What is Zero Trust Compute?

What is Zero Trust Compute?

Zero Trust Compute (ZTC) is a security framework that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify." It ensures that all access requests to data, applications, and networks are authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated. Unlike traditional models that grant broad access based on basic credentials, ZTC assumes all access requests are potentially malicious and requires stringent verification processes.

ZTC employs various tools such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to authenticate users and authorize specific access permissions. This approach aims to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches by making access control as granular as possible.

How does Zero Trust Compute differ from traditional security models?

Zero Trust Compute differs significantly from traditional security models, particularly the "trust but verify" approach. In traditional models, users with basic credentials can access a wide range of digital assets, often without continuous validation. This can leave systems vulnerable to breaches if those credentials are compromised.

In contrast, ZTC requires all users to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted access. This ensures that even if credentials are compromised, unauthorized access is still prevented through rigorous verification processes.

What are the benefits of implementing Zero Trust Compute?

Implementing Zero Trust Compute offers several benefits to businesses, including enhanced security, improved network performance, and support for remote work. By preventing unauthorized access, ZTC ensures that sensitive data and services are protected from potential breaches.

Additionally, ZTC can improve network performance by reducing traffic on subnets, allowing employees to access applications more efficiently. It also enables businesses to employ remote workers safely, increasing agility, productivity, and speed. Lastly, ZTC maintains productivity by dynamically evaluating risks without interrupting employees' workflow.

What are the seven pillars of Zero Trust Compute?

Zero Trust Compute (ZTC) is built upon seven foundational pillars, each with specific criteria and objectives to achieve a comprehensive zero trust environment. These pillars ensure that all aspects of the network, users, and data are continuously validated and protected against potential threats. Understanding these pillars is crucial for implementing an effective ZTC strategy.

Each pillar addresses a different aspect of security, from user authentication to data protection, and collectively they form a robust framework that minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

User

The User pillar focuses on verifying the identity of users before granting access to any resources. This involves stringent authentication processes such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data and applications.

• Implementing strong password policies and MFA.
• Regularly updating and managing user credentials.
• Monitoring user behavior for any suspicious activities.

Device

The Device pillar ensures that all devices accessing the network are secure and compliant with organizational policies. This involves continuous monitoring and validation of device security configurations and posture.

• Enforcing device compliance checks before granting access.
• Using endpoint protection and management tools.
• Isolating non-compliant devices from critical resources.

Network & Environment

This pillar focuses on securing the network infrastructure and the environment in which data is accessed. It involves segmenting the network to limit the spread of potential threats and continuously monitoring network traffic for anomalies.

• Implementing network segmentation and micro-segmentation.
• Using intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS).
• Regularly updating network security protocols and configurations.

Application & Workload

The Application & Workload pillar ensures that applications and workloads are secure and operate within a trusted environment. This involves validating the security of applications and the environments in which they run.

• Conducting regular security assessments of applications.
• Using containerization and virtualization for workload isolation.
• Implementing runtime protection for applications.

Data

The Data pillar focuses on protecting data at rest, in transit, and in use. This involves implementing encryption, data loss prevention (DLP) strategies, and strict access controls to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

• Encrypting sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
• Using DLP tools to monitor and control data flows.
• Implementing strict access controls and audit trails for data access.

Automation & Orchestration

This pillar emphasizes the importance of automating security processes and orchestrating responses to threats. Automation helps in maintaining consistent security policies and quickly responding to incidents.

• Automating routine security tasks and compliance checks.
• Using orchestration tools to coordinate security responses.
• Implementing automated incident response and remediation workflows.

Visibility & Analytics

The Visibility & Analytics pillar ensures that all activities within the network are visible and analyzed for potential threats. This involves using advanced analytics and monitoring tools to gain insights into network traffic and user behavior.

• Implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring solutions.
• Using analytics tools to detect and respond to anomalies.
• Regularly reviewing and analyzing security logs and reports.