As the number of connected devices increases, so does the network’s vulnerability to cyber attacks. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has dramatically expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. In this environment, traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient, leading to the adoption of a more comprehensive security framework: Zero Trust.
What is Zero Trust?
At its core, Zero Trust operates on the simple principle of “never trust, always verify.” Unlike traditional security models that assume trust within the network perimeter, Zero Trust allows all users, devices, and applications that attempt to access the network, regardless of whether they are inside or outside an organization’s boundaries, to must be verified. Zero Trust does not allow any entity comprehensive access to network resources. Instead, access is granted on a need-to-know basis.
For example, consider how airports deal with security. After passing through the initial security check, passengers are often free to explore various terminals, stores, and gates without further inspection. Traditional network security works similarly. Once access is granted, the user can roam within the network. This model allows attackers to exploit vulnerabilities, escalate privileges, and access sensitive data.
However, the Zero Trust model changes the scenario for airports. Travelers will only have access to specific terminals, gates, or planes for which they are authorized, and their identities and credentials will be re-evaluated at each stage. This limited, context-aware access makes Zero Trust highly effective at minimizing security risks.
Core components of zero trust
Zero Trust security is built on three fundamental pillars:
Continuous authentication and authorization: Authentication and authorization must occur each time a network resource is accessed. We continually evaluate user identity, location, device health, and other contextual factors. Least Privilege Access: Users and devices are given the least amount of access they need to perform their functions. This minimizes potential damage from compromised credentials and insider threats. Microsegmentation and network segmentation: Zero Trust networks are designed to limit lateral movement by dividing the network into small zones, each protected by access controls. Even if an attacker compromises one segment, he or she cannot move freely across the network.
Extend zero trust to cloud and hybrid environments
The need for zero trust becomes even more important as organizations move to cloud-first and hybrid cloud strategies. In these environments, resources are often distributed across multiple locations, and employees access data from a variety of devices and locations. Zero Trust secures these dynamic environments by controlling access to cloud resources, ensuring data privacy, and securing API communications.
For example, Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools can be used to enforce least privilege access within the cloud, while microsegmentation can prevent unauthorized lateral movement within and between cloud environments. By implementing Zero Trust principles, organizations can better manage security across complex multicloud infrastructures.
Achieve zero trust with AI and machine learning
Organizations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance their zero trust capabilities. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data in real time to detect anomalies, identify potential threats, and automate responses. For example, AI-driven analytics can flag anomalous behavior, such as an employee accessing sensitive data from an unfamiliar location, and trigger additional verification or block access altogether.
AI and ML also support continuous monitoring and automatic policy enforcement, reducing the burden on IT teams and ensuring a more robust security posture.
Zero trust in the era of remote and hybrid work
The shift to remote and hybrid work is expanding traditional network boundaries and increasing the risk of cyberattacks. Zero trust is critical in this new environment because it continuously verifies the identity, device status, and location of remote workers. Zero Trust helps protect against phishing, ransomware, and insider threats by requiring stronger, context-aware authentication for high-risk access requests.
Adaptive authentication techniques, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and risk-based authentication, help balance security and user experience by requiring additional verification only when the context is unusual or dangerous.
Applying Zero Trust to Operational Technology (OT) Networks
Zero Trust is not limited to traditional IT environments. It is increasingly being applied to operational technology (OT) networks in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, water, and transportation. Many OT networks are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks because they are comprised of legacy systems that were not designed with security in mind.
Implementing Zero Trust principles such as microsegmentation and continuous monitoring allows organizations to ensure that only authorized communications occur between devices and control systems. This approach helps protect against cyber threats that can have physical effects, such as disrupting power grids or transportation systems.
Zero trust and regulatory compliance
Zero Trust also offers significant regulatory compliance benefits. With increasing pressure to comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA, Zero Trust provides a structured approach to securing data and access controls. By continuously verifying all entities that access sensitive information, Zero Trust helps organizations demonstrate compliance and reduce the risk of costly data breaches.
The future of zero trust
As cyber threats continue to evolve and expand, Zero Trust is driving a fundamental shift in how organizations think about security. It provides a more proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring all users, devices, and applications are continuously verified and verified. Zero Trust is becoming the gold standard for cybersecurity frameworks, whether it applies to cloud environments, remote work, OT networks, or regulatory compliance.
Organizations that have not yet adopted Zero Trust need to start planning now. As more industries and governments adopt Zero Trust, companies that lag will be at increased risk of cyberattacks and regulatory penalties. The future of cybersecurity is clear. Trust no one and verify everything.
