Enforcing the Zero Trust security is the focus of the playbook 2021. Also, it includes the layered model, and we dig in about it.
What Zero Trust Security Playbook for 2021?
In a nutshell, it is a strategy to make sure that access to a network. It is based on identity and not on the location of the device. It has become an important part of the enterprise security strategy.
Also, it helps in stopping events like ransomware attacks, insider threats, and other data breaches.
This means that you should implement new security policies to avoid over-privileging employees. And to protect them from phishing attacks. It also requires a new security model that can detect and stop data exfiltration through cloud applications.
What Is It?
A security policy and an enforcement mechanism have become the central components of this new approach. The former defines the following:
- assess risk,
- define rules and
- requirements,
While the latter protects all assets with the right level of control.
This approach offers a degree of flexibility in dealing with a complex system. Which are increasingly interconnected with each other.
It is by no means easier than securing a traditional network or one where access is granted only after employees have been identified by name and face at point-of-entry. That kind of system can be hacked.
So, this approach is far more secure than traditional ones, as it relies on modern technologies. Such as artificial intelligence (AI).
However, how do you handle employee turnover? Can you revoke access for former employees after they leave?
This is indeed a tough problem for security administrators. Who need to continuously renew identities for every employee in their organization.
To deal with these problems and others like them. There is a need for automation in managing access control at every level in your company.
This can be achieved by implementing several advanced tools for identity management systems.
Layered Security Model
Your first line of defense is a layered security model. It is what every security administrator looks for. It relies on the use of multiple layers of security to secure an organization.
Also, it controls access based on the principle that not all devices are trustworthy. A new device that you have never used before, can’t be trusted for access.
The layered model is easy to implement and offers you flexibility in the design of your network. It can be used to protect both physical and virtual assets. It can also be used to identify and authenticate users through a series of systems. These systems can be made up of the following: people, hardware, software, and process.
They act as a shield against potential threats and check every request to access a resource. This ensures that no threat can enter your system without being detected first.
Evolving Threats
The threats are evolving at an alarming rate and they keep organizations on their toes all the time. That’s why they need a prevention-oriented security system instead of a detection-oriented one.
You cannot afford to wait until your system has been hacked before you realize it. It has been compromised.
You need to see what’s happening right now and make sure that it doesn’t happen again in the future. This is where the layered model excels as it allows you to see what’s happening right now and take appropriate action to stop it.
There are different ways in which you can use this model to secure your network effectively:
The Firewall
A firewall is designed to keep unwanted traffic from entering your network from the Internet. Also, from other networks connected with yours through a router or hub.
Firewalls terminate unwanted packets at the gateway by dropping them by default and sending back an error message.