Once upon a time, businesses utilized a more traditional method of security to safeguard everything from sensitive data to entire systems and networks. This was known as the perimeter-based security model. Unfortunately, as technology evolved and cybercriminals got more creative in their approach, a more sophisticated method was required. DDoS and other modern attacks, including taking advantage of zero-day vulnerabilities, quickly became a more serious threat. These threats impacted both large, well-known businesses and brands, as well as small to mid-size companies. Today, more organizations are now relying on what is known as a zero trust model, an approach that is based on the idea that trust should never be assumed – including individuals inside and outside the network.
Why the Zero Trust Model Matters
By taking a more proactive approach to security, moving beyond the more traditional perimeter-based security, companies now have the ability to implement a more consistent and reliable solution. As with all other changes that are made to network and systemic security, these best practices come with their own set of challenges that must be addressed to avoid other potential security issues. The benefits of a zero trust model are many, as long as they include essential aspects, in particular, access management, network segmentation, and privileged access policies. All of these best practices can help to improve the way that employees behave within the system, but additional tools must be used to ensure comprehensive protections.
It is important to understand that zero trust is not an individual technology or tool, but more of an idea that focuses on a few essential fundamentals. The most crucial of which includes the understanding that no user or system should ever be fully trusted – even your own employees. Human error is perhaps one of the most dangerous threats to modern organizations because of the damage that it can cause to data and the ability to provide services and conduct business. The primary goal of a zero-trust model is to augment basic security tools and services by ensuring continued verification and enforcing access controls. It operates based on the unique idea that each user should only be granted a minimum level of access based on the tasks they are required to perform. An approach like this helps to reduce the risks and limit the potential for damage due to user error or compromised devices.
Access Management Services
Working with a technology service provider like Synivate can help you to effectively change from perimeter-based security methods to a zero trust model. Implementing a multifactor authentication can help you to be sure that users are who they say they are before you give them access to anything within your network. The use of OAuth tools can enhance access management services, providing a more secure method for granting access to third-party applications and websites, while limiting access to essential data. Role-based access control or RBAC, is also a very important component that involves the use of assigned permissions to roles, rather than to specific individuals. This makes it easier for IT departments or security teams to manage access more efficiently across the entire organization. Finally, access management services should include the monitoring of user activity to proactively watch for potential breaches and anomalies.
Comprehensive Data Security
The overall structure of the zero trust model underscores the need to make sure that sensitive data is secure, whether it is being transferred or merely stored. This is, of course, to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access. The best way to achieve this is by using strong encryption protocols through the use of the latest tools and professional management services. Classification of data assets based on sensitivities and importance, as well as the implementation of data loss prevention (DLP) solutions, can be even more beneficial. A reliable data backup and recovery program will also go a long way to make sure that your data is readily accessible, regardless of any disaster or incident that might occur. Not all situations involve cyber criminals or hacking, but can be the result of weather-related issues, fires, human error, and power grid outages. If you are interested in learning more about the many services available through Synivate to provide access management services and offer best practices solutions for zero trust model security, data backup and recovery, and 24/7 monitoring and management, give us a call at 617-517-0704 and speak with one of our technicians about sales and support.