More companies are taking a Zero Trust approach to security and it’s for a good reason. We’ve seen a massive surge in cybercrime with all the new developments and innovations in technology in the last 10 years. The Zero Trust model isn’t new but as cloud computing becomes the new norm for users, this approach to protecting users, devices, networks, data, and resources is one of the best solutions we currently have.
To be clear, after speaking to the best providers of IT Support Services in London, Zero Trust is the way to go and more businesses should at least be starting to implement it into their security architecture but Zero Trust doesn’t come without its own set of disadvantages.
To get started on this article let’s first cover how Zero Trust works and how it benefits a company. The Zero Trust model relies on a “never trust, always verify” approach to all users, accounts, devices, and networks. The model acts to enhance network security and defense both internally and externally and is a scalable solution, especially for those with remote or hybrid work environments.
Advantages Of Zero Trust Security
Zero Trust enhances security by minimizing the attack surface through strict control of granting access which makes it more challenging for unauthorized access. This also applies to reducing the risk of insider threats. In the Zero Trust model, every access request is potentially risky. Therefore segmentation and strict access control to all users with the use of a select few administrative and privileged accounts means that if an insider’s account is compromised then potential damage can be contained with less access to all data and resources where they can’t move or copy data without permission.
The model also works to improve overall visibility and control with a granular view of network activities. Security teams should be enabled to monitor who is accessing certain resources, what time they are accessing them, and from which location. This also allows for a better understanding of network operations, vulnerabilities, resource allocation, and risk management. This ultimately enables the system to better detect unusual activity and lessen the risk of potential data breaches and security incidents.
Lastly, a good IT Support Company will suggest Zero Trust because it is the most adaptable solution for modern work environments. More companies are adopting hybrid workspaces, supporting remote workers and enabling the use of personal mobile devices. With more employees in more locations with more devices, this leads to having to verify every access request from different origins. Zero Trust is significantly more accommodating to this without compromising security than the perimeter-based approach to security we’ve had previously.
Disadvantages Of Zero Trust Security
The Zero Trust model is one that all companies should be at least seriously considering but it isn’t perfect. It comes with its own set of disadvantages that any company should take into consideration to properly plan for.
For starters, Zero Trust implementation can be a daunting and complex task that requires a comprehensive understanding of the company’s network, users, devices, data, and applications. The existing security infrastructure will change which needs skills and time to do which can be disruptive and costly.
Once implemented the Zero Trust model can continue to be resource-intensive with continuous monitoring and management from IT teams. It can also potentially be frustrating for employees with continuous verification getting in the way of tasks.
With an increase in security with this model and the potential for human error from users, there is an increased risk of false positives and flagged suspicious activity. IT teams need to follow up and investigate which can disrupt workflows and waste time and resources.
Lastly, TechQuarters, a trusted IT support company based in London, has pointed out that with Zero Trust there is a very big dependency on technology. Tools and technologies are needed to support identity verification, encryption, and network segmentation. These tools with always need to be upgraded and invested in to keep up with how technology evolves.
In conclusion, the Zero Trust model is undeniably beneficial to any security infrastructure. It comes with many benefits but before doing anything, companies need to be prepared for all the time, money, and resources it needs. It can be a demanding approach but all steps that make up the model can be done slowly and in sections so that it isn’t a sudden and overwhelming change.