What is Zero Trust?
With the increasingly grim cybersecurity threat landscape, zero trust security and the closely related topics of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and Security Service Edge (SSE) are gaining heightened interest. This blog will focus on the zero-trust security specifically, first defining it, then discussing why it is important, the challenges, and how handheld tools at the edge can help with a successful implementation. Let’s begin with a definition. There are numerous ways to describe zero trust. According to Gartner1, “Zero trust is a holistic cybersecurity posture (or paradigm) in which the foundational tenet is that users are not implicitly trusted just because they are inside the network.
Instead, trust is explicit and granted adaptively, based on user, device, resource and data attributes and behavioral analytics.
Zero trust also focuses on data protection and restricts unauthorized lateral movement to guard against unauthorized data exfiltration.”
As should be clear, zero trust security demands ongoing and constant verification of network resources and activities. Because of its dynamism, this can be problematic at the network perimeter where there are typically frequent architectural updates, an ongoing flux in device access, and an explosion in the number of headless devices that result in escalating IoT security obstacles.
Why is zero trust security important?
The concept of a zero-trust architecture is fast becoming a central tenet of many organizations’ overall network security. Zero trust operates under the assumption any entity—whether user, endpoint, network infrastructure, or application—has or could be compromised by a hacker. This mindset gains validity when viewed in the context of a quickly changing threat landscape, including the proliferation of zero-day vulnerabilities as well as the ability of bad actors to move laterally within the environment, potential exposure of sensitive data and valuable intellectual property, and the persistent visibility gaps of today’s cybersecurity solutions. These assertions are backed up by the unrelenting drumbeat of yet another major breach of governments, organizations, and businesses.
The obstacles of deploying zero trust security
There are numerous technical, organizational, and policy/governance challenges with zero trust and associated goals of improving network security. Here we will focus on several key technical challenges. Examples include complexity of implementation, network visibility, and scalability. Implementation complexity requires a comprehensive understanding of the entire network architecture, visibility is directly tied to access to traffic flows across the environment while scalability relates to number of users and devices (endpoints and infrastructure). The larger and more sprawling the network, the higher the bar to overcoming these obstacles without the use of the right tools.
The unique visibility challenges at the edge network
The difficulties described above are frequently magnified at the perimeter. The edge network is notorious for its dynamic nature with elevated levels of threat and exposure. Reasons include:
- Enormous scale – the growth of unmanaged devices enlarges the attack surface—IoT security (along with OT and ICS) are major concerns
- Large numbers of users (some known, many unknown) accessing resources
- Wide range of technologies in a less controlled environment
- Ubiquitous connectivity multiplies threats
- Undetected vulnerabilities including rogue/incorrectly configured devices
- Unsecured WiFi and wired connections
- Misconfigured network segmentation/provisioning
- Frequent network/IT asset updates
- Close physical/WiFi proximity to uncontrolled IT resources
To be most effective in improving network security and minimizing the threat of zero-day vulnerabilities, zero trust architectures must account for these distinct edge hurdles.
How can handheld vulnerability scanner tools enhance zero trust?
As highlighted above implementing zero trust security requires constant network resource and activity verification. Handheld security vulnerability scanning and network discovery tools like CyberScope® can play a crucial supporting role to achieving this at the edge. Below are key points on how CyberScope can enhance Zero Trust implementation:
Enhanced Network Visibility
- Network Discovery: CyberScope quickly discovers and identifies all devices and endpoints on the network; automated topology mapping and inventory reporting in Link-Live™ (NetAlly’s collaboration, reporting and analysis platform) provides a comprehensive view of network assets.
- Discovery Monitoring: Regularly re-discover networked devices and update the network map to reflect new endpoints or changes, ensuring an up-to-date inventory of all connected assets and knowledge of new devices joining the network.
- Identify Unauthorized Devices: Detect and isolate rogue devices that should not have access to the network, to aid in enforcing strict access policies.
Vulnerability Assessment
- See the Edge from the Edge: Perform vulnerability scans on-site or in remote locations to detect endpoints with vulnerabilities; finds and identifies devices that centralized monitoring platforms may miss.
- Frequent Assessments: Conduct regular scans to identify new vulnerabilities as soon as they appear, reducing the window of exposure.
Micro-Segmentation Support
- Detailed Network Mapping: Provide the necessary visibility to implement effective micro-segmentation, isolating critical assets and reducing lateral movement opportunities.
- Policy Enforcement: Regularly test segment boundaries and enforce strict access controls between segments.
Operational Efficiency
- Portable and Convenient: CyberScope is designed for quick, on-the-spot assessments, reducing the need for extensive and time-consuming network audits.
- Remote Visibility: Secure remote access enables centralized experts to assist on-site ‘smart hands’ or conduct scans independently.
Compliance and Reporting
- Automated Reporting: Generate detailed reports on network vulnerabilities and device compliance, supporting regulatory requirements and audits.
- Continuous Compliance Testing: Ensure ongoing compliance with security standards and regulations through regular scanning and assessments.
In summary
Handheld security vulnerability scanning and network discovery tools such as the NetAlly CyberScope are essential for supporting zero trust architectures by providing real-time situational awareness, enabling regular testing and validation, and enhancing access control measures. These tie directly to the zero-trust technical obstacles mentioned: complexity of implementation, network visibility, and scalability. By connecting at the edge, these handheld tools help cybersecurity professionals maintain a secure and compliant network environment through efficient and effective vulnerability management and network discovery, especially at the perimeter where other tools frequently have visibility gaps.
How CyberScope can help
Handheld tools like CyberScope can make all the difference in a successful implementation because of its unique edge visibility. Designed from the ground-up to provide detailed, in-depth visibility network perimeter, CyberScope is ideal to aid zero trust security efforts, serving an integral part of larger network security objectives. In addition, since it maps to all major security frameworks, it can also assist in greater, enterprise-wide initiatives.
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1 Zero Trust in the Public Sector: An Implementation Guide (gartner.com)
