What is Zero Trust architecture?

As cyberthreats grow increasingly sophisticated and relentless, traditional security models become less effective. However, businesses can implement a robust and adaptive approach to cybersecurity by operating under the idea that no entity should ever be trusted by default.

Explore the core principles that make Zero Trust architecture an essential framework for your business.

Verify explicitly
Zero Trust handles every attempt to access business resources as if the request originated from an open network. Rather than verifying credentials once at the point of entry, ZTA regularly and comprehensively evaluates data points—such as the user’s identity, location, and device—in real time to identify red flags and help ensure only authorized users and devices can access your network.

Use least privileged access
ZTA provides each user with only the minimum level of access needed to perform their tasks. Limiting access rights in this way helps your business minimize the damage that a compromised account can cause.

Assume breach
Zero Trust operates under the premise that breaches are inevitable. Instead of solely focusing on preventing them, this approach also proactively anticipates cyberattacks by assuming users, devices, and systems across your business are already compromised.

Zero Trust fundamentally transforms how organizations approach cybersecurity by ensuring each access request is thoroughly vetted, regardless of its origin, and proactively limiting risk. Uncover the key components that make ZTA such an important framework for your business.

Identity and access management (IAM)
Zero Trust always verifies the authenticity of users and devices before granting access to resources. Specifically, this framework uses IAM strategies—such as multi-factor authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and role-based access control—to help prevent identity-related breaches. These capabilities can also improve user experiences for employees throughout your business by streamlining login processes and reducing the need to memorize multiple passwords.

Network segmentation
ZTA divides your network into smaller, isolated segments that limit the lateral movement of potential cyberattacks. Each segment acts as a secure zone that helps your business contain breaches and prevent cyberthreats from spreading to other parts of your infrastructure. If a data breach occurs, your business can easily confine it within a specific area and significantly limit the damage caused.

Network segmentation also empowers your business to apply tailored security policies to each area of your network. For example, more stringent controls can be applied to segments containing sensitive data, while less critical segments can be given more relaxed policies. This flexibility enables your business to optimize its security posture without compromising operational efficiency.

Endpoint security
Zero Trust architecture safeguards endpoint devices—such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets—across your business to prevent cyberthreats like malware from infiltrating your network. Endpoint security is essential because these devices are often targeted as a gateway for larger cyberattacks to gain entry and cause disruption. ZTA provides advanced threat detection and response capabilities, comprehensive encryption, and regular device updates to help maintain the integrity of your business operations.

Data security
Zero Trust frameworks offer robust access controls, end-to-end encryption, and data masking capabilities that help prevent data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Using effective data security measures like these, your business can consistently comply with regulations and maintain customer trust. ZTA also comprises data loss prevention (DLP) strategies to help prevent your business data from being leaked or stolen.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
ZTA uses SIEM systems to provide real-time analysis of security alerts generated by business applications and network hardware. This empowers your business to swiftly detect and respond to potential cyberthreats before they can cause harm.

SIEM systems within Zero Trust architecture also help you gain a better understanding of the threat landscape by providing valuable insights into security trends and patterns. By analyzing historical data, organizations can identify recurring issues and take steps to address them proactively. Adopting a process of continuous improvement is essential for your business to stay ahead of emerging cyberthreats and maintain a strong security posture.

AI capabilities
Zero Trust uses AI for cybersecurity to accurately detect cyberthreats and efficiently respond to them. AI models can quickly analyze vast amounts of data, enabling your business to identify complex patterns and anomalies that may indicate a breach or cyberattack. Zero Trust also provides your business with automation capabilities that help security teams save time and prioritize complex cyberthreats. Consider implementing ZTA to modernize your security framework, lower response times, and stay ahead of evolving cyberthreats.

Zero Trust architecture has evolved over multiple decades in response to the limitations of traditional security models and the growing sophistication of cyberthreats. In the early 2000s, a group of security experts—known as the Jericho Forum—began advocating for de-perimeterization, or using multiple levels of security regardless of location. This concept of moving beyond perimeter-based security controls helped lay the foundation for Zero Trust models as we know them today.

Explore key milestones in the evolution of Zero Trust security.
 

• 2010: Analyst John Kindervag formally coins the term “Zero Trust” in a paper for Forrester Research Group, emphasizing the need to verify every access request, regardless of where it originates.
• 2017: Gartner introduces the Continuous Adaptive Risk and Trust Assessment (CARTA) framework, a security approach focused on constantly assessing and adapting to risks.
• 2020: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) releases Special Publication 800-207, defining a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices for establishing ZTA.
• 2022: The United States government mandates the adoption of Zero Trust principles for all federal agencies by 2024, underscoring the importance of Zero Trust in modern cybersecurity.

