In the modern world of information technology, cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and complex. Traditional methods of data protection can no longer guarantee security, so companies are increasingly turning to a new model of information security – Zero Trust. The essence of this model is that no one can be trusted a priori, and each access request can only occur through authentication and authorization. This is the only way to effectively protect data from various types of threats and minimize the risks of operational losses.
Traditional approaches to information security that focus on perimeter protection no longer work. You can't just build a wall around your work network and hope that it will protect you. Threats can come from within, from employees who may not even realize that they have become an attack tool. Or threats may come from outside, from hackers who are using increasingly sophisticated methods to break into systems.
At the same time, it is important to emphasize that not trusting anyone or anything by default, requiring identity verification and security checks at every step does not mean that we do not trust the company's employees or partners. This means that we understand the risks and do everything possible to minimize them.
Processes. The Zero Trust model is based on well-defined processes that provide minimal privileges and permanent authentication. This means that every request for access to resources must be checked, and no one is granted more access than necessary to perform their tasks. This allows you to significantly increase the level of security, since attackers will not be able to gain access to valuable data, even if they break into the system.
An effective Zero Trust model requires the use of advanced information security technologies. It can include identification and access control systems (which allow you to accurately determine the legitimacy of users and devices, as well as set strict rules for accessing resources), encryption (which plays an important role in protecting information from unauthorized access, even if an attacker manages to break into the network), and tools for analyzing user behavior (which help you detect potential attacks and unauthorized actions even by legitimate users) and other security measures. The special feature of using these types of security tools in the Zero Trust model is their integration and interaction to create continuous and multi-level protection. You can't rely on just one level of protection, so combining tools and technologies becomes critical.
Staff. People play a central role in the Zero Trust model. They should be trained in the principles of this model and understand how their actions affect the organization's security. Unlike employee awareness in other security concepts, awareness in the context of Zero Trust is more focused on distrust and constant vigilance (even to the actions of colleagues within their own organization). This knowledge and skills allow you to more effectively implement the principles of Zero Trust and strengthen the level of security.
IT infrastructure. Your organization's infrastructure should be designed to support Zero Trust principles. There are several important aspects to consider when designing IT. First, the security system must work at several levels, ensuring the security of the network, applications, and data. This creates several layers of protection, which increases reliability. Second, it is important to have identification and authentication mechanisms in place to make sure that users and devices are truly legitimate and only have access to what they are supposed to. The third aspect is monitoring and response systems. They allow you to quickly detect suspicious activity and attacks, which is especially important in the Zero Trust model.
Maintaining an updated infrastructure and applying patches is the fourth aspect. This helps eliminate vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious users.
The first step is to identify security objects. These objects represent assets and resources that require special protection in the context of the Zero Trust model. This step is fundamental and determines which data and resources will be most vulnerable and therefore require additional security measures. When defining security objects, it is important to identify valuable assets and data, assess their vulnerability level, and understand which business processes depend on them. It is also necessary to conduct a risk analysis to properly prioritize threats and take into account the requirements of regulators.
The second step is to define and install network traffic controls. For example, many systems require access to a database with sensitive data, and these dependencies should be taken into account when deciding whether to implement network controls and place them. You may get the impression that high-quality NGFW is sufficient to implement the Zero Trust model, but this is not entirely true. Defining and installing network traffic controls in the Zero Trust model differs from a simple NGFW installation by providing deeper and more detailed control at all security levels. NGFW focuses on detecting and blocking threats at the application and network level, while Zero Trust includes minimal privileges, permanent authentication, traffic inspection, and isolation of vulnerable devices.
The third step is to create a Zero Trust network that should be tailored to your security surface. You can start by using a new-generation firewall (NGFW) to segment part of your network and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to fully authenticate users before granting access. NGFW allows you to segment the network, creating isolated zones with minimal privileges. It will also provide deep traffic analysis, which is consistent with Zero Trust principles. MFA will strengthen user authentication, which is especially important in a Zero Trust environment where every access must be strongly authenticated.
The fourth step is to create a Zero Trust policy. This can be done effectively by applying the Kipling method, which involves answering the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" questions for each user, device, and network requesting access. The effectiveness of the method is to provide a deep and systematic understanding of all aspects of access within the Zero Trust model, which increases the level of security and control.
