Difference between Perimeter Security and Zero Trust? Explanation of Next-Generation Security Measures

As companies increasingly demand next-generation security measures, a fundamental review of security policies has become necessary. The concept of Zero Trust is gaining attention, requiring a different approach than traditional perimeter security.

This article explains the differences and characteristics of Zero Trust, focusing on the challenges of perimeter security.

Table of Contents

1. Perimeter Security
2. Challenges of Perimeter Security
3. What is Zero Trust?
4. Background of Zero Trust Adoption
   1. DX Promotion
   2. Remote Work Adoption
   3. Increase and Diversification of Cyber Attacks
5. Necessary Efforts for Zero Trust Implementation
6. Summary

1. What is Perimeter Security?

Perimeter security refers to the zero-risk approach that has been the foundation of cybersecurity measures. Based on the idea that cyber threats come from outside via the internet, it strengthens security at the border to prevent viruses from entering.

The advantage of perimeter security is its high awareness of security against external attacks. Computer viruses are difficult to eliminate once they penetrate the system, making prevention crucial.

Perimeter security, which focuses on preventing internal intrusion and maintaining a secure internet environment, remains a fundamental aspect of security measures today.

2. Challenges of Perimeter Security

While perimeter security is fundamental, relying solely on it can increase threats.

The major drawback is that while it is effective at the border, it offers no protection once a threat penetrates the system.

For example, a serious incident might occur due to internal data leakage or the use of unsecured personal PCs or networks, even with strong internet security measures.

Perimeter security measures often fail to adequately address such scenarios, leading to insufficient risk control.

3. What is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a new security approach that addresses the problems of perimeter security.

Zero Trust is based on the concept that no trust is given and that risks can always materialize, requiring realistic security measures.

The biggest issue with perimeter security is that it assumes all threats can be stopped at the border and does not prepare for internal breaches. Zero Trust, on the other hand, anticipates security breaches and prepares for them, minimizing damage from attacks.

Based on the idea that cyberattacks can happen anytime and from anywhere, an approach that anticipates all threats and advances security measures is becoming increasingly necessary.

4. Background of Zero Trust Adoption

The widespread adoption of Zero Trust in recent years can be attributed to the following three reasons:

4-1. DX Promotion

One reason is the widespread implementation of DX (Digital Transformation) both domestically and internationally, leading to the advanced digitization of operations. In environments with traditional analog processes, digital tools were used less frequently, and much data was isolated from the internet, making cybersecurity less critical.

However, with the increasing adoption of DX, there are more cases where all operations are digitized, and all databases are connected to the internet.

As a result, the potential damage from cyberattacks has increased, requiring more advanced cybersecurity measures.

4-2. Remote Work Adoption

Remote work, facilitated by DX, is a new way of working. Digital tools have made it easier to work from home or vacation, leading more companies to adopt diverse working styles.

However, while remote work supports work-style reform, it also raises security risks.

There are concerns about information leakage and cyberattacks due to accessing internal systems from personal smartphones or PCs or using networks with insufficient security measures, none of which can be prevented by traditional perimeter security.

Perimeter security is designed to limit external access to specific channels. With remote work allowing internet connections from various locations, perimeter security becomes ineffective.

4-3. Increase and Diversification of Cyber Attacks

The methods and number of cyberattacks have increased dramatically in the past decade, due to DX’s adoption.

In recent years, there has been a rise in financially motivated cyberattacks targeting companies. These are not playful attacks targeting individuals but attacks specifically designed to harm organizations, occurring worldwide, including in Japan.

With the triggers for cyberattacks becoming more diverse, it is nearly impossible to prevent all attacks with perimeter security. There is a growing need to focus on resilience, or how to recover after an attack.

5. Necessary Efforts for Zero Trust Implementation

To avoid such damage, companies are implementing security measures based on Zero Trust. Necessary efforts for Zero Trust implementation include:

• Implementing Complex Solutions
• Advanced ID Management Environment
• Enhanced Management of Access and Behavior Logs

Zero Trust is not a specific solution but a security concept that can only be achieved by integrating multiple systems. Measures tailored to a company’s challenges are needed, such as implementing advanced detection systems and diagnostic solutions, improving remote access environments, and establishing SD-WAN.

Additionally, ID management for accessing internal systems must be highly sophisticated. Access rights must be segmented to prevent easy access to confidential information.

Accordingly, access logs and behavior logs for each device must be acquired in real-time, and mechanisms to prevent attacks in advance are needed, such as immediately forcing logouts or remotely controlling devices if suspicious access or behavior is detected.

Summary

This article explained the challenges of perimeter security and the Zero Trust mechanism for overcoming them.

Zero Trust is an important concept for minimizing the risks of cybersecurity and damage from attacks through the construction of an advanced security environment. While implementation involves system construction costs, it helps create a secure environment that is worth the investment.

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