Security leaks and data breaches continue to be a concern even after GDPR and other regulations have been implemented to protect personal data.

The methods of data storage and access are constantly being questioned, and there is a movement to give users control over their own data.

Verify Every User

Although it may seem an obvious step to make sure people are who they say they are, this seemingly simple step can go wrong when enterprises rely on a single verification method like single sign-on. In general, single sign-on (SSO) offers many security advantages, including the convenience of users not needing to type a password each time they want to use or access something. It reduces the number of passwords users must manage. The problem occurs when that single credential gets stolen or illegally used, as in the case where someone doesn’t lock their computer when they get up from their desk. In that case, SSO leads to a serious security gap.

This type of problem can be remedied by utilizing it in addition to other security technology, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). This technology has improved a lot over time. These days it is easier and smarter than in the early years of MFA use. When MFA is combined with SSO, it creates a tighter web of security around an organization’s network, but it is not impenetrable.

Validate Every Device

These days it is common practice for employees to have their devices locked down with a password of some sort, which is a great thing. Unfortunately, passwords are only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. To ensure real safety and security, devices must also have some type of adaptive MFA in addition to that password.

The use of MFA-supported passwords and device management ensures the right policies are put on the device and that it is locked in place. When an organization understands the context of the device, including where it’s used, what browser it has, etc., then it’s safe to decide regarding access.

Intelligently Limit Access

The final element of Zero Trust is understanding who uses an organization’s resources. IT needs to be responsible for ensuring that a user is productive on day one. They need to be given the correct access privileges for the accounts they need, and devices must be set up with the clients they need. When an employee changes roles, their access should change to fit their new job, or those privileges should be automatically revoked if they leave.

The Zero Trust Advantage

When an organization adopts a Zero Trust strategy, valuable data is protected by reducing the chance of a breach. Studies have shown that Zero Trust approaches have led to 50 percent fewer breaches and that companies spend 40 percent less on technology because everything is integrated.