Implement A Zero Trust

In response to the continually evolving cybersecurity landscape, many organizations are looking to adopt a zero trust security model. A zero trust security model is an approach to cybersecurity that assumes that all activity, both inside and outside of an organization, is untrustworthy.

 

In a zero trust model, enterprises assume that all users, devices, and applications are untrusted by default. Access is only granted after rigorous authentication and authorization checks have been completed. This multi-layered approach to security makes it much more difficult for attackers to breached systems and steal data.

 

Implementing a zero trust cybersecurity strategy can be a major undertaking for any organization, but with the right planning and execution, it can be done.  Below are six ways your organization can start implementing a zero trust security model now.

 

1. Establish strong identity and access management (IAM) controls.

A key component of any zero trust strategy is establishing strict IAM controls. Users must be authenticated before they are granted access to any system or data – and that authentication must be verified through multiple independent factors, such as passwords, one-time codes, or biometrics.

 

2. Adopt a zero trust network architecture (ZTNA).

In a traditional network security model, enterprise data is stored on central servers that are protected by firewalls. In a zero trust model, data is distributed across multiple cloud-based applications and services. And instead of being protected by a single firewall, it’s safeguarded by ZTNA solutions that use microsegmentation to create user-specific perimeters around sensitive data.

 

3. Keep your security posture up-to-date.

In a world where the average ransomware attack now costs businesses $4 million, it’s no longer enough to implement security controls and then forget about them. Your security posture must be continuously monitored and updated in order to keep pace with the ever-evolving threat landscape. That’s why many organizations are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered security tools that can detect and respond to threats in real time.

 

4. Educate your employees about cybersecurity best practices.

Even the most robust security controls will be ineffective if your employees don’t know how to use them properly – or if they deliberately bypass them altogether. That’s why it’s important to educate your employees about cybersecurity best practices, such as strong password hygiene, two-factor authentication, email phishing scams, and social engineering attacks. Cybersecurity training should be an ongoing effort that covers not just the basics but also emerging threats and trends.

 

5. Invest in next-generation firewalls (NGFWs).

NGFWs are designed to address the limitations of traditional firewalls by providing advanced features such as intrusion prevention, application control, and user identity verification. When deployed as part of a comprehensive security strategy, NGFWs can help organizations defend against sophisticated cyberattacks – including those that target critical infrastructure systems such as industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA systems.

 

6. Implement software-defined perimeter (SDP) solutions.

SDP is a relatively new technology that uses software-defined networking (SDN) principles to create virtual perimeters around sensitive data assets – thereby making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to those assets. SDP solutions typically include some combination of SDN hardware, Bastion hosts, and VPN gateways. When deployed correctly, SDP can provide enterprises with an extra layer of protection against cyber threats – particularly those that originate from inside the organization (i.e., insider threats).

 

Implementing a zero trust security model can help organizations better protect themselves against today’s sophisticated cyber threats. But it’s important to remember that a zero trust security model is not a silver bullet – there is no single solution that will perfectly address all of your organization’s cybersecurity needs. Instead, consider it one part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. When combined with other proactive measures, such as employee training and regular security reviews, a zero trust security model can help keep your organization safe from harm.

 

Reach out if you need help implementing a zero trust security model in your cybersecurity posture.  Schedule your free consultation here: https://calendly.com/ncxgroup

 

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