The Zero Trust security framework has been widely adopted in recent years as companies seek to secure their growing array of digital assets. The framework is built on the principle that no user or device should be trusted by default. It requires that every request for access to resources is authenticated, authorized and continuously monitored.
Widespread adoption was fueled in large part by President Biden’s executive order to improve the nation’s cybersecurity, which called for federal agencies to move to a zero-trust architecture.
As Zero Trust gains acceptance, attackers continue to evolve their tactics and techniques to exploit system vulnerabilities. Nor are they just random individuals trying to hack into systems anymore – they are now highly organized criminal groups like FIN7 and Carbanak, using advanced technology and sophisticated methods. These types of attackers use common techniques such as social engineering, phishing attacks, and malware, but also take advantage of zero-day vulnerabilities and deep supply chain attacks.
Strategies for the further development of zero trust frameworks
While the Zero Trust framework is effective—it’s hard to find examples of data breaches where Zero Trust was in place—leaving it unchanged is not an option. As attackers continually evolve their tactics, the framework must evolve to keep up. Just as we move from IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) to IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) or search for quantum computer-resistant encryption, as the threats change, our defenses must change along with the technology we use. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow.
While Zero Trust is still relatively new, it still makes sense to consider how the framework will need to change as attackers inevitably look for ways to circumvent it. Here are some ways to ensure Zero Trust stays ahead of these increasingly sophisticated threats.
use of advanced technologies
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation can help identify patterns and anomalies in network traffic, user behavior, and critical security events; They can be used to detect suspicious activity in real time and alert security teams. Automation can also play a critical role in developing zero trust frameworks, streamlining security processes, and reducing the workload of security teams.
Additionally, cloud-based security services such as Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) can provide advanced security features such as data loss prevention and identity and access management. These services can help organizations monitor and control access to cloud resources and provide an additional layer of security. By using advanced technologies, organizations can stay one step ahead of attackers, protect their digital assets, and detect and prevent attacks before they cause significant damage.
The need for continuous monitoring
Continuous monitoring is essential to identify new attack techniques and vulnerabilities. Zero Trust deployments should not trust a user who logs in from Philadelphia at 9:00 AM and then logs in from Madrid at 9:30 AM. Continuous monitoring involves monitoring an organization’s network and resources in real time to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Tools such as security information and event management (SIEM), intrusion detection systems (IDS), network traffic analysis, vulnerability scanners, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) are important parts of a continuous monitoring program and are generally not fully deployed once. In the case of Zero Trust, they all have to work together.
Implement a culture of safety
Implementing a security culture, which is a growing risk mitigation strategy in general, is also critical to the development of Zero Trust frameworks.
A security-conscious culture means that everyone in the organization understands the importance of security, actively protects the organization’s digital assets, and reports any suspicious activity or incidents. We’re not trying to create an organization of security professionals, but just as a good CISO needs to have some budget and HR knowledge, finance and HR professionals need to know a little about security to do their jobs and serve the interests of to protect the organization.
This can be accomplished through security awareness training, regular communication of security policies, and a clear incident response plan. A security culture can help prevent security incidents and reduce their impact by ensuring that security is embedded in the corporate culture and considered in all business decisions.
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The Zero Trust framework is an effective model that can prevent unauthorized access to digital assets. However, the evolving nature of attackers means that security professionals must constantly consider how the framework may need to evolve. Organizations need to understand that security is not a one-off event; Instead, it is a continuous process of monitoring and adjustment. An evolving Zero Trust framework can ensure organizations are well protected from attackers’ evolving tactics.
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