The section will give a guide for startups who want to implement zero trust security. It will be detailed based on the six strategies for implementing zero-trust security.
Zero Trust Security For Startups
For startups that want to implement trust security, some strategies need to be considered.
1. Be Informed
Every startup needs to be aware of the threats in the cyber world. It is a must for startups to understand that the threats are not always from the outside. But also from the inside (the people inside the organization).
To avoid any attacks, they should make sure that they have the right defense mechanism. There are some ways to be informed like the following:
- reading articles and books on cybersecurity,
- joining another organization as an advisor or employee and
- also by attending cybersecurity conferences or seminars.
2. Conduct Security Training
Because people inside an organization can’t spot every single threat. They should make sure that they are trained in security awareness.
The training will help them be aware of how to secure their workstation and their system. It is also a must for them to know all about security and the consequences if they fail to do so.
They should also be taught about preventing social engineering attacks and phishing attacks. BY sharing knowledge about how these attacks happen and what are the signs for them.
To conduct this program, organizations should hire a cybersecurity professional who will handle the training.
3. Apply The Zero Trust Approach
Organizations need to move from a traditional approach where every device has a trust level of:
- Low,
- medium and
- high into a zero-trust environment
It is where every device has no trust level at all.
To perform this step, the organizations need to develop policies. So you will fit the zero-trust security approach which will do authentication based on context and groups rather than device identity.
Implementing this policy will help prevent or reduce phishing or malware infections. Because users will not easily give out their credentials for no valid reasons or under pressure from attackers like social engineers.
Organizations can also consider implementing machine learning algorithms. Because these algorithms are designed to automatically filter out bad behavior patterns. Like users who frequently perform risky activities.
They can also prevent insider threats by enabling single sign-on so that only one account.
4. Detect Attacks
Because organizations can’t prevent every single attack. They must detect them and react to them immediately.
To do so, organizations should have an advanced security system that can detect attacks on the network. The security system should also be able to monitor all incidents. So they will be notified if there are any breaches.
It is also wise for organizations to test their security systems frequently. It is by doing so that they will be able to find out if it works properly or not. And if any weak points need to be improved.
5. Respond To Attacks
Every organization should have a plan on what to do if there are any attacks on their networks. They should also make sure that they have a team of people. Who is dedicated to addressing any cybersecurity incidents in the organization?
The team should also follow its security policies and procedures. And it is also important for them to get the knowledge and training needed in cybersecurity issues.
Otherwise, it may not be possible for them to address the cybersecurity incident effectively.