Implement Zero Trust Principles in PCI DSS

The situation of the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way companies work today in the current scenario. With many organizations still working remotely, it has exposed them to several new risks and cyber threats. Besides, the increased use of cloud platforms supporting various devices and networks has opened doors for attacks and account infiltrations.

Working in an uncontrolled environment with limited security measures in place turns out to be a completely different challenge for organizations to now deal with. Especially, retail businesses who have always been a soft target to sophisticated cybercrimes, find it challenging to ensure security and maintain PCI Compliance in the remote working scenario. 

However, implementing Zero Trust Principles in the PCI Compliance program will address this issue and ensure high-level security against various cyber-attacks.

It further helps ensure that organizations are compliant with various Data Security and Privacy standards. Elaborating more on this we have explained how organizations can implement Zero Trust Principles in PCI DSS and improve the compliance program. But before that, let us first learn a bit about the Zero Trust Principles and techniques of implementing them in the PCI Compliance program. 

What is the Zero Trust Principle? 

Zero Trust Principles is a defense mechanism that can strengthen the security posture of your systems and infrastructure. The security model works on a simple premise or assumption that your organization’s IT infrastructure and network are always hostile and exposed to both internal and external threats at all times. So, the security model works on “never trust and always verify” principles that ensure limited access that is further password-protected, verified, and authenticated. The architecture of this security model is based on the key principles around which the security measures must be implemented. 

Visibility

You need to have clear visibility of all devices, networks, systems, and user access granted to secure your organization’s IT Infrastructure. This requires you to understand the security posture of the entire Infrastructure including the firewall and antivirus status, OS patch, screen-locks, biometrics, encryptions, physical locks, implemented. Further, constant monitoring of these elements is crucial to secure the infrastructure thoroughly.

Such information will help build an inventory of all endpoint devices and further ease the administrative process for monitoring devices and addressing gaps in security systems. So, any case of unusual activity detected will get immediately flagged and tracking of all the activity will undertake in real-time. This will further facilitate comprehensive security checks.

Access Control

Zero Trust Principle calls for strict controls on access to critical systems, applications, and networks. The principle requires every device to be authorized and constantly monitored to ensure no device is compromised. Implementing stringent access controls is the key requirement in Zero Trust Principles. This helps minimize the attack surface on the network. Administrators must implement strict access controls and enforce the same through adaptive role-based access policies. This will help you stay ahead of the threat actors trying to gain unauthorized access. 

Access Verification

Zero trust means no trust without verification. So, verification is the key factor of security that must be applied to all critical assets, systems, and networks. You need to at all times keep a track of authentication and authorization of all access requests to ensure stronger security in your organization.

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) security control is necessary to ensure the establishment of best security practices. Simply relying on passwords cannot ensure security in today’s evolving threat landscape. Constant monitoring and verification will strengthen the defense against the evolving cyber risks.

Least Privilege

Another significant zero trust principle is the least privilege access. This simply means providing users limited access based on their requirements and day-to-day roles and responsibilities. The permission granted for access should also be authenticated, verified, logged, and monitored constantly.

It is a widely adopted cybersecurity measure and an industry-best security practice that helps protect sensitive data and networks. Implementing least privilege is a fundamental step towards protecting privileged access to high-value and sensitive data and assets. This helps minimize the exposure to sensitive data and networks.

Segmentation

Zero Trust Principles call for segmentation or micro-segmentation of networks. To strengthen the security perimeter, it is important to set boundaries around networks that comprise critical data. So, this way perimeter-based security ensures the least visibility and access/traffic to the network. 

This helps monitor and track critical networks at granular levels and ensures strict security around them. This can further be backed by separate access controls established for privilege access. Such network segmentation also requires constant monitoring of granular access control to eliminate risk exposure and excess privileges. 

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