Zero Trust is a paradigm shift from perimeter-based access control. In this new paradigm, no user or system is inherently trusted. Today, with the increasingly complex and dynamic changes occurring in the world of cybersecurity, it is much more relevant and agilely protecting critical data and systems. Authentication has become the Holy Grail in Zero-Trust security, while singular, multipoint permissions need to be granted.
Let us see how Traditional Access Control is different from Zero Trust Security.
Traditional Access Control vs. Zero Trust Security
In earlier security models, perimeter defenses usually consist of firewall-based and VPN-based access control policies. Once the user or device accesses the network, blanket permissions are granted automatically without restrictions within the system. Any user or device entering the network is often assumed to be trusted—hence the “castle-and-moat” approach. With such a method, organizations are at risk for many different insider threats, credential theft, or lateral movement by attackers across the organization.
Key Principles of Access Control regarding Zero Trust Security
Let’s talk about some of the Key Principles of Access Control regarding Zero Trust Security.
1. Granular Access Control Policies
At the heart of the access control aspect of the Zero Trust security is the principle of least privilege access. In place of “Any employee may access everything,” people and devices should obtain access only to particular resources needed to get a job done. For example, marketing employees normally do not have access to the financial database, and even distance would concern the projects on which they worked at the time. Thus, potential threats posed by unauthorized access around compromised credentials are eliminated.
2. Identity-Based
The Zero Trust model utilizes a very different identity-based model of access control compared to the traditional ones which revolve around network location. It is based on identities concerning one’s self. Thus, identity verification is supplemented through harsh means, such as multiple factors of authentication, biometrics, and single sign-on. Each individual accesses through an identity validation because stolen passwords can still protect against unauthorized use.
3. Device Verification
Access rules were redesigned according to zero-trust security, which included device safety. Only devices that meet the stipulated safety requirements, such as updated software, encryption, and organization compliance policies, will be granted access. As soon as a device of the organization is detected to be compromised or untrusted, access is automatically denied.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Validation
Continuous monitoring is another important point in the Zero Trust security mission. Instead, access is continuously valid for users and devices; they are never approved only once.
What are the main benefits?
1) Zero trust security has put into access control: Zero Trust security offers several benefits for organizations.
2) More Threat Resilient: It reduces the attack surface and minimizes the chances of any successful attack by continuous verification of the user and his devices.
3) More Compliant: Access control systems are usually compliant with regulations, and Zero Trust is now adopted within organizations so that they may use the framework for compliance.
4) Flexible in Hybrid Culture: From cloud services proliferating outside the walls to remote services, Zero Trust seamlessly connects on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
Conclusion
Zero Trust destroys the very idea of access denial and turns the wheel of thinking around the whole security policy into a more responsive and well-defined mind frame. Trust in access is dead; rather, actions by users and systems are taken to be of varying permission levels based on identity and accorded based on that identity-based trust to have such permissions. In the midst of an increasingly data breach- and cyber-challenge-ridden world, Zero Trust has now become organizational strategy to secure sensitive information and create robust institutional systems instead of an option.
