Zero Trust framework: A comprehensive, modern security model

A Zero Trust framework is a security model that acts on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring strict Identity confirmation for every human and device trying to access resources on a private network, regardless of their location.

Key takeaways

A Zero Trust architecture consists of security controls that move defences from static, network-based perimeters to focus on users, assets, and resources. 

• Zero Trust solutions encapsulate three core principles: least privileges, no implicit trust, and continuous monitoring. 
• Seven tenets advocated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) must be satisfied for a Zero Trust framework: policy-driven AuthN and AuthZ, integrity and security of assets, secure communication, access granted per session, access granted per resource, continuous monitoring, and a dynamic observable state.

Components of a Zero Trust framework

Zero Trust is not a single technology but a set of controls intertwined with a security mesh defence strategy. 

Elements of a Zero Trust framework include:

• Identity verification and access management: Allows only authenticated and authorised users to access specific resources by verifying their identities and managing their access levels through an evolving set of cybersecurity paradigms
• Device security and trust assessment: Secures endpoint devices and assesses their trustworthiness before granting access to network resources, implementing security measures like anti-malware software, encryption, and compliance checks
• Network segmentation and micro-segmentation: Divides the network into smaller, distinct zones to limit access to sensitive information and reduce the attack surface, providing granular control at the workload or application level
• Data protection and encryption: Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by implementing encryption techniques at rest and in transit, and includes data loss prevention (DLP) strategies
• Continuous monitoring and behavioural analytics: Leverages advanced analytics to continuously monitor network and user activities, identifying abnormal behaviour that may indicate a security threat
• Security policy enforcement and adaptive controls: Implements and enforces security policies that can adapt in real-time to changing threat landscapes and user contexts
• Employee training and security awar