Closing The Door on Malicious Connections: How An MSP Can Help You Implement A Zero Trust Model Today (And Why You Should)
Most businesses operate under the impression of security, but when brought under the microscope, are often found to be lacking. While in general, user accounts and emails may be secure, in many cases their data is not. When a HIPAA audit comes, or an eligibility check for cyber insurance, you can fall short without even realizing it. There is however one security model which can meet almost all compliance and security standards with blanket implementation.
What is a Zero Trust model?
In simplest terms, the zero trust security model is based on the principle of continuous verification, which means that all access requests are continuously monitored and verified to ensure that they comply with your organization’s security policies. It assumes no device or user is trusted by default and instead all access to resources is first verified, then authorized, regardless of whether the access request is coming from inside or outside your organization’s network. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems, and provides extensive auditing in the event of internal misuse or breach of trust.
Why would I want to implement Zero Trust?
Zero trust can be implemented using a variety of technologies, including identity and access management (IAM), and security information and event management (SIEM), and can provide many benefits.
- Increased security. Zero trust helps to improve security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data and applications.
- Reduced costs. Zero trust can help to reduce costs by eliminating the need for some traditional network security infrastructure, such as firewalls and VPNs.
- Increased agility. Zero trust can help to increase agility by making it easier to deploy and protect new applications and services.
- Improved compliance. Zero trust can help to improve compliance by universalizing your data security, making it easier to meet your regulatory, and cyber insurance standards.
How might my employees react to this change?
As a security model, zero trust is inherently low risk and high reward. But it’s understandable changes such as this might bring employees a bit out of their element. If you are considering implementing a zero trust, it is important to consult with a security professional. They can help you to assess your organization’s needs, and work with your employees to maintain education and usability.
Perhaps the most important aspect when implementing large security changes such as this is planning a pilot rollout. This allows you to relegate changes to a specific set of accounts and test the effectiveness and usability of your policies before implementing them company-wide.
Terradyne Solutions can help you plan, test, and implement zero trust and other changes, while keeping your employees up to date with training and working to keep you secure long after.
