Information security is a critical aspect of modern business, and Zero Trust Networks (ZTN) has become one of the buzzwords in the industry. As a CIO, it can be challenging to understand how to implement a ZTN, but the concept is straightforward. The idea of a ZTN is to treat everyone and everything connecting to your network as if they were unknown. This means that no user, computer system, or vendor is trusted until they provide credentials that are validated and confirmed to be authentic.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Think of a ZTN as a security checkpoint that you would encounter when visiting an unfamiliar neighborhood. Before entering, you would assess the area to determine if it is safe and secure. Similarly, a ZTN operates by not trusting anyone or anything until their identity and authorization have been confirmed.
A typical company today has multiple vendors and remote workers who need access to the network. This creates a risk of threat vectors, such as compromised credentials, devices, or software systems. As the number of users, devices, and vendors increases, the risk to the network also grows.
To mitigate this risk, ZTN operates on the principle of “Trust nothing, verify everything.” The validation process starts by requiring credentials, such as a username and password or X.509 certificate, and often includes a second factor of authentication, such as an SMS text, authenticator push, or certificate authority. Once the credentials have been validated and authorized, the network can then confirm that the user, device, or process is authorized to access the network.
In traditional networks, the IP address of a device was used to determine its identity and trust. However, this method is no longer reliable, and machines must be validated with a certificate from a centralized certificate authority. The certificate provides context about the device, such as its MAC address, serial number, or IP address. The more context you have about a device, the more confident you can be that it is trustworthy.
In conclusion, ZTN is a powerful tool for ensuring optimal information security. By treating everyone and everything that connects to your network as if they were unknown, you can reduce the risk of compromise and protect your business. Implementing a ZTN requires a thorough understanding of the process and the right tools, but with the right approach, you can provide a secure environment for your users and vendors.