At one look
- 1. Zero Trust Security: an introduction
- 2.
Basic principles of Zero Trust Security
- 3. Core technologies of Zero Trust Security
- 4. Implementation and Zero Trust Solutions
- 5. Benefits of Zero Trust Security
- 6. Challenges during implementation
- 7. The future of Zero Trust Security
- 8. Zero Trust Security: what you need to know
01
Zero Trust Security: an introduction
Definition
Zero Trust Security is a modern IT security model based on the principle of trusting no one - neither internal nor external actors. In contrast to conventional security approaches, which assume that everything within the network perimeter is trustworthy, Zero Trust requires strict identity verification for every access to company resources. This model is particularly relevant in times when networks are becoming increasingly complex and threats from both outside and inside are on the rise.
Origin and development
The term “Zero Trust” was introduced by Forrester Research in 2010. It emerged in response to the increasing ineffectiveness of traditional security models that focused on the network perimeter. Zero Trust quickly evolved, especially after the introduction of this model at Google, which implemented it under the name “BeyondCorp”. The proliferation of cloud technologies and mobile devices has pushed the Zero Trust model even further.
Delimitation to traditional security approaches
Traditional IT security approaches are based on the “castle-and-moat” model, in which the security of the network is based on the assumption that everything within the “castle walls” is secure. Zero Trust, on the other hand, relies on the continuous checking and verification of all access, regardless of where it comes from. This represents a paradigm shift that changes the entire approach to network security.
02
Basic principles of Zero Trust Security
Principle of least privilege (Least Privilege)
Users should only have the minimum required access to resources. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes the damage in the event of a successful attack. The principle of least privilege requires careful management of access rights and regular check
Never trust, always verify
The core principle of Zero Trust states that no user, device or service is automatically trustworthy. Every interaction must be verified before access is granted. This requires constant authentication and authorization, which helps to minimize the risk of security breaches.
Microsegmentation
Micro-segmentation divides the network into smaller, isolated zones. Each of these zones is secured separately so that intrusion into one zone does not automatically allow access to other areas of the network. This makes it more difficult for attackers to move laterally in the network.
Continuous verification
Zero Trust requires that logins and connections are regularly rechecked. This prevents one-time access from creating permanent trust. Continuous verification ensures that only legitimate users and devices can access resources.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA is a key element of Zero Trust that adds an extra layer of security. By combining multiple authentication factors – such as something the user knows (password), something they have (token), and something they are (biometrics) – access to resources is made much more difficult.
04
Implementation and Zero Trust Solutions
Creating a Zero Trust architecture
The implementation of Zero Trust requires systematic planning and a step-by-step introduction. Companies should start by identifying critical resources and introducing strict access control. A comprehensive analysis of the existing infrastructure and the integration of Zero Trust principles into all IT areas are essential.
Best practices for implementation
Monitoring and transparency: Continuous monitoring of network traffic and the activities of devices and users is crucial for the implementation of Zero Trust.
Regular security reviews: Security policies and measures should be regularly reviewed and updated to address current threats.
Zero Trust Solutions
Zero Trust Solutions are based on the principle that no network or system is considered trustworthy, even if it is within the company's own boundaries. Every request, every device and every identity is continuously checked, regardless of whether it is inside or outside the company network.
mTLS as a key component for zero trust environments
The use of mTLS certificates (mutual Transport Layer Security) in zero trust environments provides a robust security solution to ensure the authentication and encryption of communications between applications and services. mTLS verifies both the identity of the server and the client before a connection is established.
This approach effectively prevents man-in-the-middle attacks and other threats by ensuring that only authorized entities can communicate with each other. By implementing mTLS certificates, organizations can strengthen their zero trust strategy and achieve a higher level of security in their networks and applications.
DDoS Protection
Myra DDoS Protection provides you with fully automatic protection against malicious requests and overload attacks. Even in the event of an imminent attack, your web applications stay available at all times.
Hyperscale WAF
The Myra Hyperscale WAF protects your web applications against malicious access and vulnerability exploits. Thanks to simple integration and configuration, it can be set up in no time at all.
Secure DNS
Myra Secure DNS offers you a reliable and powerful solution for securing your critical web applications. Manage your name resolution with ease and protect yourself against DNS hijacking.
Myra's Security-as-a-Service solutions support the use of client certificates using mTLS. This enables customers to secure particularly critical web content with an additional layer of protection.
Benefits of Zero Trust Security
Zero Trust Security offers companies a decisive advantage by addressing specific use cases that meet modern security requirements while significantly minimizing the risks of unauthorized access and internal threats.
Protection for remote workers
Zero Trust provides secure access control for employees working from outside the company network. It ensures that remote connections are subject to the same strict security controls as internal connections.
Securing cloud environments
As more and more companies rely on cloud technologies, it is important that Zero Trust ensures the security of data in distributed IT infrastructures. Zero Trust verifies every request, regardless of its source or destination, preventing unauthorized access.
Prevention of insider threats
Insider threats are particularly dangerous because they originate from people who already have access rights. Zero Trust minimizes this risk by restricting access to the bare minimum and carrying out regular checks.
Compliance and data security
Zero Trust supports companies in complying with regulatory requirements and helps to secure sensitive data. Strict access control and continuous monitoring reduce security gaps and prevent data breaches.
07
The future of Zero Trust Security
The future of Zero Trust Security will be significantly shaped by the advancing digitalization and the increasing shift of work processes to the cloud. While conventional security approaches are increasingly reaching their limits, Zero Trust is establishing itself as an indispensable security strategy that meets the requirements of modern IT infrastructures.
In view of the constantly increasing number of cyber attacks and the increasing complexity of threats, Zero Trust will continue to grow in importance, especially with the increased integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and respond to threats in real time. In addition, companies worldwide will increasingly rely on Zero Trust to meet the challenges posed by remote working, multi-cloud environments and an ever-increasing number of end devices.
Regulatory and compliance requirements will also continue to drive Zero Trust in the coming years, as this approach is considered one of the most effective methods for minimizing security risks. The continuous further development and adaptation of Zero Trust solutions will t
