The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly changing. Increasing ransomware attacks and concerns about secure remote access for hybrid workforces are creating new pain points for organisations who want to protect their valuable systems and data.
This is where zero trust network access can be essential because it allows organisations to create security solutions that take into consideration cloud environments and application access with an increasingly mobile and remote workforce.
What is zero trust security?
The zero trust architecture security model was created by John Kindervag, one-time vice-principal of Forrester Research, as a means to respond to the growing threat of cyberattacks faced by organisations in the 21st century.
Traditional approaches to security assume that if a user has been granted access, they are not a threat. Zero trust takes a different stance, based on “never trusting, always verifying”.
Zero trust is a simple premise:
- Verify every user
- Validate every device
- Intelligently limit access.
This strategy means all users and devices requesting to connect to the network are treated as untrustworthy or hostile until they’re verified.
Why is zero-trust network access important?
These days, security is of the utmost importance. Zero-trust policies offer better protection against cyberattacks while not impeding productivity and speed in data transfer speeds.
Implementing a zero-trust network access policy will result in reduced costs, increased productivity and more engaged employees. A zero trust network access policy limits access based on trust level. Employees trust that the system they’re logging into is configured correctly and will keep them from accessing sensitive data by accident, but allow them access to the resources and data they need to perform their jobs.
Beyond protecting your valuable business data by reducing the risk of breaches, it allows your organisation to get more done. It has been shown that businesses with zero trust strategies are more confident about creating new business models and customer experiences.
What are the benefits of zero-trust network access?
With zero trust, businesses can substantially reduce the likelihood and cost of a data breach.
Protect remote users
It is important to consider the type of access your remote workforce needs, to avoid the likelihood they can access systems or data they shouldn’t. Employees are unfortunately one of the most common sources of data breaches, most often due to being able to mistakenly access their organisation network inappropriately for their role.
A zero-trust network addresses this problem by creating different user access levels. This can help give teams clear guidelines on what each remote worker can access. To make your company more efficient and productive, update user access policies to better address the needs of remote employees.
Remote workers should be able to access company data and assets; however, they should also have strict controls over what they can do with that information. To stay on top of any gaps or new threats, you should conduct regular audits of your remote access policies.
Reduce the risk of data breaches
Data breaches are when unauthorised access to your network occurs and sensitive data is used for malicious purposes, such as fraud, ransom, or identity theft. A key benefit of zero trust network access solutions is data braces are less likely to happen, due to strong security and access policies that guide who can access the company server. These policy controls can be updated rapidly if necessary, to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Keep business data secure
Zero trust networks protect your critical business information from being accessed accidentally or with intention. Different user access levels ensure employees and teams are guided by what access each needs to do their job. Access to applications and data that are necessary to address the needs of remote teams might be different to those in management or in-office staff.
Secure your network access
The wider the network access of employees, the higher your risk for data breaches. A zero-trust network policy can help limit this by offering remote employees strict verification and limited access to a company’s resources. Speak to the IT security specialists at INTELLIWORX about developing and implementing a zero trust network access policy to meet your digital transformation business needs.