The fifth step is to monitor the network to optimize its performance without compromising security. We are talking about using analytics to monitor the network load, performance of its components, and user behavior patterns, including analyzing user actions to detect anomalies and unauthorized activities. The fifth step becomes important after the previous ones, as a lot of controls and checks in the Zero Trust model can slow down the network, create difficulties in setting up security rules, and affect the user experience.
But here's what's important to understand: although the information security team is the main driver of this process, Zero Trust is not just a matter of technology. It is also a matter of culture and processes in the organization. Therefore, the successful implementation of Zero Trust requires the active participation of all staff-from managers to ordinary employees. For example, the HR department can help teach employees the principles of Zero Trust, and the management department can help integrate these principles into business processes.
The best way to start a dialogue with employees is to explain the basic principles of the Zero Trust model in simple and understandable terms. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of Zero Trust for protecting the business and preserving the company's reputation, giving examples of major security breaches that could be prevented using this model. Top managers should demonstrate how Zero Trust can be integrated into existing business processes with minimal costs and smooth operation, and talk about the possibility of phase implementation, starting with the most critical systems.
Ultimately, everyone should understand and accept the principles of Zero Trust. This implies a change in thinking at all levels of the organization, as well as the emergence of an understanding that the implementation of the Zero Trust concept is an ongoing process, and not a one-time task.
Minuses:
Minuses:
As you can see, working with contractors has its positive and negative aspects. However, if you choose the right contractor that meets your requirements and has positive feedback from other clients, then this can bring significant benefits, ensuring the organization's security and compliance with best practices.
First, experience and expertise. This is probably the most important thing. The contractor must have solid experience in implementing the Zero Trust model and deep knowledge in the field of information security. To do this, you need to study the contractor's portfolio and evaluate successfully completed projects to implement the Zero Trust model. Also pay attention to the contractor's partner package, i.e. its relationships with leading information security vendors. The contractor's approach to the audit will also be important, as a competent and comprehensive analysis is a key stage in the successful implementation of the project.
Secondly, reputation and reviews. Reviews from previous clients and the contractor's reputation in the market can tell you a lot about the quality of their work.
Third, the approach to work. A professional contractor approaches each project individually, analyzing the specifics of the organization, its needs and risks. The right contractor is able to offer a personalized solution, rather than a standard "package for everyone".
Fourth, post-implementation support. It is important that the contractor provides support and training after implementing the Zero Trust model. This will help your team confidently manage and maintain the system in the future.
Fifth, pricing policy. While cost should not be the only factor when choosing a contractor, it is still important. Make sure that the prices correspond to the quality of services and fit into your budget.
Sixth, compliance with safety standards. The contractor must follow strict information security standards and have the necessary certificates and licenses. It is important that it has certificates in the field of information security, such as CISSP, CISM, CISA and others, confirming its expertise. You also need to make sure that the contractor has the appropriate licenses to use the required software, and that their team of specialists also has the necessary certifications, thus guaranteeing their qualifications and professionalism in working on the Zero Trust project.
1. Monitoring and response. Monitoring under the Zero Trust model has its own specifics, as it must detect abnormal actions and potential threats to the security of data and resources. Conventional monitoring is usually focused on detecting technical failures or problems in the network, and it is not always able to effectively detect information security threats, especially those that may not be obvious or non-standard.
2. Audits. You should conduct regular audits to verify compliance with the Zero Trust model. This will help you make sure that all policies and procedures are being implemented properly and that there are no security gaps.
3. Staff training and awareness. Make sure that your team understands the principles of the model and knows what actions should be taken to comply with these principles.
4. Reporting. Develop a reporting system that will regularly inform you about the security status and compliance with Zero Trust policies. This will help identify problem areas and allow you to quickly make the necessary adjustments. The reporting system for the Zero Trust model must take into account the features of this model. Regular reporting on information security and threat management systems may not be informative enough. It is important to consider the following aspects::
Successful implementation of the Zero Trust model requires performing several key steps, including defining security objects, installing network controls, creating a security policy, and monitoring compliance with this model. Success factors for implementation include staff awareness, training and preparation, and monitoring and adaptation of the system.
