(Zero Trust Network Access)
By Howie Robleza, Freelance Writer, Avigilon
One of the most significant worries for business leaders in the current climate is the potential for an internal security breach – with the increased adoption of cloud-based technologies comes increased vulnerability.
Zero-trust network access protects you from internal and external security breaches. Without it, your data could be vulnerable. Are you considering implementing ZTNA but need to figure out how it benefits your business?
Here you will learn about the benefits of ZTNA, what it is, and how it can benefit your company by minimizing your risk and reducing your vulnerabilities.
What Is Zero-Trust Network Access?
Zero-trust is a cybersecurity policy that does not infer the trustworthiness of every user on the system simply because they can access it.
Zero-trust is needed to protect your business from the threat of an unauthorized user gaining access to all of your valuable data by simply gaining access to your network. Or, if an employee intends to steal data or cybercriminal breaches an employee’s device or account, it prevents an internal cybersecurity breach.
Many businesses allow guests, visitors, and trainees to use their network without guaranteeing their trustworthiness. With zero trust network access, you can allow anyone to use your network by restricting their access.
Users are only granted permission to access the data necessary for daily operations and nothing further. This way, if an employee device or account is breached, you can ensure that only a limited amount of data is accessible.
To help you understand why ZTNA is so crucial to your business strategy, the rest of this post will discuss the key benefits of ZTNA to consider.
The Benefits of Zero-Trust Network Access
Here are the benefits you stand to gain by implementing ZTNA to protect your network and data.
It Enables Micro-Segmentation
When you only grant users permission to access the data necessary for daily operations, you create segments within your network. This means that should a cyberattacker infiltrate your network; they won’t be able to move laterally and access more of your data. So, you decrease the attack surface and minimize your risk in the event of a security breach.
It Provides Protection Against Malware Codes
The division of your network minimizes the impact of a malware security breach, ensuring minimal damage. Additionally, by deploying ZTNA, you can implement regular health checks across connected applications, ensuring the health of your system at all times and fast-acting response to a breach.
Contains Breaches Caused By Rogue Employees
Many business owners like to believe that their employees are trustworthy. However, there is still the likelihood that your employee could poach information, client data, and other resources to leave your company, start their own company, or provide your competitor with an edge.
So, by implementing a zero-trust network access policy, you can ensure that any rogue employee won’t be able to access all the critical and sensitive data hosted on your network. A zero-trust model will also mean that containers and microservices are connected and efficiently communicate.
Your Applications Will Be Undetectable
When you implement ZTNA, you establish a virtual darknet, making your apps unavailable to public internet users. This darknet can protect your business from potential ransomware and data leakage.
Supports A Hybrid Work Model
Hybrid work models require cloud-based technologies, meaning that you will store much of your valuable company data on the cloud and be more vulnerable to a cyber-attack. By implementing a zero-trust network access policy, you can ensure that implementing a hybrid work model is not at the cost of your cybersecurity health.
Additionally, since the pandemic, hybrid working has become an attractive feature to employees in the hiring process. By implementing ZTNA and opening your business up to hybrid work, you can increase your choices during the hiring process and make your roles more attractive to applicants.
Ensures GDPR Compliance
As a business, you must protect client and customer data. A security breach can lead to legal ramifications and extensive costs. Additionally, it can harm your reputation and put the trust of your stakeholders in the balance. Investing in a zero-trust network access policy can ensure GDPR compliance and reduce your risk of facing the consequences of a data breach.
Can Apply to Physical Security
Zero trust policies don’t just apply to your network and cybersecurity health. You can take a zero-trust approach to your physical security, including a wireless door access control system. If an interviewee, visitor, or contractor enters your building, they shouldn’t be able to access server rooms and areas housing sensitive assets or dangerous equipment.
Restricting these areas protects you from a data breach caused by a physical security breach. It reduces your liability if a visitor enters a room containing dangerous equipment and becomes injured.
Helps To Protect Cloud-Based Systems
If you’re implementing cloud-based technologies to support hybrid or remote work, you need a system to enable secure access to company resources from anywhere. Cloudbric offers a Zero-Trust Based Access Control System that provides secure authentication processes, allowing you to access company resources without establishing a dedicated line or VPN. This access control helps you to provide strengthened security processes in a cloud-based system with easy set-up and simple authentication procedures.
Summary
Zero-trust network access isn’t just a priority; it’s a necessity. If you’re using cloud-based technologies or operating in a hybrid work model, you need to know that a security breach won’t reveal all company data – only a limited amount.
About the Author
Howie Robleza, a freelance writer is interested in tech, legal, and property trends. When she’s not writing, she works in commercial property management.
Howie can be reached at www.avigilon.com.