Why Your IT Security Needs a Zero Trust Approach

New Approach to Network Security Architecture Assumes Zero Trust

Network security has long focused on keeping the entire perimeter protected. Learn how Zero Trust solutions keep your most vital data, systems and devices safe.

As business computing increasingly moves to the cloud and employees and other users access systems via mobile devices, a new approach to network security has emerged.

Zero Trust is a new way of looking at IT security, one that shifts a fundamental approach to security.

What Is Zero Trust?

With Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), the network security paradigm is turned on its head. It replaces older approaches that assumed that objects located within a network architecture are innately trustworthy. Previously, once a user's identity was confirmed, they could navigate laterally throughout the network, under the presumption that they would act responsibly and be trustworthy.

That approach meant that bad actors that had been allowed into a system could then navigate that system easily, able to access information and steal it, encrypt it or affect it in some other way.

Zero Trust uses the concept of a "protect surface" as the core to prevention. The protected surface is the most sensitive and valuable data, assets, applications and services (DAAS).

Security is focused on the protected surface, which is a significantly smaller area of the network containing items most critical to a company's operations. Protections focus on the traffic that moves close to the microperimeter around the protect surface.

What Are the Benefits of Zero Trust Security?

What are the advantages of Zero Trust? Here are a few core benefits:

• Lower Breach Risk. Zero trust takes a more aggressive approach to risk. Any apps or services that try to communicate in your network are identified and assumed to be untrustworthy. Until the identity is verified, communication is disallowed automatically.
• Cloud Control. With companies today deploying more cloud solutions, the fear of lack of visibility and control is magnified. Zero Trust is application-centric, meaning any app wanting to communicate in your cloud environments must be verified first. Workloads that can not be verified are not allowed to communicate, making it much harder for hackers to launch attacks.
• Better Compliance. Cybersecurity is at the core of many compliance initiatives and laws requiring companies to demonstrate they have the policies and systems in place to keep data secured. Zero Trust is an approach that helps your business prepare for security audits and document compliance.
• Improved Business Speed. Businesses need to move at lightning-fast speed today. However, using port-based security solutions can detail productivity. If a port is blocked or a host is offline because of potential intrusions, employees may be unable to access data or services. Zero Trust solutions work in the background to assess each workload as opposed to each perimeter security checkpoint. Communication attempts that are blocked are isolated and do not create widespread disruption.
• Reduced Friction. Application development has been hurt by the increased number of vulnerabilities that are in play. With Zero Trust, each app has a unique identity footprint that allows it to communicate freely. This approach reduces friction in app development by preventing onerous security protocols from slowing app development and updates.

How Can My Business Use Zero Trust Architecture?

LI Tech Advisors helps businesses with network security solutions that include Zero Trust Architecture. Keep users (wired and wireless), systems and devices protected with our comprehensive managed IT security solutions. To learn more, contact us today.

Anthony Buonaspina, BSEE, BSCS,CPACC

Anthony has been in the MSP business since before the acronym existed. Managed IT once started as break-fix solutions and some light phone support.

Since then, he has seen the industry flourish into a landscape of platforms, cloud servers, software tools and AI . Tailoring network configurations and software stacks to the specific needs of each business.

In his current role, he focuses on proactive planning, ensuring clients can avoid potential issues altogether. This involves meticulous planning for enhanced business continuity, allowing swift resolution of any unforeseen challenges. What initially began as addressing "fires" through break-fix solutions has evolved into a proactive approach, ensuring that such issues are prevented from arising in the first place.