Here's how you can maximize security with zero trust architecture.

Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture is not done with product you can buy, it's a security model that requires an organization to: 1. Never Trust 2. Always Verify 3. Verify Explicitly 4. Assume Breach In the Zero Trust model, every connection to every system must be explicitly authenticated and authorized, regardless of the location on the network. The principle of least privilege (PoLP) is key to reducing the attack surface. We also assume that security threats exist both outside and inside of the network, and that those threats have either already breached or will imminently breach your network and resources.

Zero trust architecture isn't just about a product or service; it's a way to improve your end-to-end security. It changes how you protect your digital stuff by never assuming trust, no matter where something's from or what's happened before. Every access request is treated like it's from someone you don't trust. To make it work, you need to map out how your data moves, know where sensitive stuff is, and make sure access rules are strict.

Zero trust architecture is a security model that assumes no trust within the network. By implementing strict access controls, continuous monitoring, and least privilege access, organizations can maximize security with zero trust architecture. This approach helps prevent lateral movement of threats, reduces the attack surface, and enhances overall network security posture.

Zero Trust Architecture entails trusting no one while validating everyone. It is a security model that involves tight identity verification for any person or device attempting to access resources, whether inside or outside the network. Understanding this basic shift is critical to successfully executing it.

Bisher wurden VPNs als sichere Verbindung angesehen und weit verbreitet eingesetzt. Allerdings hat sich die ca. 20 Jahre alte Technologie kaum weiterentwickelt und zeigt heute einige Schwachstellen auf. Diese Schwachstellen lassen sich mit einer Zero-Trust-Architektur umgehen. Denn anders als VPN wird grundsätzlich keinem Teilnehmer vertraut und das bedeutet, jemand der Zugriff auf ein Netzwerk erhält, hat nur dedizierte und minimale Zugriffe, also nur für das was er/sie wirklich benötigt, bspw. Anwendungsbezogen. Gleichzeitig wird nicht nur der Zugriff, sondern auch der Gerätezustand permanent überprüft. Bevor ein Zugriff möglich ist, durchläuft der User diverse Authorisierungsstufen und erhält nur für die explizite Anwendung Zugriff.

Don't forget micro-segmentation as an important foundation to realize Zero Trust. The better you understand who processes information with what technology, the easier it gets to know whom to trust.

In the Zero Trust model, every connection to every system must be explicitly authenticated and authorized, regardless of the principal's location in or out of the network. MFA (multi-factor authentication - or proving that you are indeed you) is key for explicit verification. More modern approaches include explicitly verifying not just that a principal is authorized to connect to a system but also what actions this principal is entitled to perform on those systems. If, for example, that action is so critical that irreparable damage could be done (e.g.: dropping a table on a database with personal information), then you should trigger an MFA prompt challenging that action to gain that very explicit verification.

Always validate your identity directly. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), strong passwords, and biometric verification. Before giving access, ensure that all requests have been authenticated, authorized, and encrypted. This step guarantees that only legitimate users and devices have access to your resources.

ZTA benötigen eine Art Gateway. Hier wird die Authorisierung überprüft, sprich ist der Benutzer legitimiert und erfüllt auch die Vorgabe eines zweiten Faktors? Ist das Gerät dem Netzwerk bekannt? Ist das Gerät Clean und frei von Malware? Auf welche Anwendung möchte der user zugreifen und ist er legitimiert dazu? Erst wenn der Anwender authorisiert ist erfolgt der Zugriff auf die speziell, freigegebenen Anwendungen und nicht für das gesamte Netzwerk. Gleichzeitig wird der Status permanent abgefragt und abgeglichen und sollte sich am Zustand etwas ändern oder das Gerät infizieren, wird die Verbindung sofort getrennt.

The Principle of Least Privilege minimizes threats by reducing the attack surface and safeguarding against the impact of the stolen credentials we assume as part of the "Assume Breach" tenet of Zero Trust. I would even go so far as to state that the ultimate Least Privilege is having no privilege at all and that Zero Standing Privilege (ZSP) is the ultimate goal. In other words, when a user logs in in the morning, they should have access to nothing. Instead, a catalog of resources and apps should be presented to them, and explicit verification and authorization to those resources should be the workflow...access only when they need it, and only for the duration they need it.

One key aspect of zero trust architecture is the principle of least privilege, which means granting users the minimum level of access they need to perform their tasks. By limiting access rights and permissions, the potential impact of a security breach can be minimized. This approach reduces the attack surface and helps prevent lateral movement by malicious actors within the network.

Bei VPN Verbindungen kennt man die Verbindung in ein Netzwerk so, dass ein verbundener User auf alle Netzwerk-Ressourcen zugreifen kann. In einer Zero-Trust-Architektur allerdings erhält ein authorisierter User nur Zugriff auf freigegebene Anwendungen und Laufwerke. Zero-Trust bedeutet in dem Fall, auch wenn ein Anwender authorisiert ist auf ein Netzwerk zuzugreifen, vertraut man ihm nur minimal und nur für einen freigegebenen Umfang. Das minimiert auch gleichzeitig das Sicherheitsrisiko, sollte eine Zugang missbraucht oder kompromitiert sein, denn dann kann ein Anwender sich auch nur in diesem Bereich bewegen. ZTA minimiert damit das Risiko von Netzwerkangriffen und steigert gleichzeitig die IT-Security / Cybersecurity.

Limit access to what is necessary. Apply the concept of least privilege, granting users the bare minimum of access or permissions required to carry out their job tasks. This reduces the risk of internal threats and decreases the possible impact of a breach.

Act as if a breach is inevitable. Assuming a breach allows you to create security procedures that confine and mitigate damage. This entails segmenting your network to avoid the lateral flow of threats and implementing stringent access restrictions to safeguard critical information.

Make sure that your entire IT ecosystem is secure. This comprises hardware, software, and data. System updates and patches should be performed regularly to address vulnerabilities. Protect your entire ecosystem by using security solutions such as encryption, endpoint protection, and secure access gateways.

Continuous monitoring and analysis of network traffic and user behavior are essential components of zero trust architecture. By monitoring for anomalies and suspicious activities in real-time, organizations can quickly detect and respond to security incidents. This proactive approach helps in identifying and mitigating potential threats before they escalate, thereby strengthening the overall security posture of the network.

Keep a watch on user interactions, access patterns, and system behaviour. Use analytics and machine learning to identify anomalies and potential dangers. To keep up with new threats, adapt your security measures based on the information gathered from monitoring.