As cyber crime increases all over the business world, a new approach to cybersecurity is gaining popularity. Zero trust architecture moves the focus of SecOps from the network perimeter to the application, microservice, or data layer. A simple four word phrase expresses its basic concept: “Never trust, always verify.”
Let’s look more closely at the concept of zero trust to see if it makes sense for your business. Ultimately, this newer cybersecurity model provides a better fit for a business world where remote working is commonplace. The increased reliance on remote access and Cloud-based services requires a more vigorous approach.
Zero Trust Makes More Sense in The Wake of COVID-19
Before the Coronavirus pandemic upended the traditional employment model, employees typically worked behind a corporate firewall. The transition to remote working expanded that network perimeter to encompass the home networks of each remote employee. Importantly, a recent IBM study noted that 61 percent of employees also lack sufficient security on remote devices accessing networks.
Add to this situation the growing complexity of corporate networks embracing Cloud-based services. Simply put, a zero trust cybersecurity model provides stronger protection when given this scenario. Providing access to a host of remote devices on Cloud services also remains too risky from a SecOps protection standpoint.
The Business Benefits of The Zero Trust Cybersecurity Model
Zero trust builds off an older SecOps concept called least privilege access. In short, limit the trust given to anything attempting to access a network resource. Adopting this approach actually simplifies the operational aspects of a company’s cybersecurity posture. Network breaches also get detected faster while cyber engineers gain additional insights to all network activity.
In the end, the zero trust model better supports a largely remote workforce. Employees and Cloud services only receive permission to access certain resources. This enhanced control also limits the lateral movements cyber criminals use after breaking into to a network perimeter. This approach provides more protection to a company’s critical databases.
IT operations teams benefit from being able allocate limited resources in other areas. Network performance also improves due to less traffic on subnets. Users also find it easier to access what they need, without having to sign-in to multiple applications. Ultimately, this approach helps improve their productivity. All told, these significant positives mean any company needs to look at adopting zero trust as a SecOps strategy.
Searching For Cybersecurity Talent?
If your company needs an influx of cybersecurity talent, connect with the team at Redbud Cyber. As one of the top SecOps staffing agencies in the country, we provide the candidates to help protect your IT infrastructure. Schedule some time with us at your earliest convenience.
