Introduction
Changing Landscape & New Threat Vectors
The cybersecurity landscape has evolved dramatically over the years, and so has the complexity of threats that organizations face. With an increasing number of high-profile data breaches, the traditional “trust but verify” model has shown its limitations. Zappsec has led the charge in guiding our clients towards implementing Zero Trust Network Architecture, a security model that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This article delves into the critical importance of incorporating Zero Trust into your network design.
Traditionalist Approaches
Traditional security approaches assume that anything inside the trusted corporate/organizational network can be trusted. Traditional security posturing was done based on IP addresses with ACLs or with MAC addresses and filtering. However, neither of these approaches is truly secure, and furthermore, business computing has changed greatly in the last decade. Specifically, due to mobility (users logging in from different geographical locations and devices), BYOD (Bring Your Own Device policies), IoT (Internet of Things), greater cloud adoption, increased user-to-user collaboration, and a focus on business resiliency, this has changed, and we feel there is only one solution that can always be relied upon.
What is Zero Trust Network Architecture?
A Top Modern Security Framework
Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) is an approach that Zappsec tailors to fit each of our customers, allowing them to maximize security and reduce the potential chance of a cybersecurity breach. Zappsec achieves this by focusing on industry best practices that cybersecurity experts have arrived at a consensus in agreement that this is a proven and effective model with the fewest weaknesses possible. It perhaps wasn't used in the past because technology and network topology didn't permit the assessment of security posturing at so many places throughout the network, and furthermore, “east–west” direction traffic was not as common as “north–south,” which is much different now: eliminating trust from an organization’s network architecture entirely. Trust isn’t binary: it is not limited to “I trust this device,” or “I do not trust this user.” Users can connect to the network from different devices, at different times, using organization-approved security postures or BYOD – devices brought from home, and they can connect to the wireless or wired network from ports with or without secure 802.1x access profiles enabled. Therefore, binary statements may not hold true. A device that was secure yesterday will not necessarily still be trustworthy today. This concept of permanence is key as well; it can no longer be assumed that internal entities are trustworthy, that they can be directly managed to reduce security risk, or that checking them one time is enough. The zero-trust model prompts you to question assumptions of trust at every access attempt.
Threats Come From Anywhere
Furthermore, Zero Trust is a security framework that disavows the notion of a single, secure perimeter and instead focuses on verifying identities and limiting access at multiple layers within the network. Unlike traditional models that implicitly trust anyone inside the corporate network, for example, past the DMZ, or beyond the captive portal, Zero Trust operates on the premise that threats can come from anywhere — even within your organization. Zappsec utilises solutions from Cisco, including the DNA Center (DNAC) and the Identity Services Engine (ISE) to stay at the forefront of Zero Trust Network Architecture Implementations. Furthermore, Cisco Duo provides a user-centric zero-trust security platform with two-factor authentication to protect access to sensitive data.
Key Components of Zero Trust
Importance of Zero Trust in Network Design
Enhanced Security:
Zero Trust dramatically reduces the attack surface by requiring verification at each interaction point within the network. This prevents unauthorized access and limits the potential damage from insider threats.
Compliance:
For organizations governed by stringent regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS, Zero Trust architecture can simplify the compliance process by providing robust security controls.
Scalability and Flexibility:
Zero Trust architecture is vendor agnostic, making it scalable and flexible enough to be incorporated into any existing network design easily.
Adaptability to Modern Work Environments:
With the rise of remote work, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies, and cloud-based applications, Zero Trust architecture provides a security model that adapts to a changing work landscape.
Lower Operational Costs:
Though implementing Zero Trust may require an initial investment, its effectiveness in preventing data breaches can result in lower operational costs in the long term.
Conclusion
The Zero Trust Network Architecture has become a cornerstone for modern network design. Its principles enhance security, promote compliance, and offer greater flexibility and scalability. Given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, adopting a zero-trust approach is not just advisable but essential for ensuring robust network security. For a tailored assessment and roadmap to implement Zero Trust Network Architecture, please contact Zappsec for expert consultation.
