Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like yours face growing cybersecurity threats that traditional security models can’t combat as easily as they once did. That’s where zero trust architecture comes in.
In the past, traditional models assumed they could trust everything inside an organization’s network by default. This simply isn’t the case now because threats are (debatably) more common inside than outside an organization. Just consider the fact that human error is the leading cause of data breaches.
And in the face of sophisticated cyberattacks, traditional models are increasingly inadequate. Enter zero trust architecture (ZTA) — a security model designed to address modern security challenges by assuming systems can trust nothing and no one by default.
Let’s get into what Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is and how it can benefit your SMB.
[Related: Why Washington SMBs Should Rely on Local IT Professionals To Prevent Data Breach Threats]
What Is Zero Trust Architecture?
Zero Trust Architecture is a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that mandates that every person and device attempting to access resources on a network is verified.
Unlike traditional security models that rely heavily on perimeter defenses, ZTA operates under the principle of “never trust, always verify.”
This means your system continuously validates the credentials and context of all users and devices — regardless of their location.
Here are the five key principles of ZTA:
- Continuous verification. Authenticate and authorize users and devices continuously, not just at your network’s perimeter.
- Least privilege access. Access rights are kept to a necessary minimum for users to perform their tasks, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Micro-segmentation. Network segmentation into smaller zones helps contain potential breaches, limiting an attacker’s ability to move laterally within your network.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires more than one form of verification (such as passwords and biometrics) to access resources.
- Assume breach. ZTA operates under the assumption that a breach could always occur. It therefore encourages more proactive security measures (and a more rapid response!) to potential threats.
[Related: New Tactics Target Multi-Factor Authentication Apps]
Benefits of ZTA for SMBs
Implementing ZTA offers your SMB several benefits. It significantly enhances security by complying with regulations and building resilience against cyberthreats.
Let’s take a deeper look at what this means.
Enhanced Security Strength
ZTA provides robust security by ensuring every access request is verified — wherever it originates.
This approach reduces the likelihood of breaches and unauthorized access. In turn, your specific SMB has a stronger defense against phishing attacks, malware, ransomware and other threats looking to exploit your employees or compromised accounts.
Minimized Breach Impact
ZTA limits the damage that a potential breach may cause via principles like micro-segmentation and least privilege access.
Even if an attacker gains access to one part of the network, ZTA prevents them from moving freely across the entire system. This is called a containment strategy, which is crucial for SMBs that may lack extensive resources to manage large-scale security incidents.
Simplified Compliance
Your SMB likely operates in a regulated industry where data protection and privacy are critical.
ZTA helps your business comply with regulations (such as HIPAA and CCPA) by enforcing strict access controls that ensure only authorized users can retrieve sensitive data.
This simplifies compliance efforts and reduces the risk of suffering noncompliance penalties, like hefty fines that may cost more than you expect (or can afford).
[Related: How’s Your HIPAA Compliance?]
Improved Visibility and Control
ZTA gives your SMB enhanced visibility into network activity and user behavior.
Zero trust continuously monitors and logs access requests to identify suspicious activities in real time.
Any system with improved visibility allows for quicker detection of potential threats — and your response to them. Hackers then have less time to exploit your vulnerabilities.
Scalable Security Solutions
ZTA is inherently scalable, making it especially suitable for your SMB as it grows.
Whenever you add new users, devices and applications to your network, zero trust authentication principles ensure your security policies adapt and remain effective.
This scalability ensures your SMB maintains strong security measures without needing extensive reconfiguration or additional resources.
[Related: 9 Reasons Why Small Businesses Can’t Afford To Ignore Data Security]
Implementing ZTA at Your SMB
Adopting ZTA requires careful planning and execution. Here are some simple actions your SMB can take to start implementing it.
- Assess your current security situation. Evaluate your existing security infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities and understanding how current policies align with zero trust principles.
- Implement MFA. Enhance access control by requiring MFA for all users, ensuring compromised credentials alone aren’t enough to gain access.
- Adopt the principle of least privilege. Review and adjust user access permissions to ensure employees have only the access necessary for their roles. Regularly audit these permissions to maintain compliance.
- Segment your network. Divide your network into smaller, manageable segments to limit lateral movement by potential attackers. Apply strict access controls and monitoring within each segment.
- Continuously monitor your analytics. Adopt tools and apps that provide real-time visibility into network activity, enabling continuous monitoring and analysis of access patterns and potential threats.
- Educate and train employees. Advise your employees to understand the importance of ZTA principles and receive regular training about cybersecurity best practices. These include recognizing phishing attempts and other common threats.
[Related: The Rising Need for IT Support in Small Business Data Protection]
Contact CMIT Solutions of Seattle To Set Up ZTA
ZTA represents a key shift in cybersecurity. If your SMB needs a robust framework to protect your networks and data against modern threats, reach out to us at CMIT Solutions of Seattle.
We’ll work to set up a system that continuously verifies user access, enforces strict controls and leverages our robust IT services. You know the saying — “better safe than sorry.”
Contact us today to get started on a security plan.
Featured image via Unsplash
