Introduction
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, zero trust emerges as a linchpin in safeguarding enterprises against the consequences of compromised user accounts. However, the true impact of zero trust unfolds when seamlessly integrated across the entire network infrastructure of an enterprise. Enter SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, a revolutionary WAN networking and security solution. By amalgamating a comprehensive security stack with the advanced network routing capabilities of software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN), SASE positions itself as a cloud-driven solution supporting businesses' cloud-centric network architecture.
In this exploration, we shed light on the symbiotic relationship between SASE and zero trust, outlining 6 crucial reasons why their joint implementation is paramount for your business.
Why Should You Implement SASE with a Zero Trust Strategy?
1. Cloud data servers need shared security responsibility:
As companies increasingly choose hybrid or public cloud environments for storing critical data, the traditional paradigms of trust associated with processes, technologies, people, skills, and data center security tools are being challenged. The shift to cloud infrastructure demands a reimagining of security responsibilities, leading to the adoption of a shared responsibility model.
In this model, both the cloud vendor and the enterprise play active roles in providing and sustaining security measures. At the heart of this collaborative approach is the zero-trust security model, which establishes a foundation for shared cybersecurity responsibility. By requiring continuous verification and validation of every interaction within the cloud ecosystem, zero trust ensures that trust is earned and maintained, reshaping the dynamics of data security in the modern enterprise.
2. Perimeter-based security isn't very effective in today's enterprise environment.
The landscape of business operations has undergone a radical evolution, propelled by the widespread adoption of digital technologies. In this new era, traditional perimeter-based cybersecurity models are facing obsolescence as the parameters that once dictated the scope of security enforcement lose their relevance. Zero trust security emerges as the answer to this shifting paradigm, introducing a micro-level approach to access approval within networks.
Operating on the principle of least privilege, zero trust security challenges the traditional notion of granting broad access based on position or role. Instead, it mandates that every individual receives limited access to the entire system, closely monitoring and verifying each access request to different parts of the network. This meticulous scrutiny ensures a heightened level of security in an environment where implicit trust is no longer a viable concept.
3. The entire workforce shouldn't have all access:
Enterprises find themselves at a juncture where the traditional dependency on people and processes for business operations has evolved. Historically, customers and employees were the central users of a business's applications and infrastructure. However, the landscape has expanded to include vendors and suppliers as significant contributors to the system.
In this context, businesses must recognize that non-employees, including vendors and suppliers, should not be bestowed with unrestricted access to business applications. Simultaneously, employees, each performing specialized functions, do not necessitate access to the entirety of the network. Embracing a zero-trust security approach becomes imperative, allowing enterprises to grant access based on critical dimensions of trust. This approach facilitates vigilant monitoring of everyone accessing the system, even those with elevated privileges, ensuring a secure and controlled digital environment.
4. The Internet is becoming insecure day by day:
The contemporary era has witnessed a paradigm shift in how individuals access applications and databases, predominantly through remote connections to cloud networks. However, this transition to remote access raises a significant security concern – the assumed safety of internet networks is no longer assured, leaving them susceptible to hacking and manipulation. Traditional visibility solutions and network perimeter security measures, long considered robust defenses, prove inadequate against the ingenuity of modern attackers.
In the current landscape of remote work, implicit trust has lost its allure, paving the way for the prominence of zero-trust security principles. Anchored in concepts like "always-verify" and "least privilege," zero trust redefines network security by offering comprehensive visibility across the entire network, whether situated in the cloud or traditional data centers.
5. Adopt policies to become cyber resilient:
The contemporary business landscape is marred by the relentless onslaught of cyberattacks, a trend that shows no signs of abating. Among the various industries grappling with this menace, the pharmaceutical sector stands out as one of the hardest hit, witnessing a surge in the daily tally of cyber incidents. In a concerning twist, these attacks extend beyond conventional data breaches, targeting the very essence of the pharmaceutical industry—intellectual property rights and vaccine formulations. The consequences are dire, compelling pharmaceutical companies to acquiesce to exorbitant ransoms to safeguard their proprietary information.
Faced with such challenges, the implementation of a zero-trust framework emerges as a critical imperative. This security paradigm ensures that enterprises, especially those in the pharmaceutical realm, minimize their vulnerability to security breaches. By enforcing rigorous access controls and verification mechanisms, the zero-trust model empowers these companies to navigate the financial implications of cyberattacks and fortify their resilience against evolving threats.
6. Employee-owned devices aren't as secure as work devices:
In the current landscape of remote work, employees have transitioned to using personal devices like computers, laptops, and phones while working from home. However, the inherent challenge lies in the fact that these devices often lack the robust security features present in their work counterparts, which are regularly updated with the latest security policies and tools. Furthermore, the neglect of basic cyber hygiene practices is commonplace. To address these vulnerabilities, zero-trust security protocols become imperative. These protocols operate on the fundamental principle of "trust nobody; verify everything," establishing a comprehensive approach to access controls across every network node. By implementing zero trust, organizations can fortify their security posture in the face of the dynamic and dispersed nature of remote work scenarios.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to the era of outdated perimeter-based reactive methods in cybersecurity, the zero-trust security model emerges as the vanguard of the future. The shift towards this proactive and dynamic approach is not merely a trend but a necessity in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats. Governments and businesses at the forefront of progress must recognize the imperative to adopt the zero-trust model to guarantee a cyber-secure future for their employees, customers, partners, and citizens. Offering heightened network visibility and continuous monitoring, this new-age cyber security system ensures that security is not a static concept but an ongoing process. To take the first step towards a resilient and future-ready cybersecurity framework, seize the opportunity to implement the zero-trust security model – book a demo today!
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