How Zero Trust Works

Zero trust is becoming increasingly important as it shifts from the outdated notion that users and devices inside the network perimeter are automatically trusted. Zero trust strategies emphasize the principle of assuming that every user, device, or application attempting to access resources on the network is a potential threat until proven otherwise. Organizations can better protect their sensitive data and assets from internal and external threats by implementing zero trust principles, even in highly distributed networks.

ZT has evolved to encompass a range of components that work together to create a comprehensive security approach. These components include Zero Trust architecture, which ensures strict access controls and verification processes for all users and devices, regardless of location. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) takes this a step further by providing secure access to applications based on user and device identity rather than relying on traditional network-based controls. The Zero Trust secure web gateway (SWG) adds an additional layer of protection by monitoring and filtering web traffic to prevent threats from entering the network.

Microsegmentation is another key component of Zero Trust, allowing organizations to divide their network into smaller segments or zones that can be individually secured and monitored. This approach helps limit the impact of any potential breaches by containing them within a specific segment, preventing lateral movement across the network.

More info: Why Zero Trust is Important