How to adopt and implement “Zero Trust” — Part 2
Part 1 — https://aammir-mirza.medium.com/how-to-adopt-and-implement-zero-trust-part-1-011e5aef2d4a
How to implement Zero Trust architecture in 6 steps
Successful implementation of Zero Trust architecture is a multi-step process that requires planning and phased execution.
Here is a step-by-step approach to setting up an effective Zero Trust security model in your organization:
Step 1: Identify users, devices, and digital assets that need network access
The first step is to identify and catalogue all users, devices, and digital assets that require network access. This inventory will help you understand the scope of what needs protection.
Begin by creating a detailed list of all users who access your network. This includes employees, contractors, remote workers, and any third parties. For each user, document their role, access requirements, and the type of data they need to access. This information is crucial for implementing least privilege access later in the process.
Identify and record every device that connects to your network. This includes not just company-owned devices like servers, desktops, and laptops, but also personal devices used under BYOD policies, mobile phones, and IoT devices. Each device should be assessed for its security posture and the level of access it requires.
List all physical and virtual assets. Physical assets consist of tangible resources like hardware and network infrastructure. Virtual assets encompass cloud services, software applications, databases, and any stored data. Understanding where your data resides and how it is accessed is key to securing it effectively.
Step 2: Identify sensitive data
The next step involves identifying sensitive data across your IT infrastructure, including on-premises servers, cloud storage, and endpoint devices. Types of sensitive data include personal identifiable information (PII), financial records, intellectual property, and confidential business information.
You then need to categorise the sensitive data based on regulatory requirements. Proper classification helps in enforcing appropriate security controls and managing access rights efficiently. Regular reviews and updates of data classifications are necessary to align with the evolving nature of the organisation and its data.
Step 3: Create Zero Trust policy
A Zero Trust policy is a set of guidelines and principles that form the foundation of a Zero Trust security framework within an organisation. This policy should define the methods of authenticating and authorising users and devices, and detail procedures for handling different types of network traffic and access requests. It is important to create the Zero Trust policy before designing the Zero Trust architecture to ensure it aligns with the established security principles.
Step 4: Design Zero Trust architecture
With a clear Zero Trust policy in place, you can move on to designing the Zero Trust architecture. This architecture serves as the structural framework of your network’s security. The design process involves these key components:
Micro-segmentation
Micro-segmentation involves dividing your network into smaller, controlled segments. Each of these segments operates independently, with its own specific security controls. This segmentation limits the potential for lateral movement within your network, reducing the overall impact of any breaches. You will need to define access controls for each segment, tailoring them to the level of data sensitivity and the needs of the segment.
Multifactor authentication (MFA)
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to any part of the network. This could involve a combination of passwords, security tokens, biometric verification, or other authentication methods. By implementing MFA, the risk of unauthorised access is significantly reduced, as it becomes considerably more difficult for attackers to bypass multiple authentication barriers.
Least privilege access
The least privilege access principle dictates that users are granted only the level of access necessary to perform their job functions. By limiting access rights to what is essential, you minimise the potential damage in the event of a security breach. It is crucial to regularly review and adjust these access rights to ensure they remain aligned with the evolving roles and responsibilities within your organisation.
Step 5: Implement Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Following the design of your Zero Trust architecture, the next crucial step is the implementation of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). ZTNA is a method of securing network access that verifies and authenticates every access request. This means evaluating factors such as the security posture of the device being used, the location from which the request is made, and the specific network resources being accessed.
The implementation of ZTNA involves integrating technologies like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and context-aware access controls into your network infrastructure. Context-aware access controls allow for the adjustment of access permissions based on the real-time context of each access request.
This implementation phase is critical in ensuring that all access requests are thoroughly scrutinised and authorised according to the security protocols of your Zero Trust architecture.
Step 6: Monitor your network
Continuous monitoring is a critical aspect of Zero Trust. This involves using advanced analytics and threat detection tools that continuously scan network traffic to detect unusual patterns, behaviours, or potential security vulnerabilities. Regular audits and adjustments to security protocols are also essential to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
Common Zero Trust implementation challenges
Implementing Zero Trust security will establish a strong security framework in your organisation. While essential, the implementation process can involve challenges that require careful consideration and effective solutions.
We highlight two key challenges commonly faced during Zero Trust implementation:
Integration with legacy systems
One common challenge in implementing Zero Trust is integrating it with legacy systems. Integrating Zero Trust architecture with these systems can be complex, as it often requires significant modifications or upgrades. The right Identity and Access Management (IAM) provider can offer solutions that seamlessly integrate with these systems, ensuring secure and efficient identity verification.
Managing complex access policies
Another challenge lies in the complexity of managing and enforcing detailed access policies across diverse IT environments. An IAM provider can simplify this process through automation and user-friendly interfaces, making policy management more manageable. By choosing an IAM provider that offers scalable solutions that adapt to various organisational sizes and complexities, you can ensure consistent enforcement of Zero Trust principles across all levels of the enterprise.
