In our last post, we explored the fundamentals of Zero Trust—starting with business needs, defining policies, and then selecting technology that fits. Now, let’s dive into what this looks like in practice and how businesses can begin their Zero Trust journey, step by step.  

Real-World Challenges of Zero Trust

Zero Trust is a powerful framework, but implementing it can feel daunting. With so much advice on best practices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Businesses often face:  

• Legacy Systems: Older infrastructure may not support modern security tools like multi-factor authentication (MFA) or micro-segmentation.  

• Hybrid Workforces: Employees accessing data from home, offices, or public Wi-Fi complicates verification and increases risk.  

• Shadow IT: Unauthorised tools or apps can create blind spots in your security posture, leaving critical assets exposed.  

• Budget Constraints: Balancing security investments with operational costs is a constant challenge. Shifting from an "if" to a "when" mindset around breaches often requires a significant change in budgeting priorities.

At MountNex, we recommend starting small, focusing on high-impact areas, and building momentum over time.  

Practical Steps to Get Started

Map Your Critical Assets  

1. Identify your most valuable data (e.g., customer information, intellectual property, financial records).  

Ask yourself:  

• Where is this data stored?  

• Who accesses it?  

• How is it currently protected?  

• What technology protects which assets or business processes?

1. Assess Your Current State  

   • Conduct a security audit to identify gaps in identity management, network access, and device security.  

   • Look for weak points, such as:  

     • Employees using personal devices without security controls, especially relevant for the Work From Home users.  

   • Unpatched systems vulnerable to known exploits.

     
     

2. Define Identity-Centric Policies  

   Zero Trust starts with identity. Ensure every user and device is verified explicitly, regardless of location.  

   Example:  

   • Implement MFA for all access, including internal systems.  

   • Restrict access to sensitive data based on roles (e.g., only HR can access employee records).

   • Develop location-agnostic policies to support remote and hybrid workforces.

3. Segment Your Network  

• Break your network into smaller, isolated segments to limit lateral movement by attackers. Think of it as compartmentalising a ship—damage in one area doesn’t sink the entire vessel.  

• Tools like micro-segmentation can enforce these boundaries effectively.

4. Monitor and Adapt  

• Zero Trust is a dynamic approach that starts with a mindset of continuous verification and uses real-time monitoring to detect and address unusual activities, like odd login times or locations, to keep your business secure.

• Use tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and automated alerts to identify and respond to threats.  

• Regularly revisit policies to account for new threats or business changes. Adopt a Continuous Policy Review process to ensure policies remain relevant.

Real-World Example: Zero Trust in Finance

A mid-sized financial firm adopted Zero Trust after a phishing attack exposed customer data. Their journey:  

• Step 1: Identified critical assets (customer accounts, transaction systems).  

• Step 2: Implemented MFA for all employees and contractors, plus endpoint security on all devices.  

• Step 3: Segmented their network to isolate trading systems from general office access.  

• Step 4: Used analytics to monitor login patterns and automatically block suspicious activity. 

Overcoming Common Roadblocks

• Resistance to Change: Employees may find new security measures (like MFA) cumbersome. Address this by explaining the "why" behind Zero Trust and offering training to ease the transition.  

• Cost Concerns: Start with low-cost, high-impact measures like policy updates or open-source tools. Scale up as budget allows, focusing on critical assets first.  

• Vendor Overload: Avoid "shiny object syndrome”. Choose vendors based on how well they align with your policies, not just their features. Reducing the number of vendors simplifies management, lowers costs, and minimises integration challenges.

Why This Matters Now

Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, and hybrid work is here to stay. Zero Trust isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset that ensures your security evolves with your business. By starting with small, targeted steps, you can build a resilient security posture without overwhelming your team or your budget. 

Next Steps

Ready to take action? Begin by auditing your current security setup or consulting with experts to define your Zero Trust roadmap. At MountNex, we help businesses prioritise and implement Zero Trust strategies tailored to their unique needs.  

Let’s discuss: What’s the biggest barrier you face in adopting Zero Trust, and how can we help you overcome it?