When choosing between independent implementation and hiring a contractor, it is important to take into account the specifics of your organization and the available resources. Finally, organizing the Zero Trust compliance process is a key step in ensuring the security and effectiveness of the Zero Trust model. Reporting, data analysis, event monitoring, and threat response should be organized in accordance with Zero Trust principles to quickly identify and prevent potential attacks and incidents.
The essence of the Zero Trust model concept in the field of information security
The Zero Trust model, or "Zero Trust", is not just a concept, it is a survival strategy in a world where information security threats can come from anywhere. This is an approach that assumes that no user or device can be trusted by default, regardless of whether they are located inside or outside the corporate network.Traditional approaches to information security that focus on perimeter protection no longer work. You can't just build a wall around your work network and hope that it will protect you. Threats can come from within, from employees who may not even realize that they have become an attack tool. Or threats may come from outside, from hackers who are using increasingly sophisticated methods to break into systems.
At the same time, it is important to emphasize that not trusting anyone or anything by default, requiring identity verification and security checks at every step does not mean that we do not trust the company's employees or partners. This means that we understand the risks and do everything possible to minimize them.
Key elements of the Zero Trust model
The Zero Trust model is an approach to creating an information security system that assumes no trust by default. This approach includes several key elements, namely processes, information security tools, personnel, and IT infrastructure.Processes. The Zero Trust model is based on well-defined processes that provide minimal privileges and permanent authentication. This means that every request for access to resources must be checked, and no one is granted more access than necessary to perform their tasks. This allows you to significantly increase the level of security, since attackers will not be able to gain access to valuable data, even if they break into the system.
An effective Zero Trust model requires the use of advanced information security technologies. It can include identification and access control systems (which allow you to accurately determine the legitimacy of users and devices, as well as set strict rules for accessing resources), encryption (which plays an important role in protecting information from unauthorized access, even if an attacker manages to break into the network), and tools for analyzing user behavior (which help you detect potential attacks and unauthorized actions even by legitimate users) and other security measures. The special feature of using these types of security tools in the Zero Trust model is their integration and interaction to create continuous and multi-level protection. You can't rely on just one level of protection, so combining tools and technologies becomes critical.
Staff. People play a central role in the Zero Trust model. They should be trained in the principles of this model and understand how their actions affect the organization's security. Unlike employee awareness in other security concepts, awareness in the context of Zero Trust is more focused on distrust and constant vigilance (even to the actions of colleagues within their own organization). This knowledge and skills allow you to more effectively implement the principles of Zero Trust and strengthen the level of security.
IT infrastructure. Your organization's infrastructure should be designed to support Zero Trust principles. There are several important aspects to consider when designing IT. First, the security system must work at several levels, ensuring the security of the network, applications, and data. This creates several layers of protection, which increases reliability. Second, it is important to have identification and authentication mechanisms in place to make sure that users and devices are truly legitimate and only have access to what they are supposed to. The third aspect is monitoring and response systems. They allow you to quickly detect suspicious activity and attacks, which is especially important in the Zero Trust model.
Maintaining an updated infrastructure and applying patches is the fourth aspect. This helps eliminate vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious users.
Key steps and key factors for successful implementation of the Zero Trust model in your organization
The transition to the Zero Trust model in an organization is a serious undertaking that requires careful planning and execution.The first step is to identify security objects. These objects represent assets and resources that require special protection in the context of the Zero Trust model. This step is fundamental and determines which data and resources will be most vulnerable and therefore require additional security measures. When defining security objects, it is important to identify valuable assets and data, assess their vulnerability level, and understand which business processes depend on them. It is also necessary to conduct a risk analysis to properly prioritize threats and take into account the requirements of regulators.
The second step is to define and install network traffic controls. For example, many systems require access to a database with sensitive data, and these dependencies should be taken into account when deciding whether to implement network controls and place them. You may get the impression that high-quality NGFW is sufficient to implement the Zero Trust model, but this is not entirely true. Defining and installing network traffic controls in the Zero Trust model differs from a simple NGFW installation by providing deeper and more detailed control at all security levels. NGFW focuses on detecting and blocking threats at the application and network level, while Zero Trust includes minimal privileges, permanent authentication, traffic inspection, and isolation of vulnerable devices.
