Embracing Zero Trust: It's Time to Change Your Thinking about Network Security

On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline Company faced a catastrophic ransomware attack that paralyzed 5,550 miles of fuel pipeline across the Eastern United States, triggering widespread fuel shortages. The root cause? A single compromised password.

That single password gave the attackers access to the network permitting them to launch their attack and demand payment. Sound scary? It should – but this breach could have been contained or even thwarted by a security concept known as Zero Trust.

What is Zero Trust? Could implementing a zero trust model keep your business safer? Read on for the details!

What is Zero Trust? A Brief History

Zero Trust is a security model based on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” When implemented, the security stance does not grant users free access to all systems or networks. Zero Trust assumes that any device or user could potentially be compromised and therefore requires ongoing verification. 

This model was first conceptualized in 2010 by John Kindervag, a security analyst at Forrester Research. He saw the need for a security model focused on eliminating implicit trust due to the exponential increase in remote access to systems. Today, Zero Trust has become a foundation for modern cybersecurity strategies, championed for its ability to limit access and contain threats.

How Zero Trust Differs from Traditional Network Security

Typical “old fashioned” network security generally follows the castle-and-moat security model which focuses on strong perimeter defenses. Once inside the network (the castle), users freely access most resources by default – that is to say, they are trusted just by being on the network.

We might compare it to a luxurious resort with a single guarded entrance. Once guests are checked in, they’re free to roam anywhere they please: pools, spas, private dining areas — everything is accessible. While convenient for the guests, this setup can pose a major security risk. If a visitor with bad intentions sneaks past the front gate, they too have unrestricted access to every part of the resort, including sensitive or private areas.

The traditional castle and moat security model works in much the same way. Once someone is "inside" the network, they have convenient access to all resources. If a cybercriminal gains access, there’s little to stop them from moving laterally to find and exploit valuable data.

Zero Trust takes a more skeptical approach, just being on the network doesn’t mean the user is implicitly trusted. Identities are continuously verified, devices are authenticated, and access to sensitive data is controlled in a granular fashion.

With more employees working remotely and increased use of cloud applications, the “moat” or perimeter is no longer enough, especially with threats coming from inside the castle walls. 

Core Aspects of Zero Trust

Least Privilege Access: 

At the heart of Zero Trust security is the principle of least privilege access, which grants users the minimum level of access needed to perform their jobs. Imagine a company vault filled with locked safety deposit boxes containing specific data. Employees are given keys only to the boxes containing data required for their daily work. For instance, while a CEO could receive access to all company data, they typically don’t need daily access to sensitive files like accounting records. Keeping such data compartmentalized greatly reduces the potential damage if any one account is compromised, preventing attackers from moving through the network and accessing sensitive data like financial records.  

Device Access Control

In a Zero Trust model, verifying user identity isn’t enough — devices must also be assessed before accessing the network. Just like an army base only permits authorized or “known” vehicles through its gates, Zero Trust checks each device’s security clearance before granting access, ensuring only secure devices connect and limiting risks posed by “unknown” devices.

Microsegmentation: Dividing and Conquering

Microsegmentation is the practice of dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments, each with its own access controls. This strategy allows companies to limit the movement of attackers by “quarantining” different areas. Imagine a hotel where each room requires a unique keycard, so access is confined to specific floors or areas. In the same way, microsegmentation allows companies to contain threats in one area, preventing it from spreading across the entire network.

How Zero Trust Contains Lateral Attack Movement

When attackers gain access to a system, they often attempt to move “laterally,” or sideways, to access other parts of the network. Zero Trust architecture is specifically designed to prevent this lateral movement. By constantly verifying identity, enforcing least privilege access, and segmenting the network, Zero Trust creates multiple roadblocks, making it much harder for attackers to navigate the system and reach sensitive data.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A Non-Negotiable Part of Zero Trust

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is central to the Zero Trust framework because it adds an extra layer of verification beyond passwords. MFA typically requires two or more factors (e.g., a password and a fingerprint) to verify a user’s identity, making it far more challenging for attackers to gain access even if they have stolen a password. In essence, MFA is like requiring both a badge and a PIN code to enter a secured building—each layer increases security.

Common Usage Cases for Zero Trust

 

Healthcare: Protects patient records and limits access to medical staff on a need-to-know basis.

 

 

Finance: Restricts access to sensitive customer data and reduces the risk of insider threats.

 

 

Cloud Security: Ensures secure access to cloud applications by constantly verifying user and device identity.

 

 

Remote Work: Increases security by verifying both identity and device compliance.

 

Best Practices for Implementing Zero Trust

To successfully adopt a Zero Trust framework, businesses should consider the following best practices:

1. Identify Sensitive Data and Resources: Start by identifying what needs the highest level of protection and focus Zero Trust measures around these resources.
2. Implement Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor user and device activity to detect anomalies.
3. Adopt Microsegmentation: Divide your network to create isolated “zones,” making it harder for attackers to move laterally.
4. Use Strong Authentication and MFA: Enforce robust MFA policies to secure access.
5. Enforce Least Privilege Access: Regularly review and adjust user permissions to maintain minimum access levels.
6. Regularly Update and Patch Devices: Keep all devices and systems up-to-date to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

Embrace Zero Trust for a Safer, More Secure Business

The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack is a prime example of the value of Zero Trust. The compromise occurred using a password for a hacked VPN account acquired on the dark web. Once inside the network, the attacker had free access to move laterally throughout the system. It’s easy to see how minimizing privileged access, employing MFA, verifying devices, and microsegmentation of the network would have drastically reduced, if not eliminated the damage.

Is Your Security Model Obsolete?

In an age of sophisticated cyber threats, businesses can’t afford to rely on outdated security methods. The Zero Trust model is a powerful approach that continuously verifies identity, limits access, and contains threats, all while adapting to today’s complex digital landscape.

Whether your business handles customer data, financial information, or intellectual property, Zero Trust offers a proactive, layered defense strategy. Ready to future-proof your business against evolving cyber threats? Contact us to learn more about implementing a Zero Trust framework tailored to your needs and start building a more secure foundation for your digital operations.