threat, then it is blocked from entering the network. This capability is important because hackers constantly launch new malware and phishing attacks on enterprises and governments.
Zero trust access can detect these threats before they can do damage to your network. What’s more, it can detect threats from a device that has been previously approved. This is an advantage that IBAC does not have.
2. Zero Trust Access Can Prevent Reused Passwords
If you are using traditional IBAC, then users can reuse their passwords and logins.
Hackers can use this to their advantage by guessing or brute-forcing the password of a user who has reused it in another system. With zero trust access, this problem is eliminated. The system validates users’ identities before they can access the network resources they need.
3. Zero Trust Access Can Prevent Accidental Exposure to Malware and Phishing Attacks
IBAC is not as effective at preventing accidental exposure to malware and phishing attacks. It is based on users’ identities.
Malware and phishing attacks use social engineering to trick users into clicking on links and opening attachments. They may trick users into visiting malicious websites that contain malware.
IBAC blocks such attacks by blocking the user who made the suspicious action.
With zero trust access, you can block the device or user even before they have a chance to launch a phishing attack. You can also block entire IP addresses from accessing your network if you know a phishing attack is originating from them.
4. Zero Trust Access Can Prevent Pass-the-Hash Attacks
“Pass-the-hash” attacks can be prevented with zero trust access. It is a type of active network attack where the attacker steals the hash of a user’s password.
After stealing the hash, the attacker can use it to authenticate to other systems in the organization. This makes pass-the-hash attacks a serious threat. Especially since they can be used to access sensitive data and systems.
With zero trust access, you can prevent these attacks from happening in your network. It does so by validating users’ identities before they are allowed to access resources.
In addition, it validates their devices and prevents attackers from using them to launch attacks.
To Conclude
Zero trust access can help you improve the security of your enterprise network. It can do so by preventing breaches, preventing password reuse, preventing phishing attacks, and preventing pass-the-hash attacks.
If you want to improve the security of your enterprise network, then consider implementing zero trust access. You will be glad you did.