A zero trust network security model is based on what? What are its bases? And how do companies benefit from this? Read on to know.
A Zero Trust Network Security Model Is Based On?
A zero trust network security model is a security model that assumes the validity of information is unknown unless it is verified. You don’t trust anyone or anything, including the network itself. In this model, an application needs to request access to the network, and that request is checked by the central access system.
Then, when an application wants to perform a task, it needs to request access to specific resources. The access request will be checked again by the central system. It then means that every time an application wants to use a resource, it has to go through a new authentication process.
So, we can say that this model is based on the following:
1. Least Privilege. This is the concept that every user or process only has the minimum required privileges to carry out its job and nothing more. So that way, if a malicious user gets access to a resource, it would not get the access it needs to cause damage.
2. Identity. The identity of a user is verified and verified again before allowing access to the network or resources.
3. Inventory. The inventory of resources, including devices, applications, data, and users, is then constantly monitored. So if an unauthorized resource is detected, it can be quickly removed from the network.
4. Segregation. Resources are separated based on trust levels so that highly sensitive data is stored in a secure location. And thus cannot be accessed by unauthorized users or applications.
5. Security Policies. Policies are created to govern how data can be accessed and used on the network by different kinds of users or applications. These security policies are strictly enforced by an access control system. This system also monitors compliance with these policies and immediately detects any violation of them.
Zero Trust Network Security Model Guidelines
Companies must follow some guidelines for implementing a zero trust network security model for their company’s IT systems and networks. So, some of these guidelines are listed below:
- Keep Sensitive Data In A Secure Location Only (Not Moved). If your company has sensitive data that should not be reached by any employee or application, keep them in a special place. So that this data cannot be moved without authorization from your company’s IT department or security department.
- Use Separate Networks For Sensitive Data And Unimportant Data. Create separate networks for your sensitive data and unimportant data. Then, define which kinds of users can access each network and the kind of data they can store on them.
- Use Separate Networks For Different Types Of Applications. It is important to create separate networks for different kinds of applications in your company. So that way, you can protect your company’s data from threats like malware, viruses, and spyware.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is important to implement a zero trust network security model for your company’s IT systems and networks. This model is then based on minimum required privileges, identity, inventory, segregation, and security policies.