What is Zero Trust — for Executives?
On a brief and simplified high-level, Zero Trust can be defined as follows:
Zero Trust is a new way of connectivity design. Since the mid-2000s, new business models have started to gain traction. Software-, Platform- and Infrastructure as a Service become common. — How to connect them all?
Companies subscribe to Third-Party operated services and extend their supply-chain. Zero Trust is a way to define perimeters and connections. Not only based on Firewalls, but also based on (digital) logistics.
From the CISA (Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency, USA) Zero Trust Maturity Model (April 2023, PDF )
What is this new perimeter "logistics"?
- Identity
- Devices
- Applications
- Data
- Network
What Zero Trust is not: an airtight security concept, intended only for high-security environments.
What are the relevant use cases?
Faster time to solution in Information Security and Corporate IT:
- Reduced process overhead for Remote Work, incl. entry and exit process management
- Mergers and acquisitions may require tighter data control
- Unified access to modern productivity applications
- Simplified management of compliance in distributed organizations with branch offices and mobile work
- Supply chain security management requirements become possible to implement
- Higher resilience against disruptions
With Zero Trust, you can simplify your Enterprise Security Architecture and reduce the efforts in Information Security, Compliance and Corporate IT.
What are the key problems with Zero Trust
Sadly, you can also cause adverse effects with Zero Trust:
- Many Zero Trust vendors misrepresent their solutions
- Zero Trust implementations and services need to be robust
- Network and Security Architecture may need to get redesigned
If you are keen to learn how to avoid these, check out this blog more regularly in the future.
