In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, traditional perimeter-based models are no longer sufficient to defend against sophisticated threats. Here comes Zero Trust Security, a paradigm shift that challenges the notion of implicit trust in networks and requires a more robust and dynamic approach to protecting digital assets.
The basics of zero trust
Zero Trust Security works on a basic principle: trust no one and verify everything, regardless of whether it is inside or outside the network perimeter. This approach recognizes that threats can come from both external and internal sources, requiring constant authentication of identities and devices.
NIS2 mandate and zero trust
The recent adoption of the Network and Information Security 2 (NIS2) Directive by the European Union underscores the importance of cyber security in critical industries. In particular, NIS2 includes a requirement for organizations to adopt zero-trust principles as part of their cybersecurity risk management measures.
Addressing vulnerabilities with zero trust
Zero Trust aims to mitigate the risks associated with traditional network security models, which often provide broad access based on implicit trust. With the increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the shift towards remote working, the attack surface has expanded, making traditional models more susceptible to abuse.
Key components of zero trust
Least Privilege Access: Users and devices are granted the minimum level of access needed to perform their tasks, reducing the potential impact of a security breach.
Continuous monitoring: Credibility is not assumed, but continuously evaluated. If a user or device deviates from their normal behavior, access may be restricted or revoked.
Role-based access security: Access is dynamically evaluated based on user roles and responsibilities, minimizing lateral propagation attacks.
Challenges in implementing zero trust
Although the benefits of Zero Trust are clear, organizations face challenges in implementing it. According to research sponsored by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, nearly half of organizations have yet to implement Zero Trust security. Integration issues and fragmented access controls are cited as barriers, highlighting the need for simplified solutions.
Compliant with NIS2 and Zero Trust
For organizations trying to achieve compliance with NIS2 requirements, adopting Zero Trust principles is essential. The directive recognizes the limitations of traditional security models and calls for a proactive approach to cyber security that is consistent with the core principles of Zero Trust.
Zero Credibility Readiness Rating
As organizations prepare to meet the requirements of NIS2, evaluating their Zero Trust readiness becomes critical. A checklist taken from industry manuals can serve as a starting point:
- Visibility: Do you have an overview of all devices on the network?
- Consistent assignment of permissions: Are users and devices assigned permissions consistently?
- Adherence to security standards: Are security standards met before devices are allowed to enter the network?
- Consistent security policies: Are security policies consistently applied across the network?
- Continuous monitoring: The security status of users and devices can be continuously monitored
As organizations grapple with an evolving threat landscape, Zero Trust Security is emerging as a proactive and adaptive approach to cybersecurity. Adopting Zero Trust principles is in line with NIS2 guidelines and enables organizations to safely navigate the complexities of the digital age.
