What Does “Zero-Trust” Security Mean?

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“Zero-Trust” Security

As cybercrime continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever before to take a “zero-trust” approach to safeguarding your systems. IBM found that malicious or criminal attacks are behind 48% of data breaches with system glitches responsible for 25% and human errors responsible for 27%. The simple fact is, ANYONE can be compromised nowadays. Even though there always seems to be a new “buzz-word” or “trend” in the world of information technology, “zero-trust” is one we’re taking quite seriously. Why? Because cybercrime doesn’t discriminate – everyone is a target. Here are some of the largest corporations that have been hacked in the last few years:

  • US Customs and Border Patrol
  • Quest Diagnostics
  • WhatsApp
  • Apple iOS
  • Facebook

Even local governments have been the target of cybercrime lately. So how does zero-trust work? Basically, it’s all about using the right technologies, processes, and protocols to make it even more difficult for hackers to infiltrate entry-points, and if they do, it should be harder to find sensitive information.

Business In Denver Practicing Zero-Trust Cybersecurity

The Good News? A “Zero-Trust” Approach Doesn’t HAVE to Involve Investing in All New Technology…

A good “zero-trust” approach takes advantage of old technology that’s been available to us for years, and chances are, you’re already using some of it. Sure, there are some emerging tools that can help you strengthen your approach, but it doesn’t have to be a major investment, especially if you’ve already been taking cybersecurity seriously. There are a few main goals of a “zero-trust” approach to keep in mind:

  • Make it more difficult for hackers to infiltrate any end-points on the network
  • Make it more difficult for hackers to find sensitive information upon entry to the network
  • Make it easier to detect suspicious activity on the network

Three Steps to a “Zero-Trust” Environment That Keeps You Safe and Secure Against Cybercrime…

Here are the top three steps to a “zero-trust” environment to keep you safe and secure against cybercrime:

1. Implement Identity and Access Management — Identity and access management systems are designed to ensure the proper people have access to appropriate resources and data for their jobs. In some organizations, this may mean certain people have access on certain dates. In other organizations, this may mean certain people have access all the time. Regardless, the access is revoked upon termination immediately. Many identity and access management systems also incorporate tools to track user activities and set alerts for suspicious behavior to prevent internal data disclosure.

2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication Wherever Possible — Most online services nowadays are offering some sort of multi-factor authentication. Why? Because passwords remain the number one weak point for the majority of cases of data theft and/or disclosure. Google, Microsoft, Apple, and many other technology giants are offering multi-factor authentication wherein the user needs a password, along with some other form of identification, such as a PIN code sent to their mobile device, for entry into the service. This should be used wherever possible.

3. Take Advantage of Network Segmentation — In a traditional network, all of the servers and workstations are connected to the same local area network (LAN) – making it easy for hackers to access all vital information and systems upon hacking. Network segmentation prevents this because you’re essentially splitting the network up into smaller segments. In the event of a breach, hackers are limited in their ability to reach sensitive data, and in many cases, it’s more difficult for the hacker to infiltrate the network to begin with.

Elevate Services Group Is Well-Versed in Cybersecurity. Let’s Talk. Call (720) 340-3849. Our Team of Experts Can Help You Stay Safe.