In 2022, Zero Trust Networking will be the standard for granting access to company resources. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what Zero Trust Networking is and how it works. We’ll also discuss some of the benefits of using Zero Trust Networking in your organization. Stay tuned!
ZTNA Definition and Overview in 2022
ZTNA is a methodology to discover, classify, and protect the organization’s critical assets. There are two types of ZTNA. ZTNA is used to identify, classify and protect the organization’s critical assets.
It is a set of processes to ensure that the organizational mission and business functions can continue during a threat or event. ZTNA is a framework that helps organizations effectively protect their assets. Also, ZTNA covers Information Technology (IT) security as well as physical assets.
ZTNA is not confined to just Information Technology (IT) assets. But also other tangible and intangible assets of an organization like plants, offices, vehicles, documents, capital equipment, etc. This is a methodology that can be used by any sized organization.
It can be used by small businesses as well as huge multinational corporations. The size of an organization does not matter when it comes to implementing ZTNA. ZTNA defines various categories for assets.
ZTNA Four Risk Levels
ZONE A, this is where assets that are essential to the organization’s operation or mission cannot be easily replaced (e.g., IT infrastructure). Next, ZONE B were assets that are important but easily replaced (e.g., office supplies). Third, ZONE C, where assets that are less important would impact operations if lost or damaged (e.g., workstations).
Moreover, ZONE D is assets that have no effect on operations if lost or damaged (e.g., company vehicles). If the level of risk associated with a certain asset matches one of these four zones then it is mapped with the appropriate zone in ZTNA. The overall risk level of an organization can be determined by measuring the risk levels associated with its assets using ZTNA.
This helps in identifying assets that need special protection measures. While those assets which do not need any special attention can be ignored. When using ZTNA, it is important to understand which type of threats are most likely to affect your organization’s physical or IT-based infrastructure,
ZTNA Three Components
The first step in ZTNA is to identify and classify assets. Asset identification and classification include two steps. First, identify the assets that are critical to the organization’s operation or mission.
Second, identify other assets that are important but easily replaced (e.g., office supplies). Assets that are less important but would impact operations if lost or damaged (e.g., workstations). ZTNA defines less important assets as “assets that could affect the organization if lost or damaged.”
Moreover, assets that have no effect on operations if lost or damaged (e.g., company vehicles). These categories are further divided into three subcategories. Now, each and then assigned a risk level based on their business criticality.
A critical asset is an asset that has a high risk associated with it. It affects the organization’s ability to perform its functions and/or is difficult to replace when it is lost. An important asset is an asset that has a low risk associated with it.