By Martin Malamah-Thomas
Zero trust is a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify." This means that no user or device is automatically trusted, even if they are already inside the network perimeter. Instead, every access request is verified before being granted. This approach can help organizations improve their security posture by reducing the attack surface and minimizing the risk of data breaches.
**Step 1: Define the Attack Surface**
The first step in creating a zero trust network is to define the attack surface. This involves identifying all the sensitive data, assets, applications, and services (DAAS) that need to be protected. By focusing on these critical items, organizations can concentrate their efforts on the most important areas. This step requires taking a comprehensive view of the organization and identifying which DAAS are most sensitive, critical, or at risk.
**Step 2: Implement Controls Around Network Traffic**
Once the attack surface has been defined, the next step is to implement controls around network traffic. This involves segmenting the network according to the areas that need to be protected and mapping out how traffic moves to these parts of the network. Then, a zero trust system can be architected accordingly. This step requires careful thought and collaboration to ensure that the network is properly segmented and that access controls are effectively implemented.
**Step 3: Architect Your Zero Trust Network**
After implementing controls around network traffic, the next step is to architect your zero trust network. This involves designing a system that integrates well with your environment and incorporates tools such as micro-segmentation, identity-aware proxies, and software-defined perimeter (SDP) tools. This step requires selecting the right tools and technologies to support your zero trust architecture and ensuring that they are properly integrated into your environment.
**Step 4: Create a Zero Trust Policy**
After architecting the network, the next step is to design your zero trust policy. This can be done using the Kipling Method, which involves asking who, what, when, where, why, and how for every user, device, and network that wants to gain access. By asking these questions, organizations can ensure that only legitimate users and devices are granted access. This step requires careful consideration of each access request and the implementation of effective verification procedures.
**Step 5: Continuously Monitor and Improve**
Finally, it's important to continuously monitor and improve your zero trust architecture. This involves regularly reviewing your policies and controls to ensure that they are still effective and making changes as needed. By doing this, organizations can maintain a high level of security and minimize the risk of data breaches. This step requires ongoing vigilance and a commitment to continuous improvement.
In conclusion, achieving an almost perfect zero trust architecture involves a combination of careful planning, effective controls, and continuous monitoring. By following these steps, organizations can improve their security posture and protect their sensitive data from cyber threats.