Given some of the recent security challenges within our industry (particularly Microsoft) I thought that it may be time for a quick posting on zero-trust security methodologies and the potential implications on application management.

What is zero-trust?

Zero Trust is a security framework that assumes a complex network’s security is always at risk to external and internal threats. It requires all users, whether inside or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access. This model ensures data and resources are inaccessible by default and verifies and authorizes every connection, following the principle of least-privileged access. Zero Trust is a significant departure from traditional network security, as it assumes breach and verifies each request as though it originates from an open network, teaching to “never trust, always verify.

Zero Trust differs from traditional security models in several keyways:

  • Assumption of Trust: Traditional security models assume that everything inside the network is trusted, relying on perimeter-based defenses. In contrast, Zero Trust assumes that nothing inside or outside the network can be trusted, requiring all users, devices, and applications to be verified and authenticated before accessing any resources.
  • Access Control: Traditional security models often focus on perimeter security and trust users and devices within the network. Zero Trust, on the other hand, follows the principle of least privilege, where access is granted on a per-need basis and is continuously verified, regardless of the user’s location or the resource being accessed.
  • Data Protection: Traditional security models typically focus on protecting data at the network perimeter, while Zero Trust uses end-to-end encryption and data loss prevention techniques to protect data at all stages, including in transit, in use, and at rest.
  • Verification: Unlike traditional security approaches, which may verify a user’s identity once during a session, Zero Trust verifies a user’s identity each time they request access to specific systems or resources, following the principle of continuous verification

How does the zero-trust model affect application deployments?

The Zero Trust model significantly affects application deployments by enforcing a strict security posture. This approach ensures that no entity, whether user, app, service, or device, is trusted by default. Before any connection is allowed, trust is established based on the entity’s context and security posture, and then continually reassessed for every new connection, even if the entity was authenticated before This means that all applications and services are subject to continuous verification and least-privileged access controls, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

The implementation of Zero Trust can be challenging for organizations, as it may require major architectural, hardware, and software changes, and integration complexity can be a roadblock to timely implementation.

What are some specific challenges of implementing a zero-trust model for application lifecycle management?

The implementation of a Zero Trust model for application lifecycle management presents several challenges, including complexity, cost, and potential impact on productivity. Some specific challenges of implementing a Zero Trust model for application lifecycle management include:

  • Complexity: Zero Trust can be complex to implement, as it requires continuous verification and least-privileged access controls for every user, device, and application
  • Cost: Implementing Zero Trust can be costly, as it requires additional security measures and may involve increased manpower for deployment and maintenance
  • Productivity Impact: The additional security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, associated with Zero Trust can sometimes lead to decreased productivity due to added friction in accessing resources.
  • Mindset and Culture: Overcoming stakeholder resistance to traditional IAM models or trust assumptions is a challenge, as Zero Trust requires a shift in mindset and culture regarding security and access management.

To address these challenges, organizations can invest in adaptive access solutions, seek assistance from security partners, and carefully balance the trade-offs between security and convenience. Additionally, developing a clear action plan, formal principles, and a well-planned strategy is essential for the successful implementation of Zero Trust.

This is where Readiness delivers automated testing, repackaging and patch updates. Ensuring that your entire application portfolio is modernized, up to date, compliant with your corporate standards and above all else: a secure platform for your business.

Try Readiness Unbound for our trial offer, fully supported and funded by Microsoft : Assurance Unbound

Greg Lambert