Adopting Zero Trust

Intercloud.Sep 20, 2024

Guide to enhancing network security

Zero Trust security is a modern approach designed to protect sensitive data and applications by continuously verifying every user, device, and activity within a network. Unlike traditional security models, which automatically trust anyone inside the network, Zero Trust operates under the assumption that threats can come from both inside and outside the organization. The core principle of this model is simple: trust no one by default, and verify every access attempt.

Why should businesses adopt Zero Trust?

As cloud services, remote work, and mobile devices become more common, traditional security models struggle to keep up. These legacy models often rely on a secured perimeter, assuming that anything inside that perimeter can be trusted. However, this approach has proven ineffective in today’s environment, where threats are more sophisticated and widespread. Zero Trust addresses these challenges by enforcing strict security strategies, continuously verifying privilege access,, and preventing unauthorized access. It also prevents lateral movement, a tactic used by attackers to move freely within a network once they’ve breached the perimeter. With lateral movement, attackers attempt to move freely between systems to escalate privileges or extract sensitive data. Zero Trust eliminates this by requiring verification at every step, enhancing trust network access.

Key challenges of implementing Zero Trust

While the benefits of Zero Trust are clear, implementing it can present several challenges:

Complex infrastructure: Many businesses operate across multiple environments, including on-premises and cloud systems. Implementing Zero Trust requires the seamless and consistent application of trust architecture and security policies across all these environments.
Continuous verification: ensuring that users, devices and IoT systems are continually verified without disrupting operations is challenging and requires advanced security tools.
Access controls and microsegmentation: Implementing the principle of least privilege, which limits user access to only what they need, is essential. This is often accompanied by microsegmentation or a Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP), which breaks the network into smaller, controlled zones, adding an additional layer of security.

Top tips to implement Zero Trust networking right now

1. Identity and access management:

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): One of the simplest ways to enhance security is by requiring users to provide more than one form of verification. This typically includes a password plus a code generated on a separate device (such as a hardware key or mobile app), adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
Adopt the principle of least privilege: Ensure that users have access only to the information and tools they need to perform their jobs. By limiting unnecessary access, businesses can reduce the potential damage caused by a breach and mitigate the risk of insider threats.

2. Network security enhancement:

Adopt SCION technology to overcome BGP weaknesses and enforce the circle of trust ecosystem: SCION is designed with a "circle of trust" approach, drastically reducing the attack surface. It prevents communication with external entities outside this trusted circle, and with path control, SCION allows you to manage and direct data packets securely, adding flexibility and increased security to your network traffic.
Use microsegmentation: Divide your network into smaller, isolated zones to prevent lateral movement by attackers. Even if an attacker gains access to one part of the network, they cannot move to other areas without undergoing additional security checks, enhancing internal network security.

3. Monitoring and compliance:

Regularly monitor and audit access: Continuously monitor who is accessing your systems, what activities they are performing, and whether their behavior aligns with expectations. Regular audits ensure early detection of anomalies, helping to reduce the risks of unauthorized access and data breaches.

By taking these steps, you can start implementing a Zero Trust model in your business today, improving your security posture and reducing the risks of unauthorized access and data breaches.

How InterCloud supports Zero Trust

InterCloud simplifies the process of adopting Zero Trust by enforcing consistent security policies across all environments—whether on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid. Here’s how InterCloud enhances Zero Trust:

Unified security policies: InterCloud ensures that security rules are consistently applied across different locations and platforms, making it easier to manage security across complex infrastructures.
Advanced access controls: InterCloud’s technology regularly verifies users and devices, helping to prevent unauthorized access and lateral movement within the network.
SCION for trusted network control: In partnership with Anapaya, InterCloud offers SCION Access, enabling secure communication within trusted boundaries. With features like path control, explicit trust, and isolation domains, SCION helps businesses enhance security while retaining the flexibility of the public internet.
Device security and endpoint management: InterCloud ensures that devices and endpoints comply with security standards before granting access, enhancing security across all entry points.

Ready to take your network security to the next level? Don’t wait until vulnerabilities are exposed—connect with our team today to learn how InterCloud’s cutting-edge solutions can help you implement Zero Trust with ease.