3 Steps to Zero Trust Cyber Security for Small Businesses
Cyberattacks have become rampant and have also grown in sophistication. A simple lapse in your network security could lead to a chain of events that could prove catastrophic for your business. You can avoid this by implementing a robust cybersecurity framework such as zero trust.
Zero trust asserts that no user or application is trusted automatically. It encourages organizations to verify every access while treating every user or application as a potential threat. Zero trust is a great starting point for businesses that want to build formidable cybersecurity. It can adapt to the complexity of the modern work environment, including a hybrid workplace, and protect people, devices, applications, and data irrespective of location.
However, zero trust should not be mistaken for a solution or a platform, regardless of how security vendors market it to you. You can’t just buy it from a security vendor and implement it with a click of a button. Zero trust is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically.
Implementation: Three core principles to remember
As you begin your journey to implement a zero-trust framework to bolster your IT security, there are three core principles that you must remember:
1. Continually verify
Implementing a “never trust, always verify” approach to security would be best by continuously confirming the identity and access privileges of users, devices, and applications. Consider implementing strong identity and access (IAM) controls. This will help you define roles and access privileges — ensuring only the right users can access the correct information.
2. Limit access
Misuse of privileged access is one of the most common reasons for cyberattacks. Limiting access ensures users have minimal access without affecting their day-to-day activities. Here are some standard security practices organizations have adopted to limit access:
- Just-in-time access (JIT) – Users, devices, or applications have access only for a predetermined period. This helps limit the time one has access to critical systems.
- Principle of least privilege (PoLP) – Users, devices, or applications have the least access or permissions needed to perform their job role.
- Segmented application access (SAA) – Users can only access permitted applications, preventing malicious users from gaining access to the network.
3. Assume breach and minimize the impact
Instead of waiting for a breach, you can take a proactive step toward your cybersecurity by assuming risk. That means treating applications, services, identities, and internal and external networks as already compromised. This will improve your response time to a breach, minimize the damage, improve your overall security, and, most importantly, protect your business.
We are here to help
Achieving zero trust compliance on your own can be a daunting task. However, partnering with an IT service provider like us can ease your burden. Leverage our advanced technology and expertise to implement zero trust within your business — without hiring additional talent or bringing on additional tools yourself.
Download our digital poster “Why Now Is the Time to Embrace Zero Trust” to learn actionable steps you can take today to build a solid zero trust security framework. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
