Zero Trust: Top Four Challenges Enterprises Need to Address

Zero Trust: Top Four Challenges Enterprises Need to Address
Zero Trust: Top Four Challenges Enterprises Need to Address

The zero trust security paradigm has been a hot topic in cybersecurity for years, and the majority of experts agree with its basic tenets. Zero trust makes the opposite assumption as opposed to thinking that everyone or everything which has acquired access to the network can be trusted. Nowhere, whether within or outside the network perimeter, can be trusted.

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is emerging technology in cybersecurity that provides an alternative to the conventional castle-and-moat method of defense. Zero trust operates under the presumption that risks are widespread and omnipresent rather than concentrating just on the perimeter to defend against external attacks. As a result, before moving forward, each person, machine, and program within the network must ensure that it isn’t a threat.

In order to adopt a zero trust model inside their company, the following challenges will likely need to be addressed.

Dispersed data and services

The worldwide distribution and accessibility of cloud-based settings have both benefits and drawbacks. As businesses store more critical resources, data, and apps in the cloud, the previous security model—which assumed that tightly guarded corporate networks and endpoints managed by the company, is no longer valid.

IT teams will have to adjust from top-down, centralized security infrastructures to decentralized trust models as edge computing gradually takes over. Edge-based systems must be handled as separate networks with their own zero trust controls and regulations because they pose a substantial risk to the zero trust paradigm.

Also Read: Understanding the Zero Trust Network Access 2.0

It demands dedication to continuous management

The requirement for ongoing management is another usually disregarded barrier to converting to a zero-trust cybersecurity architecture. Zero-trust models depend on a massive network of well-outlined permissions, yet enterprises constantly evolve. New positions are taken up, and people relocate. Access controls must be updated regularly to ensure that the right people have access to a particular piece of information. It takes continuous input to keep it accurate and current.

This is a problem: Unauthorized parties might access sensitive information if restrictions are not updated immediately. Consider the scenario if someone was dismissed but still permitted internal data access for a week. That person could have a strong motivation to turn against the group, emphasizing the importance of quickness in a zero-trust approach. Data is at risk if firms don’t respond quickly in these circumstances.

Exponential expansion of application 

The quantity and diversity of apps that operate on such devices, some of which are authorized and mandated by the company and others of which may be harmful or hazardous, dwarf the number of devices. Many apps and services in the IT landscape of today are cloud-based. 

While the rapid expansion of apps and services increases productivity, it also presents IT security teams with a new myriad of challenges as they must choose what to allow in and what to keep out.

Applications may be disseminated to third-party services, suppliers, or other organizations. Platforms for communication may be external and not only for personnel. Which departments employ what apps? There is a need for defined regulations that allow for tight, standardized security measures.

Also Read: The positive Role of Zero Trust in Combating Ransomware

It may affect employees’ performance

The possibility of lost productivity is another issue with zero trust security. This difficulty sort of coexists with the one of continuing management requirements.

Companies may unintentionally alter security settings as they establish and maintain their zero trust posture. Imagine if businesses accidentally lock off an entire department of employees by misadjusting their firewall or making a Command Line Interface (CLI) error. It could just take a few minutes to repair this issue, or it can take days. The personnel experience a setback and are unable to operate at their best.

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