It’s been nearly 14 years since I introduced the Zero Trust model in a Forrester research article. Today, it’s a $32 billion market, with 63% of organizations globally implementing the strategy to some extent.
While it’s great to see the value of Zero Trust being recognized and acknowledged, I can't help but feel dismayed when I see persistent misconceptions about the model. These myths often lead organizations to overcomplicate the process or misapply the principles of Zero Trust.
At a time when we’re seeing ransomware attacks at record levels, lapses in cloud security, and worsening geopolitical tensions, correctly implementing Zero Trust is now imperative.
It’s time we burst the bubble of the most common Zero Trust myths and set the right narrative in motion.
Four Misconceptions About Zero Trust
Zero Trust Demands A Major Security Overhaul
Organizations are quick to assume that Zero Trust is a ‘rip and replace’ of existing security systems. This is absolutely untrue. In Zero Trust, we want to leverage existing security technology whenever possible.
Remember, the journey to Zero Trust starts with a single step. It should be approached incrementally, leveraging current systems.
The key is to focus on small, manageable areas known as Protect Surfaces. Concentrate on one Protect Surface at a time, starting with the smallest, most critical parts of your network.
Once identified, create flow maps to understand how data moves within these areas. For example, if you identify your customer database as a Protect Surface, map out how data enters, exits, and moves within this database.
During step two, you will gain visibility about the efficacy of your existing controls as they relate to individual Protect Surfaces. You’ll add new technology here, but often, you can use existing technology differently by refining policy.
Automated policies can then be applied to control and monitor access effectively. Suddenly, security measures are now protecting the most critical assets and minimizing risk without the need to overhaul existing systems.
Taking an incremental approach to Zero Trust avoids the pitfalls of attempting to do everything at once and ensures that each step is manageable and non-disruptive.
Zero Trust Is Complicated and Overwhelming
It can sometimes be easy to feel daunted by the Zero Trust model and its perceived complexity and breadth. Many organizations experience this, leading them to either delay or avoid implementation completely. Do not be afraid.
The goal of Zero Trust is to simplify and make cybersecurity more manageable.
“The goal of Zero Trust is to simplify and make cybersecurity more manageable.”
Remember, Zero Trust is a gradual process that should be systematic and controlled. It’s not about achieving perfection from the outset.
Organizations should start with micro segmentation, the true foundation of Zero Trust. Micro segmentation solutions divide the organizational network into smaller, isolated segments, making it easier to control and monitor traffic.
Start by segmenting critical applications, development and production environments, databases, or user groups – whatever is most critical to your organization. The key to success is focusing on one area at a time, applying specific security policies, and continuously monitoring and adjusting these policies based on real-time data.
As organizations begin to segment their network and apply Zero Trust principles incrementally, each step will build on the previous one. This will create a cumulative effect that enhances overall security.
Zero Trust Is Just About Identity
Many organizations fall into the trap of thinking that Zero Trust solely focuses on identity verification. However, adopting a robust identity management system is not the same as adopting a Zero Trust strategy.
Identity as the sole decision point doesn’t work. It is merely a signal indicating attributes of a device accessing the system and doesn’t provide the full context needed for security teams to make comprehensive security decisions.
“Identity as the sole decision point doesn’t work.”
Effective Zero Trust implementations combine identity verification with contextual markers such as time of day, device type, posture checks, and risk assessments. This all-around approach ensures that access decisions are based on a holistic view of the context in which a request is made.
For example, consider the cases of Snowden and Manning, which were the biggest intelligence data breaches in US history. Both individuals were trusted insiders with the appropriate credentials and access rights.
However, the lack of continuous monitoring and contextual analysis allowed them to exploit their trusted positions and exfiltrate sensitive data. This is why Zero Trust must incorporate ongoing scrutiny beyond initial identity verification.
By integrating identity with other contextual signals, organizations can achieve a more robust security posture that mitigates the risk of insider threats and external attacks. It ensures that access controls remain effective and adaptive to changing circumstances.
Zero Trust Is a Product I Can Buy
Zero Trust is not a product; it is a strategic framework. It requires a shift in philosophy and a proactive approach towards network security.
Any business or vendor that claims to have a Zero Trust product is either lying or doesn’t understand the concept at all.
While various products and solutions can aid in implementing Zero Trust principles, the concept itself is about adopting a mindset that eliminates implicit trust and continuously verifies every request.
Zero Trust rethinks how security is managed within the organization. It essentially shifts businesses to an ‘assume breach’ mentality, where it’s understood that attacks are bound to happen. The focus can then be put on containing breaches, cutting down attack paths, and protecting critical assets.
The strategy never changes. It leverages existing technologies and integrates new tools where necessary to create a cohesive and robust security posture. This framework includes policies, procedures, and technologies that work together to enforce Zero Trust principles.
Conclusion
Always Improving With Zero Trust
Zero Trust is a process not a project. You can’t “complete” Zero Trust. The job is never done, and it requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment of security policies and practices. This is why we say you are on your “Zero Trust Journey.”
Organizations should continuously monitor their systems, assess risks, and update their security measures to address new threats and vulnerabilities. This continuous improvement approach ensures that Zero Trust remains effective over time.
Moreover, Zero Trust is not one team’s responsibility. It requires buy-in from all levels, from executive leadership to IT and security teams.
By understanding that Zero Trust is a dynamic process, businesses can achieve a far more successful implementation and, ultimately, create a more secure and resilient network environment.