Would you let someone wander freely around your house just because they showed some ID at the door? Probably not. Yet that is what many companies are still doing with their IT systems and security. The Zero Trust model changes all that: even after validating a user’s identity, it constantly monitors what they are doing. If something seems fishy, access is immediately cut off.
What is Zero Trust?
The Zero Trust model is an IT security approach based on a fundamental principle: trust no one by default, whether they are an internal or external user. Every access attempt must be rigorously verified, regardless of the context. Unlike traditional security methods that consider internal users to be trustworthy, the Zero Trust model requires systematic verification of identity and behavior at each connection.
In 2023, the average cost of a cyberattack for a Canadian company was $6.94 million, according to an IBM study of 26 victimized companies. Worse still, it takes an average of 215 days to detect and contain a data breach, which is nearly seven months during which a company can be vulnerable to further attacks. (Source: La Presse))
The limitations of VPNs and the emergence of Zero Trust
Historically, companies have used virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure remote connections. But this technology is now outdated. In 2023, the number of VPN-related security breaches increased by 47% compared to the previous two years. (Source: Top10VPN). In addition, 56% of companies have been victims of cyberattacks exploiting flaws in their VPNs over the past year. (Source: Zscaler)
VPNs create a direct connection between the user’s device and the company network, but once connected, the user often has extended access, making it easier for an attack to spread if compromised. The Zero Trust model, on the other hand, is based on much more refined and adaptive access management, preventing an isolated threat from spreading.
The pillars of the Zero Trust model for your business
The Zero Trust model is based on four key principles:
1. Constant verification
Each user and each device must prove their identity each time a connection is attempted, and this verification is continuously repeated every 5 seconds.
2. Conditional access
Access is granted only if certain conditions are met (location, device type, user role, etc.).
Zero Trust and conditional access have the same objective: to limit access to resources according to specific criteria in order to protect sensitive data. However, Zero Trust goes further: while conditional access controls entry, Zero Trust continuously monitors behavior after connection.
3. Network segmentation
Critical resources are isolated to limit the impact of an intrusion.
Imagine a labyrinth with locked doors. Some doors open depending on your identity and role, while others remain closed. If a hacker tries to open a door that is not intended for them, access is immediately denied. This approach limits the scope of an attack.
4. Continuous monitoring
Suspicious activity is analyzed in real time. If abnormal behavior is detected (unusual connection, massive file transfer, etc.), access is automatically suspended to protect the system.
Zero Trust vs MFA: a winning combination for your security
MFA (multi-factor authentication) verifies a user’s identity when they log in, but it does not protect against suspicious activity after authentication. It’s a bit like verifying someone’s identity before opening the door (MFA), then monitoring what they do once inside (Zero Trust). If they try to open locked drawers without permission, the system detects it and kicks them out immediately.
Zero Trust goes further: once the user is authenticated, the system continues to monitor their behavior in real time. If any unusual activity is detected, access is immediately suspended, even if the MFA has been validated. If an employee validates their MFA but starts transferring sensitive files to an unusual external source, the Zero Trust system detects this anomaly and automatically blocks the action.
The challenges of implementing the Zero Trust model
Cultural change
Adopting Zero Trust requires a new approach to access management. Employees must adapt to more rigorous login processes, but these changes are essential to ensure security.
Technological investment
Implementing a Zero Trust environment involves investing in identity management, network segmentation and continuous monitoring solutions.
Complex access management
It is crucial to accurately map the company’s resources and define who can access them and under what conditions. This initial configuration requires time and precision.
A model adapted to modern threats
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Old solutions such as VPNs are no longer enough. The Zero Trust model offers advanced protection by combining continuous verification, network segmentation and real-time monitoring.
Adopting the Zero Trust model requires a transition phase and initial investment, but the benefits in terms of security, compliance and data protection make it an essential strategy for modern companies.
At My Technician, we help companies implement Zero Trust solutions tailored to their specific needs. Thanks to our expertise in access management, continuous monitoring and data protection, you can work with confidence, wherever you are.
Thought of the day:
“In cybersecurity, it’s better to ask too many questions than to trust too much.”
in your taskbar.