Zero Trust Architecture in Security

In this Era of Cyber security, no user or devices outside or inside the organization network should be automatically trusted, regardless of their location or level of access, this new Information security concept is known as zero trust security.

The primary goal of Cybersecurity is “Never Trust, Always Verify”. In the security view, the Zero Trust concept eliminates implicit trust and integrates trust measures for every user, device, and application within the IT ecosystem.

The fundamental objective of Zero Trust Architecture is to continually verify the trust of users and devices seamlessly each time they access a resource connected to a hybrid corporate network.

History of Zero Trust

Although the term ‘zero trust’ was introduced at the University of Stirling in 1994, its practical implementation as ‘de-parameterization’ occurred in 2003. Google further advanced this concept in 2009, adopting a zero trust architecture known as BeyondCorp. In 2010, demolishing the boundaries of the perimeter, Forrester Research Analyst ‘John Kindervag’ used the Zero Trust Model. Since then, there have been ongoing developments in the strategies and model of Zero Trust Architecture by NIST, CISA, and various other corporations. It has come a long way from being a buzzword to becoming an international mandate.

Pillars of Zero Trust Architecture

The major pillars of Zero Trust Architecture are as follows, however, it is not exhaustive.

1. User and Device Security: The first pillar focuses on securing remote access to resources such as the user and devices by implementing measures such as MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) etc.
2. Network Security: The second pillar ensures the protection of all network resources on-prem and in the cloud by network segmentation, by identifying who is on the network and accessible endpoints monitoring.
3. Application and Data Security: The third pillar safeguards application environments against unauthorized access, regardless of where they’re hosted. It aims to understand the posture of applications, their compliance practices and have complete visibility of application data.
4. Automation and Orchestration: The Automation aspect of the fourth pillar streamlines routine tasks execution to keep in check security practices implementation whereas Orchestration aspect integrates various security processes into a cohesive and coordinated framework, ensuring a synchronized response to potential threats.

Steps To Create a Zero Trust Network

To adopt a zero-trust framework in the network, the following steps are to be followed:

• Authentication and Segmentation: The assets on the network must be identified first, followed by the verification of user and devices. Practices like MFA, Enterprise SSO can help ensuring the same. For granular control over access, the network & application components need to be divided into smaller segments.
• Least Privilege Access : For the next step, access to resources must be regulated by assigning only the minimum level privileges required. Lateral movement of attackers is reduced. Also, permissions must be updated time to time and robust IAM solutions should be integrated to manage user identities and access privileges.
• Encryption: This stage involves securing data both in transit and at rest by utilising encryption protocols in communication channels. It helps to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access even if a network is compromised.
• Implementing Software-Defined Perimeters (SDP) and Endpoint Security: In the fourth stage, SDP solutions are adopted to create an in Invisible, dynamic network parameter. Endpoint security is strengthened with advanced threat detection and response capabilities. This conceals critical assets from unauthorised visibility and access is limited to approved users and devices.
• Defining and automating policies: In this step, based on the real time conditions, policies are defined on the network considering factors such as device health, location and user behaviour. The access permissions are adjusted dynamically to respond to changing security postures
• Continuous Monitoring: After all the measures have been implemented, The last step involves integrating continuous monitoring tools to track user and system activities and analyse behavioural anomalies. In case of any change in trust, investigation is carried out on the same and responses are orchestrated for potential incidents. This reduces the similarity of security breaches by reacting in real time to unusual activities.

Working of Zero Trust Architecture

An example of implementation of Zero Trust Architecture:

• In a zero trust environment, when a user attempts to access sensitive data, he or she undergoes multi factor authentication which may include biometrics, OTP etc.
• Based on the authorization and the least privileged access/IAM principles resource access is granted, regardless of their location and network connection.
• Additionally the user’s device health and activity is considered to enforce security policies. This ensures limited movement within the infrastructure.
• The application workloads are micro segmented as required. All the traffic data is encrypted during the user’s activity.
• The analytics tool continuously monitor for any anomalous behaviour of the user using the Endpoint detection and response.

Zero Trust Maturity

The emergence of the zero trust maturity concept plays a crucial role in strengthening security resilience. Organizations achieving full implementation of the zero trust network across all its pillars are acknowledged as ‘mature’ in this context. To elaborate, implementing security measures across workforce, workload, workplace on campus, data centre, cloud as well as edge has helped corporations notice reduction in cyber threat incidents.

Advatages of Zero Trust Architecture

• Zero Trust mitigates risks related to insider threats, compromised credentials and unauthorised access attempts.
• There is reduction in the attack surface and potential breaches.
• Security resilience is enhanced with increased visibility and control over digital assets.
• Incident response is carried out promptly and timely with continuous monitoring.
• Zero trust architectures are scalable and flexible. It demonstrates proactive threat prevention.

Zero Trust Architecture in Security – FAQs

How does zero trust architecture differ from traditional network security models?

Traditional network security models assumed trust, once authenticated and practised perimeter-based defence mechanisms. However, zero trust architecture is based on the concept of no implicit trust requiring continuous verification and monitoring

How can organisations transition to zero trust network architecture?

In order to transition to zero trust network architecture the organisations must follow the below steps:

1. Assessing the current security postures and their flaws.
2. Building a road map to implement the zero trust technologies.
3. Focusing on one ZTA pillar at a time and implementing solutions for the same.
4. Training the employees and stakeholders for following the best ZTA principles.
5. Based on threat and business needs continuously monitoring and optimising the existing Zero Trust Security Infrastructure.

Hence, achieving the Zero Trust Architecture is an iterative process.

What are the challenges in implementing the zero trust architecture?

Challenges during the implemntation of ZTA are:

• User experience may experience increased friction while zero trust is implemented.
• Investments in resources for identity management, access controls and monitoring may be cumbersome.
• Fitting a legacy system into a zero trust architecture is a complex process.