The third step is to create a Zero Trust network that should be tailored to your security surface. You can start by using a new-generation firewall (NGFW) to segment part of your network and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to fully authenticate users before granting access. NGFW allows you to segment the network, creating isolated zones with minimal privileges. It will also provide deep traffic analysis, which is consistent with Zero Trust principles. MFA will strengthen user authentication, which is especially important in a Zero Trust environment where every access must be strongly authenticated.
The fourth step is to create a Zero Trust policy. This can be done effectively by applying the Kipling method, which involves answering the "who, what, when, where, why, and how" questions for each user, device, and network requesting access. The effectiveness of the method is to provide a deep and systematic understanding of all aspects of access within the Zero Trust model, which increases the level of security and control.
The fifth step is to monitor the network to optimize its performance without compromising security. We are talking about using analytics to monitor the network load, performance of its components, and user behavior patterns, including analyzing user actions to detect anomalies and unauthorized activities. The fifth step becomes important after the previous ones, as a lot of controls and checks in the Zero Trust model can slow down the network, create difficulties in setting up security rules, and affect the user experience.
Success factors for implementing the Zero Trust model
Implementing the Zero Trust model is an objectively complex task, and its successful implementation requires the involvement of many people at different levels of the organization. But to put it briefly and clearly, the main responsibility for implementing Zero Trust should be borne by the information security team. It is the information security specialists who have the necessary knowledge and experience to understand how to properly apply the Zero Trust principles to existing infrastructure.But here's what's important to understand: although the information security team is the main driver of this process, Zero Trust is not just a matter of technology. It is also a matter of culture and processes in the organization. Therefore, the successful implementation of Zero Trust requires the active participation of all staff-from managers to ordinary employees. For example, the HR department can help teach employees the principles of Zero Trust, and the management department can help integrate these principles into business processes.
The best way to start a dialogue with employees is to explain the basic principles of the Zero Trust model in simple and understandable terms. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of Zero Trust for protecting the business and preserving the company's reputation, giving examples of major security breaches that could be prevented using this model. Top managers should demonstrate how Zero Trust can be integrated into existing business processes with minimal costs and smooth operation, and talk about the possibility of phase implementation, starting with the most critical systems.
Ultimately, everyone should understand and accept the principles of Zero Trust. This implies a change in thinking at all levels of the organization, as well as the emergence of an understanding that the implementation of the Zero Trust concept is an ongoing process, and not a one-time task.
How do I build the Zero Trust model: independently or with the involvement of a contractor?
The choice between building the Zero Trust model yourself and contacting a contractor depends on the specific situation and needs of the organization. If the organization has the necessary knowledge and resources, then self-construction may be a better option. If the organization wants to get professional help and quality assurance, then contacting the contractor will be a better solution. Let's take a closer look at each of the options.Independent implementation of Zero Trust
Positive:- Deep adaptation. When you implement Zero Trust yourself, you carefully adapt the model to the specifics of your company, integrating it with processes and infrastructure. You become as involved as possible in adapting the model to specific needs and gain in-depth knowledge of how it works in your environment.
- Full control. You have full control over the entire process and can flexibly manage its progress.
- Save resources. If you have enough experienced specialists, independent implementation may be less costly from a financial point of view. However, most often, companies do not have specialists on the Zero Trust model who would have the necessary experience, analytics tools, organizational and administrative documentation, etc.
Minuses:
- The need for deep knowledge. You need to have or attract specialists with sufficient knowledge and experience.
- Time. The process may take longer, especially if you don't have prior experience with Zero Trust.
Engaging a contractor
Positive:- Expertise. Contractors usually have a lot of experience and knowledge in Zero Trust issues. They know common best practices and can help you avoid common mistakes.
- Speed. Contractors can implement Zero Trust faster, as they already know how to do it, what steps to take, and where they can stumble upon pitfalls.
- Support. The contractor can offer additional support and training for your team.
Minuses:
- Dependence. You can become dependent on the contractor, especially if you don't have enough knowledge to manage the Zero Trust model yourself.
