Threats to computer security are rife in today’s world and IT professionals are always on their toes to make sure there are no mistakes that can permit a cyberattack. In this environment, many IT professionals are revising their IT security standards and opting for what’s known as a zero-trust policy. What is it? Will it keep your business secure in the face of current and future cyberthreats? Let’s take a look at the issues.
What is Zero-Trust?
The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre defines zero-trust as ‘the idea of removing inherent trust from the network. Just because a device is within the internal “trusted” side of a firewall or VPN, it should not be trusted by default’. What does that mean? We tend to assume that threats are external, but this highlights the fact that even devices within your network cannot be assumed to be secure and nothing to worry about. All devices on your network should be regarded as a potential security problem and scrutinized accordingly.
Does Zero-Trust Security Work?
What works for one business might not work for another, so it will be necessary to evaluate your infrastructure to make sure that a zero-trust policy will be effective in your circumstances. The NCSC recommends that companies regard zero-trust as a guideline to be taken into account in network design, not a rule that has to be adhered to rigidly.
If you’re a company with an extensive IT infrastructure and numerous devices in your network, there could be cost implications for implementing a zero-trust policy. It could impact your budget for a long time, while the policy is implemented. It might involve purchasing new hardware, which is always a significant expense, as well as training technicians in the new IT security standards you want to attain. It can also be a problem if your organization uses a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, because it will be harder to implement, monitor and maintain.
The Benefits of a Zero-Trust Policy
Though there may be barriers for some organizations, it may be a feasible approach for your business to adopt a zero-trust policy. The NCSC listed several reasons why it could be advantageous for your organization:
- • More control over data means delegation to the appropriate users
- • It enables stronger authentication and authorization
- • It can improve the user experience, for example, by only requiring a single sign-on
- • With every action or device covered by the policy, there will be detailed access logs and verification of all attempts to access data
Are Your Systems Really Secure?
No business can afford to be complacent about the extent of the cyberthreats that exist today. All businesses should prioritize IT security and do whatever they can to protect their valuable data. At Quikteks, we guarantee that our cybersecurity professionals will give you the best possible shot at protecting your business. For more information, reach out to us at (973) 882-4644.