Understanding the Fundamentals of Zero Trust Security

With the expansion of cloud usage and the spread of remote work, traditional security models based on network boundaries have become difficult to manage.

To address these changes in the current corporate environment, “Zero Trust Security” is gaining attention.

This document clarifies the fundamental concepts of this security model, which restricts access to all resources, whether internal or external, and continuously verifies them, and explains specific countermeasures.

Table of Contents

1. What is Zero Trust Security?
1. Background to the Emergence of Zero Trust
2. Basic Concepts of Zero Trust
2. 5 Technologies to Implement Zero Trust Security
1. Endpoint Security
2. Account Management
3. Network Security
4. Application and Data Protection
5. Analysis, Visualization, and Automation
3. Key Points for Zero Trust Security
1. Strengthening Endpoint Security
2. Multi-Factor Authentication
3. Threat Detection and Response Automation
4. Summary

1. What is Zero Trust Security?

Zero Trust Security is a comprehensive security approach that verifies the trustworthiness of all resources (devices, users, applications, etc.) before granting access to a corporate network.

Instead of the traditional assumption that “the inside of the network is safe,” it continuously verifies and controls access to all resources, regardless of whether they are internal or external.

1-1. Background to the Emergence of Zero Trust

With the recent spread of cloud services and the expansion of remote work, the traditional boundary-based security model of “the internal network is safe, the external network is dangerous” is no longer valid.

This is because remote access to internal systems from outside the company or from home has become common. As the boundary between internal and external becomes blurred, the risk of unauthorized intrusion increases, and measures are required to deal with advanced malware and other threats.

The concept of Zero Trust Security has been proposed in response to these circumstances and is attracting attention.

1-2. Basic Concepts of Zero Trust

The basic idea of Zero Trust is “Trust Nothing.”

It suspects all access, regardless of whether it is internal or external, and always verifies it. Even if identity is proven to be correct, the permitted access rights are kept to a minimum and monitoring continues.

Furthermore, security measures using multiple different means are combined to provide multi-layered protection.

This should prevent the spread of damage by other defenses, even if one measure is bypassed.

2. 5 Technologies to Implement Zero Trust Security

To implement Zero Trust Security, a single measure is not enough; a comprehensive approach spanning multiple technology areas is essential.

Comprehensive security measures that combine device and account management, network monitoring, and application protection are required.

Here, we will explain the five main technology areas for this.

2-1. Endpoint Security

Endpoint devices (PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc.) are often targeted by cyberattacks, so it is important to constantly monitor their status and verify their health.

In addition to taking measures to prevent device malware infection, data encryption to prevent the leakage of various stored information and measures to prevent device theft must also be fully considered.

2-2. Account Management

Proper management of accounts and access rights is an important element that forms the basis of Zero Trust.

In addition to centralized management of account information, it is also important to introduce multi-factor authentication (authentication that combines biometric authentication, one-time passwords, etc.), grant the minimum necessary access rights, and regularly check access rights.

2-3. Network Security

By controlling network access, we can take measures against attacks from outside.

Specifically, introduce firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems (IDS), encrypt network traffic, and thoroughly collect and analyze network monitoring and access logs.

Also, depending on the scale of the system, consider separation by zone division or micro-segmentation.

2-4. Application and Data Protection

Security measures for various applications that utilize cloud services and the web are also essential.

Appropriately perform security control at all application levels, data encryption, and access control.

It is also a good idea to combine this with the detection of application vulnerabilities using security diagnostic tools.

2-5. Analysis, Visualization, and Automation

Zero Trust Security requires a mechanism to comprehensively collect, analyze, and visualize security events from various sources.

For example, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) is a solution that centrally collects and manages logs from security devices and network devices, and analyzes them in real time. By introducing SIEM, it becomes possible to detect security threats and problems early on.

In addition, processes can be automated and labor-saving measures can be promoted, such as immediately notifying administrators when an incident is detected.

By linking the above five technology areas and protecting the company’s entire IT resources, Zero Trust Security can be realized.

3. Key Points for Zero Trust Security

There are three important points to focus on when implementing Zero Trust Security.

Given the changes in the corporate environment, these measures can be said to be urgent.

We will explain specific approaches to strengthening endpoint management, introducing robust authentication, and advanced monitoring and automation using AI.

3-1. Strengthening Endpoint Security

As remote work becomes more widespread, the number of corporate endpoint devices is increasing, and management is becoming increasingly difficult.

At the same time, the risk of devices becoming infected with malware or being used as a stepping stone for unauthorized access is also increasing.

Therefore, strengthening endpoint security is an urgent issue.

Specifically, the following measures are important:

• Centralized management of endpoint devices
• Continuous monitoring of device configuration and vulnerabilities
• Installation of anti-malware software and regular scanning
• Application of security patches and maintenance of the latest state
• Use of device encryption and remote data deletion functions
• Measures against physical theft/loss of devices

By performing appropriate management and protection for each endpoint device, unauthorized intrusion into the network can be prevented.

3-2. Multi-Factor Authentication

Traditional authentication that relies solely on passwords is not sufficient, and stronger authentication is required.

To reduce the risk of a single authentication factor being broken through, the introduction of multi-factor authentication that combines multiple authentication factors is essential.

In addition to authentication using IDs and passwords, combining biometric authentication (fingerprint, face, vein, etc.), one-time passwords, and physical device authentication (hardware tokens, etc.) can address the risk of unauthorized access and hijacking.

It is also important to apply stricter authentication depending on the risk level of the resource.

For example, consider measures such as requiring another authentication factor to access important data.

3-3. Threat Detection and Response Automation

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and complex, making it difficult to respond with human power alone.

By utilizing technologies such as AI to comprehensively monitor and analyze various security events, it is possible to detect anomalies quickly and with high accuracy. By automating responses to detected threats, it is possible to increase mobility.

Specifically, the following efforts are important:

• Centralized management of security events using SIEM, etc.
• Behavioral analysis of user authentication, endpoints, and app usage
• Advanced correlation analysis and visualization of threats
• Immediate response to cyberattacks and minimization of damage

Utilizing the latest tools equipped with AI and outsourcing services that provide advanced security operation management will also be key to realizing Zero Trust Security.

Summary

This article has organized the basic concepts of Zero Trust Security and explained specific countermeasures.

Zero Trust Security is a new security model that is effective against cyberattacks that cannot be completely prevented by traditional network boundary defense measures.

It is important to protect devices, accounts, networks, apps, and data in multiple layers. In addition, sophistication of security operations through monitoring, analysis, and automation is also essential.

With the further spread of cloud services and the evolution of AI, the concept of Zero Trust Security will become increasingly important in corporate security measures in the future.

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