An Introduction to Zero Trust: Why Businesses Need It Now

So, you’ve locked the doors, but what if someone’s already inside? This is the reality businesses using old-school perimeter security, like firewalls and VPNs, could be facing as cyber attacks become more sophisticated. Today your security measures need to adapt to the changing threat environment, and Zero Trust is an ideal solution based on the principle that you should ‘never trust, always verify.’

In this blog, we’re unpacking Zero Trust, from what it is to why you need it now, how it works, and how our experts can help. If you want to build your business’ cyber security posture this is essential reading, so let’s get started.

What is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a security model (not a product) that assumes users and devices shouldn’t be automatically trusted, even if they’re already inside the network. When this model is implemented, users and devices need to be continuously verified – which significantly enhances your security measures and safeguards resources and data. A simpler way to think about it? IDs are checked at every door, not just at the front gate.

Why Businesses Need It Now

There are a range of factors driving the adoption of this framework, which have introduced new risks and expanded the attack surface. They include:

• The rise in remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Cloud-based systems, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices – which can exist outside traditional perimeter security.
• Rising credential theft and insider threats (which are threats coming from inside your business).

Businesses are also facing increasing compliance and data protection expectations, and Zero Trust can support you to meet these.

How Zero Trust Frameworks Help 

This model allows you to:

• Reduce the attack surface – which means reducing vulnerabilities and access points that cyber criminals can exploit.
• Limit damage in the event of a cyber attack – which can include downtime, data theft, financial loss, and reputational damage.
• Control access to systems and data – preventing unauthorised access, which helps to safeguard your data and infrastructure.
• Meet cyber insurance or compliance requirements – security measures implemented as part of the Zero Trust model align with cyber security frameworks, like SMB1001, and can contribute towards your compliance efforts. These measures can also help to you meet cyber insurance requirements.

Getting Started 

As you know, Zero Trust is a model, and it involves implementing a range of security measures. This includes:

• Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) – this adds an additional layer of security to the login process. It involves using a password and a second form of verification (which might use an authenticator app, biometrics, or a code sent to your email or phone number – we recommend going with the first option). MFA should be implemented everywhere possible to secure accounts and counter rising credential theft attacks.

• Role Based Access – Role Based Access grants your team access to resources and data based on assigned roles and permissions. Basically, they can only access what they need to complete their job (this is the principle of least privilege). 

• Network Segmentation – this involves your network being divided into sections, which enhances your security by isolating and minimising the impact of threats that have accessed your network. 

• Device Verification – this ensures a device’s identity and security measures are continuously checked when accessing, and when inside, your network. This means that devices need to meet certain standards, stopping unauthorised users from doing damage. 

• Endpoint Protection – endpoint protection secures devices (like laptops, phones, tablets, and more) that cyber criminals target to gain access to your network. This is increasingly important as hybrid workforces become more common, and endpoints exist beyond traditional perimeter security.

• Continuous Monitoring and Response – this is critical to ensure you can identify and respond to threats as they happen, allowing you to limit their impact and any related downtime.

 If this seems overwhelming, remember you don’t need to tackle everything at once – implementing the Zero Trust framework is a journey.

How Insource IT Can Help 

Ready to secure your business against changing cyber threats? The best time to get started is right now, and working with a trusted Managed Service Provider is the best way to streamline your Zero Trust process. At Insource, our friendly team of experts can work with you to map out a strategy that best suits your needs before handling implementation and maintenance. If you’d like to learn more about Zero Trust, get in touch with us today.