The 8 Security Standards that Add Up to Zero (Trust)

We’d be the first to admit it: my team and I put a lot of emphasis on security.

That said, we’d argue that this emphasis is completely warranted, especially considering how intent modern cybercriminals are to accomplish their goals. It’s gotten to the point where you really can’t trust anyone… not even the people you’ve hired to work for your business. It’s an unfortunately necessary mindset that today’s business owners must adopt.

This is why establishing zero-trust security standards is so critical.

What Does “Zero-Trust” Mean, in Terms of Your Business’ Security?

Historically, business security has followed a more castle-and-moat approach. Once someone gains access to the network, it is assumed they have authorization to be there. Network defenses are limited to the hurdles put in place to keep people out, with little to no protection within your infrastructure itself. Hopefully, I don’t need to spell out why this could be particularly problematic.

Nowadays, zero-trust frameworks shore up these vulnerabilities.

Instead of assuming that access implies authorization, a zero-trust approach requires users to repeatedly verify their identities. Picture your network as a fancy apartment building or a hotel. Chances are, there’s someone at the door vetting everyone who comes in, and you also need a key to access the different floors and suites inside.

Let’s break down the different facets that contribute to a successful zero-trust security strategy.

What is Required for Zero-Trust Security?

Identify Verification

1. Multi-Factor Authentication
   Passwords are not reliable enough to be entrusted alone, so requiring a user to prove their identity with additional evidence (such as the presence of an additional device) better protects accounts and data than otherwise.
   
   
2. Biometrics
   Biometrics are among the best proofs of identity, as they are truly unique. The widely accepted statistic is that there is a 1 in 64 billion chance that two people will have the same fingerprint… which, given that “only” about 120 billion people are estimated to have ever existed, means it has most likely only happened once (maybe twice) ever.

Device Verification

1. Device Health Checks
   Just as you would go to a physician for preventive healthcare checkups, devices need maintenance, too. Proactively checking to ensure all updates are completed and that no malware is present on the device is essential to protecting your business using zero-trust principles.
   
   
2. Device Management
   Zero-trust also depends on you having some form of centralized control of all devices used for business purposes, whether they are company-owned or implemented as part of a BYOD strategy. That way, if one should be lost or stolen or the owner suddenly leaves the company, you have the ability to rescind its access to your business’ data.

Network Security

1. Micro-Segmentation
   Rather than having a single all-inclusive network, it is wiser to break it into smaller, specified, and isolated zones to prevent breaches from spreading uncontrollably. This helps keep any breaches relatively contained.
   
   
2. Least Privilege Access
   Similarly, restricting employee access to only the resources needed to do the tasks they are presently working on helps prevent threats from spreading outside their bubble and infiltrating further in. After all, the threat can then only access what that employee can access.

Data Security

1. Encryption
   Data is vulnerable in its natural state, so encrypting it—scrambling it beyond recognition while it is being stored and transmitted—is essential to protecting it. For instance, which is easier to read:
   
   1owTqWBH/1gwP6HScJ5DsaWSGS5HITEzIadNJBOh8vafMvvf/K0oxTdGnT9eyHHKITM5IRVLv8Oaoy52I5EhMTAhITkhiboTNhVsU1WGMkOR/+6T40c3zxBnx5TcITMzISCDwMMhMTAh
   
   …or the same thing, without the protection that encryption offers…
   
   Give us a call for assistance with your security precautions!
   
   
2. Data Loss Prevention
   Finally, there are specialized tools that help maintain the standards demanded by zero trust by blocking certain types of data from being transmitted via email or cloud. Providing this restriction helps minimize the means people have to share things like government identification numbers or credit card details, putting up obstacles in the way of a data breach.

We Can Help You Implement Zero Trust Security Measures You Can, In Fact, Trust!

As we said before, you can give us a call for assistance with your business’ security safeguards… and for any other IT-related questions or concerns you want professional assistance managing. Reach out at (501) 375-1111 today to get started.