What is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust is a modern cybersecurity framework based on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Unlike traditional perimeter-based models that assume users and devices within the network are trustworthy by default, Zero Trust enforces continuous verification of identity, context, and risk for every access request, regardless of location.
This approach involves continuous authentication, strict access controls, and constant monitoring to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and systems. Zero Trust aims to minimize security risks by assuming that threats could be present both within and outside the network perimeter, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of an organization.
Core Principles of Zero Trust
Zero Trust focuses on a small set of high-impact principles that collectively form a resilient, modern security strategy:
- Never Trust, Always Verify: Authenticate and authorize every user and device using real-time data, such as identity, location, device posture, and behavior, before granting access.
- Least Privilege Access: Grant only the minimum level of access needed to perform a specific task. This minimizes the damage potential of compromised credentials or malicious insiders.
- Assume Breach: Design systems as if they are already compromised. Use containment strategies like isolation, monitoring, and damage limitation to mitigate risk.
- Micro-Segmentation: Break the network into small, isolated zones to stop lateral movement. If one segment is breached, others remain protected.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require at least two types of identity verification, such as password and biometric or device confirmation, to strengthen login security.
- Continuous Monitoring: Observe user and system behavior at all times to detect suspicious activity and respond quickly.
Zero Trust vs. Traditional Perimeter-Based Security
Aspect | Zero Trust Model | Perimeter-Based Security Model |
|---|---|---|
Core Assumption | Never trust, always verify | Trust everything inside the network perimeter |
Access Control | Granular, dynamic, and based on user, device, and context | Static and often broad (e.g., VPN provides full access) |
Security Perimeter | No fixed perimeter (identity and data-centric) | Network perimeter (firewalls, DMZ) defines the boundary |
User Trust | No implicit trust (even for internal users) | Internal users are generally trusted once inside |
Threat Containment | Micro-segmentation limits the lateral movement of threats | Flat networks allow easier lateral movement once breached |
Authentication | Continuous verification (e.g., MFA, device posture, behavior) | Typically one-time login or VPN authentication |
Visibility | Continuous monitoring of user and data behavior | Limited monitoring, often focused on external threats |
Benefits of Zero Trust
Adopting Zero Trust principles brings significant security and operational advantages:
- Stronger Protection: Remove implicit trust and enforce strict verification for all access attempts
- Regulatory Compliance: Help meet data privacy and security standards by enforcing visibility and control
- Cloud & Remote-Ready: Adapt seamlessly to remote work, hybrid environments, and cloud-based infrastructures
- Improved Visibility: Provide full insight into user actions and data usage across the organization
How Fasoo Enables a Zero Trust Approach
Fasoo supports Zero Trust by securing data itself, not just network or device. Its products ensure that every access is verified, and no file is trusted by default.
- Fasoo Enterprise DRM (FED): Apply encryption and policy-based access control at the file level
- Fasoo Data Radar (FDR): Automatically discover and classify data with various post-processing options (e.g., encryption, quarantine, deletion)
- Fasoo DSPM: Monitor all data activity across cloud and on-premises environments and eliminate potential security vulnerabilities
- Fasoo Integrated Log Manager (FILM): Maintain a strong security posture through end-to-end document tracking and centralized log management
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