Mobile and remote working is now commonplace and is set to continue. As a result, more organizations than ever before are seeking to adapt their cybersecurity capabilities accordingly. For many, this means adopting a Zero Trust approach.
Zero Trust is not a new concept, but it is now being actively pursued by many organizations because the supporting technologies are finally maturing and the core principle of “never trust, always verify” is key to addressing the security challenges of modern hybrid working.
A Zero Trust model of strict identity verification and access control for every user or device offers an alternative to traditional perimeter-based security that secures data, while ensuring it is accessible to those who need it.
However, while Zero Trust enables better cybersecurity in a highly interconnected world, many of the tenets of this approach are at odds with traditional practices and ideas. Implementing a Zero Trust approach, therefore, typically involves a radical restructuring of how resources are secured and accessed.
It is crucial that organizations seeking to adopt the Zero Trust security model have a full understanding of what needs to be done and how to begin making the transition. Pursuing Zero Trust typically includes end-to-end encryption, micro-segmentation, access denial by default, and continual authentication and authorization.
These changes all have implications for things like security policies, endpoints, network performance, authorization capabilities, and access policies. It important to understand what these are, and to take the necessary steps to be able to adapt to the requirements of the new security model.
Knowledge really is power when it comes to implementing a Zero Trust approach to security because a thorough understanding of the principles and potential pitfalls is vital to distinguishing fact from fiction and turning security theory into security practice.
A good place to start is by understanding that Zero Trust is not a single product, but rather a broad range of practical solutions that address various security problems through the targeted application of Zero Trust principles.
Next, identify what you hope to achieve through adopting Zero Trust and where you intend to apply it. Finally, assess your risks, set your priorities, and understand the true scope of Zero Trust enabled solutions to focus on the capabilities needed to meet your needs and to plan your strategy for embracing this security model.
Zero Trust is a journey that begins with a long-term business strategy and focuses on a step-by-step implementation, using existing or readily available tools and technologies, while maintaining the continuity of business processes and avoiding adding even more complexity to the existing architecture
— Alexei Balaganski, Lead Analyst, KuppingerCole
Because we understand the importance of implementing Zero Trust efficiently, and because we are committed to helping your business succeed, KuppingerCole has a great deal of content available in a variety of formats, including live events like next week’s free KC Live event on 23 March 2022.
Register to join this this free virtual event entitled: Zeroing in on Zero Trust to dispel some common myths, gain insights into best practices, find out how to assess your company’s readiness for Zero Trust, and learn how enterprises across industries are implementing this approach to security such as Yahoo and Siemens.
Research
No matter where your organization is in the journey to Zero Trust, a good place to start is KuppingerCole’s Comprehensive Guide to Zero Trust Implementation. Whether you are looking for help on how to start or just to check you are on the right track, this guide is essential to any organization seeking to protect modern hybrid IT environments.
Audio/video
To find out what our analyst have to say on the topic of implementing Zero Trust, listen to these Analyst Chats on: What Keeps Organizations From Adopting Zero Trust and The Project Road Towards Zero Trust - What to Do and Where to Start.
For broader perspectives, listen to these Analyst Chats on Zero Trust as a Concept for … Trust and Security, and why Zero Trust Means Zero Blind Spots.
Other broad perspective presentations from past KuppingerCole events include these on Zero Trust Use Cases, Zero Trust 101, and Alignment of Zero Trust with Business Strategy.
The following presentations once again focus on practical, real-life Zero Trust implementations:
- From Trust to Zero - Lessons from Halfway in a Large Enterprise Environment
- The Road to Zero Trust After a Cyber-Incident
- The Role of IAM within Zero Trust Architectures at Siemens
- Siemens Zero Trust Architecture in 2021 and Beyond
There are also several panel discussions to choose from. Have a look at the following list and select those that are most interesting or applicable to your organization:
- Zero Trust in the Enterprise.
- Zeroing in on Zero Trust: A Paradigm Shift in Cybersecurity
- No Zero Trust Without Strong IAM - What You Need in IGA and Beyond for Enabling Zero Trust
- Why Segmentation Must Be an Essential Part of Your Zero Trust Program
To find out more about how to apply Zero Trust thinking to converge IAM, UEM, MDM, XDR, SIEM, and SOAR to create a seamless and holistic cybersecurity infrastructure, listen to this discussion entitled: Zero Trust: The Next Level.
Blogs
If you would prefer to read some short, incisive pieces about implementing Zero Trust, have a look at the following list of blog posts:
- Zero Trust Paradigm for the Future of Security
- Zero Trust: We’re Nowhere Near the End of the Story Yet
- Why Digital Trust Is at the Top Of CXOs’ Agenda… Even if They Don’t Realise It
- User Experience Above All - Secure Access for Employees, Devices and Applications!
Webinars
Organizations implementing or considering implementing a Zero Trust approach to security should have a look at the various webinars that cover the topic, starting with these aimed at helping organizations to plan and start their Zero Trust journey:
- Finding Your Path to Zero Trust
- Buying Into Zero Trust? What You Need to Consider to Be Successful
- Trust No One: Zero Trust Strategy and Design
Various technologies are key to supporting the implementation of a Zero Trust security model. Have a look at these webinars, which each focus on a particular technology and its role in supporting this approach to security.
- Zero Trust: Now Is the Time and PBAC Is Key
- Zero Trust Through Dynamic Authorization and Policy Driven Access
- Zero Trust Through Identity-Based Segmentation
Tech Investment
Organizations investing in technologies to support a Zero Trust approach to security can have a look at some of the related technology solutions that we have evaluated: