5 Zero Trust practices: building a secure future

In 2023, 10% of companies worldwide experienced an attempted ransomware attack, according to Check Point Research.

We live in an era in which digital threats are increasingly sophisticated and, as such, traditional security measures are no longer sufficient. To address this reality, the Zero Trust security model was created which states that trust should never be assumed, regardless of the user’s location. This model is based on the premise of “never trust, always verify”. In a constantly connected world, adopting Zero Trust is a necessity that organisations must consider to build safer digital solutions.

Zero Trust is a comprehensive approach to network security that involves meticulous identity verification, micro-segmentation of access, and strict security controls. As mentioned earlier, this model operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify” – a change from the conventional approach of “trust but verify”.
Thus, the model ensures that granular, context-based security policies are implemented, controlling access based on factors such as identity, location, device and user behaviour – security protocols that, in addition to reducing the risk of unauthorised access, also protect companies’ digital assets.

Following numerous high-profile attacks, Zero Trust has moved from a buzzword to the standard model in the cybersecurity market, recommended by both industry experts and regulatory bodies. As organisations continue to migrate their solutions to cloud-based platforms and support their remote or hybrid teams, the limitations of traditional security measures become evident.

The Zero Trust approach has gained prominence precisely because it is a necessary change for a more secure IT environment, given that threats can arise from anywhere and at any time. As such, the popularity of this model reflects its growing adoption as a fundamental element of modern cybersecurity strategies.

According to the 2023 Zero Trust Security Report, organisations that have implemented Zero Trust practices have seen a 30% reduction in security attacks; the cost of these attacks was 45% lower compared to companies whose security configurations are traditional.

These statistics underline the effectiveness and importance of this model as an essential element in organisations’ security strategies. What are, however, the main Zero Trust practices for building a safer digital future?

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA increases an extra layer of security by requiring additional forms of verification, ensuring user identity and reducing the risk of unauthorised access, even if an attacker obtains a user’s credentials.
• Network segmentation: Network segmentation limits the damage caused by potential breaches and prevents lateral movement within a network, ensuring that an attacker can only access part of the network, improving the overall defense posture.
• Reduced access and privileges: By granting minimal access and privileges to users, providing only the resources and permissions necessary for their tasks, it is possible to reduce the attack surface and mitigate the potential damaged caused by security breaches.
• Regular audits: Regular audits, such as a Security Operations Centre (SOC) that regularly checks systems, security policies and logs, are essential to maintain security and identify potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in systems, ensuring continuous protection from threats.
• Use of encryption to protect data in transit and at rest: Encrypting data is essential to safeguard it while it is transmitted between systems and when it is stored. Even if an attacker manages to access or intercept sensitive data, they will not be able to read it, thus providing robust defense against unauthorised access and potential breaches.

As threats evolve, so must our security approaches. Applying the Zero Trust model is not just about following a trend – it is about proactively defending your digital solutions in an increasingly threatened environment.

As we consider the future of digital experiences, the intersection between cybersecurity and user experience becomes crucial. With the increased use of digital platforms, ensuring the security of solutions is fundamental, not just so that organisations can comply with regulations, but also to boost user trust and engagement.

The Zero Trust model is particularly relevant in this context, providing robust security for digital interactions at a time when threats are evolving rapidly. This approach not only helps mitigate risks but also helps to create a secure environment where digital innovations can thrive.

This proactive stance on security is crucial for any organisation that wants to offer superior digital experiences and aims to foster long-term customer loyalty. As such, understanding the importance of cybersecurity is fundamental to any digital strategy.

The article was developed in partnership with Balwurk Consulting Services, which specialises in Cybersecurity, focusing on Application Security.