- Privacy concerns. When working with a contractor, you may encounter problems related to the disclosure of confidential information.
As you can see, working with contractors has its positive and negative aspects. However, if you choose the right contractor that meets your requirements and has positive feedback from other clients, then this can bring significant benefits, ensuring the organization's security and compliance with best practices.
Criteria and parameters to consider when choosing a contractor to implement the Zero Trust model
When choosing a contractor to implement the Zero Trust model, there are several important criteria and parameters that you should pay attention to.First, experience and expertise. This is probably the most important thing. The contractor must have solid experience in implementing the Zero Trust model and deep knowledge in the field of information security. To do this, you need to study the contractor's portfolio and evaluate successfully completed projects to implement the Zero Trust model. Also pay attention to the contractor's partner package, i.e. its relationships with leading information security vendors. The contractor's approach to the audit will also be important, as a competent and comprehensive analysis is a key stage in the successful implementation of the project.
Secondly, reputation and reviews. Reviews from previous clients and the contractor's reputation in the market can tell you a lot about the quality of their work.
Third, the approach to work. A professional contractor approaches each project individually, analyzing the specifics of the organization, its needs and risks. The right contractor is able to offer a personalized solution, rather than a standard "package for everyone".
Fourth, post-implementation support. It is important that the contractor provides support and training after implementing the Zero Trust model. This will help your team confidently manage and maintain the system in the future.
Fifth, pricing policy. While cost should not be the only factor when choosing a contractor, it is still important. Make sure that the prices correspond to the quality of services and fit into your budget.
Sixth, compliance with safety standards. The contractor must follow strict information security standards and have the necessary certificates and licenses. It is important that it has certificates in the field of information security, such as CISSP, CISM, CISA and others, confirming its expertise. You also need to make sure that the contractor has the appropriate licenses to use the required software, and that their team of specialists also has the necessary certifications, thus guaranteeing their qualifications and professionalism in working on the Zero Trust project.
How do I organize the process of monitoring compliance with the Zero Trust model?
Organizing the process of monitoring compliance with the Zero Trust model is a necessary step to ensure the successful operation of this model.1. Monitoring and response. Monitoring under the Zero Trust model has its own specifics, as it must detect abnormal actions and potential threats to the security of data and resources. Conventional monitoring is usually focused on detecting technical failures or problems in the network, and it is not always able to effectively detect information security threats, especially those that may not be obvious or non-standard.
2. Audits. You should conduct regular audits to verify compliance with the Zero Trust model. This will help you make sure that all policies and procedures are being implemented properly and that there are no security gaps.
3. Staff training and awareness. Make sure that your team understands the principles of the model and knows what actions should be taken to comply with these principles.
4. Reporting. Develop a reporting system that will regularly inform you about the security status and compliance with Zero Trust policies. This will help identify problem areas and allow you to quickly make the necessary adjustments. The reporting system for the Zero Trust model must take into account the features of this model. Regular reporting on information security and threat management systems may not be informative enough. It is important to consider the following aspects::
- analysis of authentication and authorization. Track all access attempts and verify their compliance with security principles;
- monitoring network traffic. Real-time network transaction evaluation and anomaly detection;
- analysis of user behavior. Detection of unusual or suspicious actions of employees;
- checking compliance with security policies. Ensuring that all actions comply with the established rules.
As a conclusion
The Zero Trust model in the field of information security is a reliable approach that rejects trust in internal and external sources and focuses on verifying and protecting every network transaction and user action. The key elements of this model are many layers of authentication, network traffic monitoring, and user behavior analysis.Successful implementation of the Zero Trust model requires performing several key steps, including defining security objects, installing network controls, creating a security policy, and monitoring compliance with this model. Success factors for implementation include staff awareness, training and preparation, and monitoring and adaptation of the system.
When choosing between independent implementation and hiring a contractor, it is important to take into account the specifics of your organization and the available resources. Finally, organizing the Zero Trust compliance process is a key step in ensuring the security and effectiveness of the Zero Trust model. Reporting, data analysis, event monitoring, and threat response should be organized in accordance with Zero Trust principles to quickly identify and prevent potential attacks and incidents.
