“Nothing is constant in life but change,” said the Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and nowhere is that more true than in the fast-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Every day, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and pervasive, and the need for robust digital security measures that improve faster than they can be defeated has never been more critical.
In the post-pandemic world, there is a greater reliance on interconnected digital systems and cloud-based software vendors than ever. This is driven in part by the proliferation of remote working and the availability of cost-effective software-as-a-service (SaaS) as opposed to bespoke software solutions for leaner business models. This poses new challenges for the safeguarding of sensitive information and systems, and requires a paradigm shift in the way we approach cybersecurity. Enter Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
Conventional approaches to network security typically use a castle-and-moat model. This means that the security focus is on the perimeter (the moat), but once inside the castle, everyone is trusted by the system. ZTNA and the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) on the other hand, operate on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” They assume that threats can originate from within the network as well as outside it, and require continuous verification of users and devices, to maintain the overall health of the network.
Besides enhanced security, some of the key benefits of implementing ZTNA – which is also known as “Private Access for ZTNA” – include the replacement of often fragmented and disparate security tools for managing users and their access with a single, unified approach. There is also greatly improved visibility and control of network activities, which is vital with today’s reliance on multiple cloud-based systems. This also supports compliance and governance, which is crucial in a world where legislative demands on data security are stricter than ever, and allows for flexibility in the way businesses structure their approach to the IT solutions they use. There are, however, also challenges that come with the adoption of a ZTNA, so it is fundamental that best practices are followed when implementing such an approach.
Best Practices for Implementing Zero Trust Network Access
If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well, and the same goes for adopting ZTNA for your organization. As with any large-scale systems project, there are going to be some basic dos and don’ts that you need to get right from the offset.
- Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment
The reasons for adopting ZTNA, the threats faced, and the challenges of tackling such a project are going to be different for every organization. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to something of this scale, so it’s incredibly important to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and understand the specific threats your organization faces. This will create a foundation for the project, give you an understanding of the scope and time it will take, and help you allocate the appropriate budget. It’s also unlikely to be something you can deal with alone, so it’s important to speak to the experts from the very beginning. We do this every day at Cloudbrink, and we’re happy to help any organization with their first steps into ZTNA.
- User and device authentication
Implementing robust user and device authentication mechanisms ensures that only authorized entities (users and the devices they’re using) can gain access to the network.
One important tool is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security by requesting that users provide more than one form of identification before access is granted. We are all already familiar with two-factor authentication where we might need to provide a code sent to our phone or email alongside our password, but MFA might also include biometrics such as fingerprint IDs, the use of authenticator apps, or additional security questions.
As well as identifying the human user, the devices they use must also be trustworthy. Device Trustworthiness Checks, which regularly evaluate whether or not the device being used is secure and belongs to an authorized user, are an important part of any ZTA solution/service, especially in an era where users are accessing secure networks using their personal technology.
- Network micro-segmentation
Dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments limits the impact of a security breach by compartmentalizing different parts of the network, preventing users from moving into areas they don’t need to access. This requires the creation of “Granular Access Policies” which tailor access rights to specific users or user groups. It ensures that user access is only granted to the resources necessary for their tasks, and prevents intruders from piggybacking their way across the network.
- Least privilege access
The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) involves restricting access rights for users to the absolute minimum levels required for them to carry out their job function. One approach to PoLP is known as “Role-Based Access Control” (RBAC). This is where access permissions are assigned based on job roles, which streamlines access management and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
The Challenges of ZTNA
Effective project management and a best practice approach will help mitigate some of the challenges of ZTA adoption. But others require special attention.
- Employee resistance
Despite the obvious benefits of ZTNA, as with any large-scale system integration, organizations are likely to face push-back from their own people. Employee resistance can be reduced, however, through effective change management strategies, including transparent communication about the benefits of ZTNA, the provision of comprehensive training, and by offering ongoing support.
- Cost considerations
An effective ZTA touches every aspect of a company’s software strategy and can be costly. So transparent cost communication is crucial to managing budget constraints associated with ZTNA adoption. Organizations can prioritize and implement ZTNA in phases, focusing on critical areas first and gradually expanding the deployment. This phased approach allows for better budget management and reduces the strain on resources. Speak to experts to find out how to manage such a roll-out – contact us at www.cloudbrink.com.
- Third-party collaboration and vendor management
No organization is an island, and it’s important to select the right vendors when implementing a ZTNA project. Clear criteria for vendor selection should be established, considering factors such as expertise, reliability, and scalability. Continuous monitoring of vendor performance will also ensure ongoing security and compliance.
- Performance impact on remote users
One often overlooked challenge in ZTNA adoption is the potential performance impact on remote users. Many ZTNA solutions can inadvertently slow down network access for remote employees, leading to frustration and decreased productivity. It is crucial to choose a ZTA solution that prioritizes user experience, ensuring optimal performance without compromising security. This consideration is particularly important as the modern workforce relies heavily on remote access. Selecting a solution with a lightweight architecture and efficient protocols can mitigate performance bottlenecks, reducing employee resistance and facilitating a smoother ZTNA implementation.
Tips for a Successful ZTNA Journey
ZTNA draws on the expertise of both IT and security teams, and so close collaboration between these groups is essential. Together they can not only conduct the implementation of the new ZTNA project, but also conduct regular audits and updates of access policies: Cyber threats are dynamic, and this will ensure that access policies evolve accordingly, to help the organization stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a proactive security posture.
Continuous employee education on cybersecurity best practices is also a powerful weapon in the armory against cybercrime. Employees are often the first line of defense against digital attacks, and empowering them to recognize and report potential security issues creates a more resilient security environment.
Zero Trust Network Access represents a pivotal shift in cybersecurity, addressing the challenges posed by today’s new interconnected digital landscape. By embracing ZTNA, organizations can fortify their security posture, mitigate risks, and adapt to the changing nature of cybercrime.
At Cloudbrink we encourage organizations to embrace ZTNA by implementing best practices, overcoming challenges, and fostering collaboration between their IT and security teams. If you’re ready to take the next step, Cloudbrink offers comprehensive solutions to support and enhance your ZTNA implementation. Find out more at www.cloudbrink.com.