Bridging The security Gap Through ‘Zero Trust’

Zero trust is a cybersecurity strategy wherein security policy is applied based on context established through least-privileged access controls and strict user authentication—not assumed trust. A well-tuned zero trust architecture leads to simpler network infrastructure, a better user experience, and improved cyberthreat defense. A zero-trust architecture follows the maxim "never trust," always verify."

Today, data security demands more attention than ever before and Zero Trust is a strategic approach to cybersecurity that secures an organization by eliminating implicit trust and continuously validating every stage of a digital interaction.

There are three pillars of zero trust, and they are namely workforce, workloads and workplace – and their unique differentiations. Greater amount of risks are being addressed by each pillar of zero trust which includes:

1.Options for implementing each of the three zero-trust pillars.

2. Proposed maturity models to achieve zero trust for the workforce, workloads and the workplace.

Zero Trust security means that no one is trusted by default from inside or outside the network, and verification is required from everyone trying to gain access to resources on the network.

Enterprises must follow some key practices to safeguard their business at a time when identity has become the new perimeter. This added layer of security has been shown to prevent data breaches. It reduces risk by eliminating the attack surface: With a zero-trust approach, users connect directly to the apps and resources they need, never to networks. Direct user-to-app and app-to-app connections eliminate the risk of lateral movement and prevent compromised devices from infecting other resources.

Zero Trust is a framework for securing the IT infrastructure of the modern digital workplace. It uniquely addresses challenges faced by businesses, including securing remote workers, hybrid cloud environments, and ransomware threats.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team reported more than 2.12 Lakhs cybersecurity incidents this year (till February). In comparison, the CERT-In reported more than 14.02 Lakhs cyber security related incidents in total last year.

On the brighter side, companies in India are addressing these issues by investing in modern cybersecurity technologies to improve their security posture. A survey revealed that nearly 40 percent of organisations have implemented a Zero Trust network post the pandemic. CXOs must work with business and technology leaders to design security into systems, processes, and people from the start.

There is an increasing need to institutionalise cyber and security best practices to prevent evolving cyberattacks. Infosys has adopted the Security by Design principle that has a security-first approach across all lifecycle stages of business imperatives.

Many businesses are adopting hybrid work models in which the work force splits its time between the office and remote locations, but the hybrid model creates security risks. With employees splitting time between the office and off-site location, they’re constantly moving in and out of the company network.

Information technology heads find it harder to constantly monitor employees when they toggle back and forth between secure and nonsecure networks. Ransomware attacks are becoming more common, and hybrid working arrangements will make businesses more vulnerable to them.