6 Reasons to implement zero trust security in your business

Similar to how castles are protected with moats, networks are traditionally secured using tools and measures, such as firewalls, to create a barrier between the organization and potential threats. Users within the network are considered trustworthy and free to access any resource they please.

However, the castle moat analogy no longer works in today’s interconnected world, where users often access sensitive data from outside the network using their personal devices. To effectively protect your business’s data, you need a more stringent security strategy that doesn’t rely on network perimeter defenses. This is where zero trust security comes in.

What is zero trust?

Zero trust is a security model that treats all users and devices — even those already within the network — as potential threats. Users are given access to just the resources they need to do their tasks and must go through strict authentication and authorization processes. Zero trust usually employs advanced measures like encryption and multifactor authentication to safeguard data.

Why should you implement zero trust security?

There are many reasons to implement zero trust security in your business.

Enhanced security posture

Sophisticated cyberthreats are usually adept at breaching conventional network perimeter defenses. Zero trust acknowledges that breaches have become inevitable in today’s digital landscape and focuses on identifying malicious activity and preventing it from spreading throughout the network. It prevents unauthorized parties from accessing sensitive data, even if they have managed to penetrate the network perimeter.

Greater resistance to insider threats

An insider threat comes from within your organization, such as a current or former employee, contractor, or business partner. These threats can have malicious intent, like when a disgruntled ex-employee purposely leaks sensitive company data. In other cases, an insider threat could be accidental in nature, such as when an employee unwittingly falls for a phishing scam.

Zero trust security can help mitigate insider threats by strictly limiting access to resources, preventing insiders from taking sensitive data they’re not supposed to have access to. In this manner, zero trust also deters hackers who may have stolen your employees’ credentials and are trying to access your network.

More visibility into activity within your network

With zero trust, you can see who is accessing which resources and when. This can help you quickly identify malicious or unauthorized activity, so you can take corrective action before any damage is done. This also helps you develop more effective cybersecurity policies for future use.

Cost savings

Zero trust security can help you save on costs associated with conventional cybersecurity strategies. For example, since zero trust security doesn’t rely on network parameters for user segmentation, a virtual private network becomes optional. What’s more, zero trust can help you avoid the costs associated with data breaches, such as fines, reputation damage, and loss of customer trust.

Related also: 5 Steps to handling a data breach like a pro

Improved compliance

Businesses in highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance are required to go beyond basic cybersecurity measures to protect their customers’ data. The extra layer of security zero trust offers can help your business meet stringent industry compliance requirements imposed by frameworks like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.

Increased productivity

A zero trust security strategy doesn’t rely on network parameters to segment users and devices, so employees can work from anywhere without sacrificing security. This increases productivity, as employees don’t need to be on site to access the resources they need. They can work even in situations when they can’t make it to the office for some reason. This also allows them to work wherever is most comfortable and conducive for them.

Given the rate at which cyberthreats evolve, you need to adopt more advanced cybersecurity strategies like zero trust to effectively defend your business and its data. At [company_short], our IT experts can help you develop policies and identify the tools you need to implement such a strategy. Contact us today.