 

Traditional security architecture allows users to access the entire corporate network once they’ve signed in at work. While this approach protects an organization’s perimeter, it is tied to the physical office premises and does not support remote or hybrid work. Plus, traditional security frameworks expose businesses to risk, because if someone steals a password, they can access everything.

Instead of only guarding an organization’s perimeter, Zero Trust network architecture protects all your files, emails, and data by regularly authenticating each user and device. ZTA also helps secure remote access, personal devices, and third-party apps to provide greater flexibility, facilitate remote work, and support bring-your-own-device (BYOD) business models.

Zero Trust combines various authentication, network monitoring, encryption, and access control techniques to comprehensively strengthen your security posture.

Authentication and authorization
All users and devices are authenticated and authorized before accessing resources. Zero Trust network access (ZTNA) often involves multi-factor authentication and role-based access control.

Network monitoring and analytics
Network traffic and user behaviors are continuously monitored to detect anomalies, suspicious activity, and potential threats.

End-to-end encryption
Business data across your business is protected to ensure that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be read by unauthorized parties.

Access control mechanisms
Access to resources is determined by the identity of the user and device, in addition to other contextual factors such as location and behavior.

Transitioning to a Zero Trust model can be a challenging process due to the complexity of existing IT environments. For example, integrating your existing technologies within a new Zero Trust framework is difficult when legacy systems are not compatible with modern security measures. Consider investing in interoperable solutions or planning a phased implementation approach to overcome these kinds of IT-related challenges.

Follow these steps and best practices to adopt Zero Trust architecture for your business:

1. Create strong identity verification

Start authenticating access to every app, service, and resource that your organization uses, starting with the most sensitive. Give admins tools to assess risk and respond in real time if an identity has warning signs, like too many failed login attempts.

2. Manage access to devices and networks

Make sure all endpoints, whether personal or corporate, are in compliance with your organization’s security requirements. Encrypt networks and ensure all connections are secure, including remote and on-site. Segment your networks to limit unauthorized access.

3. Improve visibility into apps

“Shadow IT” is any unauthorized application or system that employees use, and it can introduce cyberthreats. Investigate which apps people have installed so you can set permissions, monitor them for any warning signs, and make sure they’re in compliance.

4. Set data permissions

Assign classification levels to your organization’s data, from documents to emails. Encrypt sensitive data and provide least privileged access.

5. Monitor your infrastructure

Assess, update, and configure every piece of infrastructure, like servers and virtual machines, to limit unnecessary access. Track metrics so it’s easy to identify suspicious behavior.

Across industries, businesses are implementing Zero Trust architecture to more effectively meet their unique and evolving security needs. For example, multinational technology conglomerate Siemens implemented Zero Trust architecture to elevate its security posture using “never trust, always verify” principles. Regardless of industry, organizations can implement ZTA across a variety of use cases, such as:
 

• Supporting multiple cloud environments.
• Responding to phishing, stolen credentials, or ransomware.
• Giving secure, limited-time access to temporary employees.
• Protecting and monitoring access to third-party apps.
• Supporting frontline workers who use a variety of devices.
• Staying in compliance with regulatory requirements.
  
  

However, Zero Trust can also provide your business with tailored benefits for specific industries, including:
 

• Finance. Enhance your security posture by using least privileged access—plus, continuously monitor behavior across your network to quickly identify and react to malicious activity.
• Healthcare. Safeguard your electronic health records system by implementing MFA—and reduce the risk of data breaches by segmenting your network.
• Government. Prevent unauthorized access to classified information by encrypting your data and implementing strict access controls. 
• Retail. Protect customer data and secure your e-commerce platform using continuous verification and context-aware policies.
• Education. Secure personal devices, third-party apps, and remote access to your digital learning environments to support remote learning and improve flexibility.

 

Adopting Zero Trust within your business grows more important every day. As work environments become more dynamic and cyberthreats continue to evolve, organizations must verify every access request and implement comprehensive security controls to ensure their entire networks are protected. Zero Trust solutions vary greatly in their scope and scale—here are a few examples:

Individuals can turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) to get a one-time code before getting access to an app or website. You can also start signing in using biometrics like your fingerprint or face.

Schools and communities can go passwordless by using passkeys, since passwords are easy to lose. They can also improve endpoint security to support remote work and school, as well as segment access in case a device is lost or stolen.

Organizations can adopt Zero Trust architecture by identifying all access points and implementing policies for more secure access. Because Zero Trust is a long-term approach, organizations should commit to ongoing monitoring to detect new threats.

Consider implementing Zero Trust solutions for your business.