Zero trust assumes all users and devices are untrusted. Every access request must be verified and authorized. Zero trust significantly reduces breach risk.

Core Principles

Verify every access request regardless of source. Users and devices must authenticate and be authorized for each resource. Least privilege: users have only permissions needed for their role.

Assume breach: design systems assuming compromise will occur. Limit damage from compromised systems. Continuous monitoring detects compromised systems.

Implementation

Implement strong authentication: MFA for all users. Implement device compliance checks: require updated OS, enabled firewall, EDR software. Implement network segmentation: restrict traffic between zones.

Implement microsegmentation: create very small zones, sometimes down to individual systems. Implement continuous monitoring: detect suspicious activity immediately.

Access Control

Implement least privilege access: users have only permissions needed for their role. Implement just-in-time privilege elevation: privileges are elevated temporarily when needed. Implement approval workflows: access to sensitive resources requires approval.

Implement attribute-based access control: access decisions based on user attributes, device attributes, and context.

Monitoring

Implement continuous monitoring: detect suspicious activity immediately. Monitor for privilege escalation attempts. Monitor for unusual access patterns. Alert on suspicious activity and investigate immediately.