What is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a security concept based on the principle of "Trust No One or Nothing". Its origins date back to a time where the most original concept was “de-perimeterisation”.

In traditional models, once inside a network, users or devices might be trusted implicitly. Zero Trust principles change this by assuming breach and verifying each transaction as if it originates from an untrusted source.

Principles of Zero Trust:

1. Verify Explicitly: Always authenticate and authorise based on the least privilege principle. Apply wherever the user is (in office, WFH).

2. Least Privilege Access: Users should only access what they need for their job, reducing the attack surface.

3. Assume Breach: Operate under the assumption that threats exist within the local and wider network, necessitating constant vigilance.

Business Defines, Technology Follows:

• Business First: Before diving into tech solutions, businesses need to assess:

  • What data needs protection?

  • Who should access what?

  • What are the critical assets?

Policy Before Product: Establishing clear security policies, identity governance, and risk management strategies should dictate the technological approach rather than letting technology dictate business processes.

At MountNex, we always recommend to choose the vendors based upon their suitability to your needs, not the other way round.

• Custom Fit: By defining these security needs first, businesses can avoid generic, one-size-fits-all security solutions which might not address specific risks or operational requirements.

Why This Approach?

• Flexibility: Business needs to evolve, and so should security. Starting with the policies they allow for more agile adjustments to security posture without massive tech overhauls.

• Efficiency: Technology tailored to specific business needs or business lines can be more resource-efficient, focusing on protecting what matters most.

• Compliance: Many industries have specific compliance requirements. By defining policy first, compliance can be built into the security model from the ground up. Finance sector is great example.

• User Experience: Security shouldn't hinder productivity. When tech supports predefined business policies, it can be less intrusive and more intuitive for users wherever they are.

Implementation Journey:

• Assessment: Understand your current security posture, data flows, and access patterns.

• Policy Development: Craft policies around Zero Trust principles, focusing on identity, device security, and network segmentation.

• Technology Selection: Choose or adapt technologies like MFA, micro-segmentation, and endpoint security tools that align with your policies.

• Continuous Improvement: Zero Trust is not a one-time setup but a continuous process of monitoring, verifying, and adapting.

Conclusion:

Adopting Zero Trust means recognising that technology should serve the business, not dictate it. By first defining what trust means in your organisational context, you ensure that the security technologies you deploy are not just state-of-the-art but also state-of-need.