How Can Zero-Trust Security Prevent Ransomware Attacks?

The digital transformation and change in working model have drastically changed the issue of network security. Employees are working remotely and accessing data from outside the corporate network. Similar data is also shared with external collaborators such as partners and suppliers.

The process of data moving from an on-premises model to a hybrid environment is often a lucrative prey for attackers to exploit and compromise the entire security of the network.

Today, organizations need a security model that can adapt to the complexities of post-pandemic work environments and remote workforces. This new approach must be able to protect devices, applications, and data no matter where they are located. This is made possible by adopting the Zero-Trust security model.

So, what is the Zero-Trust security model? Let's find out with Tipsmake through the following article!.

What is the Zero-Trust security model?

The traditional network security model trusts any user and device inside the network. The inherent problem with this approach is that once cybercriminals gain access to the network, they can move freely through internal systems without much resistance.

On the other hand, Zero-Trust security architecture treats everyone and everything as hostile. The term 'Zero-Trust' was first coined in 2010 by John Kindervag - a Forrester Research analyst - and is built on the core principle of never trusting anyone and always verifying. everything.

The Zero-Trust model requires strict identity verification with all users and devices before granting them access to resources, regardless of whether they are in or out of the network.

Principles of the Zero-Trust framework

The Zero-Trust security model is not a single technology or solution. Instead, it is a strategy by which network administrators can build a security ecosystem. Here are some principles of Zero-Trust security architecture.

1. Continuity Verification

The Zero-Trust model assumes that there are attack vectors both inside and outside the network. As a result, no user or device is implicitly trusted and granted access to sensitive data and applications. This model continuously verifies the identity, privileges, and security of users and devices. As the level of risk changes, connection timeouts force users and devices to re-verify their identities.

2. Micro-segment

Micro-Segmentation is the practice of dividing security perimeters into smaller segments or regions. This helps maintain separate access to separate parts of the network. For example, a user or program that has access to one zone will not be able to access another without the appropriate permissions.

Microsegmentation helps limit the movement of attackers once they gain access to the network. This greatly reduces the power of the attack because each segment of the network requires a separate authorization.

3. Principle of Least Privilege

The principle of least privilege is based on granting a user just the necessary access rights for a use case or operation. This means that a particular user account or device will only be granted access for one use case and nothing else.

Network administrators need to be careful when granting access rights to users or applications, and remember to revoke those privileges when access is no longer needed.

The least-privileged access policy minimizes user exposure to sensitive parts of the network, thereby reducing the consequences of attacks.

4. Endpoint Security

In addition to least-privileged access, the Zero-Trust model also takes measures to protect end-user devices against security risks. All endpoints are continuously monitored for malicious activity, malware, or network access requests initiated from a compromised endpoint.

Benefits of implementing Zero-Trust . security model

Zero-Trust solves a wide range of problems that often occur with the traditional security model. Some of the benefits of this framework with cybersecurity include:

1. Protection against internal and external threats

Zero-Trust treats every user and machine as hostile. It detects threats originating from outside the network as well as subtle internal threats.

2. Reduce the risk of data filtering

Thanks to network segmentation, access to different network areas is strictly controlled in the Zero-Trust model. This minimizes the risk of transferring sensitive information out of the organization.

3. Securing the remote workforce

The rapid shift to cloud applications has paved the way for remote working environments. Employees can collaborate and access network resources from anywhere using any device. Endpoint security solutions help keep such a distributed workforce secure.

4. A good investment against data loss

Considering how costly data breaches can be, implementing a Zero-Trust security approach should be considered a great investment against cyberattacks. Any money spent on preventing data loss and theft is well worth it.