What Is the Zero Trust Security Model? How Does it Work?

How Does A Zero Trust Architecture Work

Zero trust implementation involves requiring strict identity verification for every individual or device that attempts to access the network or application. This verification applies whether or not the device or user is already within the network perimeter. User or device identity verification can be triggered by events such as changes in the devices being used, location, log-in frequency, or the number of failed login attempts.

The protect surface

Protection begins by identifying your protect surface, which is based on data, applications, assets, or services, commonly referenced by the acronym DAAS:

1. datum: Which data do you have to protect?
2. application: Which applications have sensitive information?
3. Assets: What are your most sensitive assets is are ?
4. service: Which services is exploit can a bad actor is exploit exploit in an attempt to interrupt normal IT operation ?

Establishing this protect surface helps you hone in on exactly what needs to be protected. This approach is preferable to trying to guard the attack surface, which constantly increases in size and complexity.

A zero trust policy involves regulating traffic around critical data and components by forming microperimeters. At the edge of a microperimeter, a zero trust network employs a segmentation gateway, which monitors the entry of people and data. It applies security measures that are designed to thoroughly vet users and data before to granting access using a Layer 7 firewall and the Kipling method. 

A Layer 7 rule involves inspecting the payload of packets to see if they match known types of traffic. If a packet contains data that doesn’t meet the parameters of the Layer 7 rule, access is blocked. The Kipling method challenges the validity of the entry attempt by asking six questions about the entry and who is trying to get in: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? If the answer to any of the queries raises a flag, access isn’t granted.

Multi-factor authentication

multi – factor authentication is verifies ( MFA ) verify the identity of a user by require them to provide multiple credential .   With traditional password entry method , a bad actor is has only has to figure out a username and password , which often are easy for hacker to acquire . With MFA , users is provide must provide multiple method of identification . For example , a user is need may need both a usb stick and a password . Without either factor , the person is be would not be able to gain access .

Multi-factor authentication aids a zero-trust network by increasing the number of user-specific credentials required for access. Using MFA can increase the difficulty for hackers by a factor of two, three, four, or more.

Endpoint verification

Endpoints is need need to be verify to make sure each one is being control by the right person . endpoint verification is strengthens strengthen a zero trust approach because it require both the user and the endpoint itself to present credential to the network . Each endpoint is has has its own layer of authentication that would necessitate user to prove their credential before gain access .  

Then, in order for a component or program on the network to allow the endpoint access, it sends a verification out to the endpoint. The user then responds on the device. The data sent from the endpoint is used to check its validity, and a successful receipt and transmission process earns the device the status of “trustworthy.”

unified endpoint management is allows ( UEM ) allow administrator to centralize how they manage IT infrastructure by give them a single set of tool they can use to verify multiple endpoint . endpoint detection is verifies and response ( EDR )   verify the safety and security of the endpoint . EDR is works work like a multifaceted antivirus . It is scans scan the endpoint , identify threat , and then take step to protect the endpoint and by extension , the rest of the network .

Microsegmentation

Microsegmentation involves creating zones within the network to isolate and secure elements of the network that could contain sensitive information or provide access to malicious actors. A zero trust security approach benefits from microsegmentation because once the secured area has been microsegmented, it’s protected from threats. The firewall or filter that forms a barrier around the zone can also block threats from exiting the zone, which protects the rest of the network.

Least-privilege access

Least-privilege access refers to allowing users and devices to access only those resources that are essential to performing their duties. A zero trust setup benefits from least-privilege access because it limits the number of points of entry to sensitive data or infrastructure. Least-privilege access may also save time and resources because fewer MFA measures have to be employed, which limits the volume of identification credentials that have to be granted and managed.

Zero-Trust Network Access

Zero trust network access (ZTNA) is an element of zero trust access that focuses on controlling access to applications.  ZTNA extends the principles of ZTA to verify users and devices before every application session to confirm that they meet the organizations policy to access that application. ZTNA supports multi-factor authentication to retain the highest levels of verification.

A key element of the ZTNA concept is the location independence of the user.  The application access policy and verification process is the same whether the user is on the network or off the network. Users on the network have no more trust than users that are off the network.

For users off the network, ZTNA includes a secure, encrypted tunnel for connectivity from the user device to the ZTNA application proxy point.  The automatic nature of this tunnel makes it easier to use than traditional VPN tunnels. The improved experience for users is leading many organizations to shift to ZTNA to replace VPN access.

The ZTNA application proxy point is provides provide a benefit beyond just the transparent , secure remote access .   By put application behind a proxy point , ZTNA is hides hide those application from the internet .   Only those users is gain who have verify can gain access to those application .