Why Your Small Business Needs a Zero Trust Policy

Zero trust has become essential for designing cyber security strategies and protocols. It’s based on the concept that devices should never be automatically trusted, even if they’re connected to a well-managed and secure network. If zero trust had a motto, it would be “never trust, always verify.” The approach protects digital work environments by identifying a “protect surface” that includes a company’s most sensitive data, its greatest assets and its critical functions, then segments them into a secure micro-perimeter. The segmentation gateway then ensures that only allowed traffic and approved applications can gain access to the network.

Q: Why is zero trust important for digital security?

A: Zero trust has gained importance because of the rise in remote work, cloud computing and sophisticated cyberattacks. Traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient because employees, connected partners and contractors often access sensitive systems from various locations and devices. Cybercriminals are also becoming more skilled at bypassing security perimeters. By adopting zero trust, organizations can limit risks by ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users and devices are granted access, regardless of their location or network.

What Is the Zero Trust Approach?

Zero trust is a mindset, so it doesn’t necessarily require buying new hardware or spending large amounts of capital. Zero trust removes the need for cyber security judgment calls by users. Network security can never be left to chance. Usually, a small or midsized business (SMB) can use its existing technology to create a zero trust network environment at little or no cost. For smaller businesses, pre-emptively designing a zero trust approach saves money.

It’s important because the costs related to a severe data breach can go way beyond the loss of revenue. Once attacked, companies might have to spend a lot more money hiring IT security professionals to analyze the breach and discover the attack's source and consequences. Also, the cost of repairing the damage and securing the network against future events can be high. The ultimate costs to a small to midsized business can be devastating and could even lead to bankruptcy.

Q: What is zero trust policy in cyber security?

A: It’s a security model based on the principle of "never trust, always verify." Unlike traditional security models that assume everything inside a corporate network is trustworthy, zero trust treats all users, devices, and systems, whether inside or outside the network, as potential threats. This means that no access is granted by default; instead, verification is required at every step before any resource can be accessed. The policy enforces strict identity verification, least privilege access and continuous monitoring to reduce the risk of data breaches.

What Is the Process for Creating and Deploying a Zero Trust Policy?

• Identify Critical Data and Define the Protect Surface – Businesses must do a deep dive into their systems. Identifying the most valuable or critical data that a company possesses needs to be thorough from the start. A zero trust approach is only as good as the plan. For it to work, zero means zero
• Map Out the Data Flow – Once a company has defined the surface to be protected, a detailed data flow map ensures all pertinent data, devices, applications and work functions are covered and there are no weak links
• Design and Build Zero Trust Architecture – It requires a five-step policy that is detailed below
• Create a System-Wide Zero Trust Policy – A zero trust security model only works if all the devices, networks, applications and users are on the same page. Any workarounds to circumvent the policy run the risk of opening an opportunity for a cyberattack.

How Should Businesses Design and Build Zero Trust Architecture?

• Secure Credential Management and Control Access – Decide who can access what and from where
• Proper Segmentation – Define which data segments go together, which are off-limits and who can access them, which works in tandem with credential management and overall access control
• Enable the Least Privileges Necessary – Provide only those privileges required for users to do their jobs
• Integrate Application Context into the Firewall – Figure out which applications most users do not need to access. For example, a graphic designer doesn’t need access to the accounting software
• Monitor Cyber Security-Related Events – Create event logs of potential cyber threats. Zero trust is not “set and forget.” Event logs must be automatically created and monitored for the system to remain secure

Q: What are the challenges organizations face when implementing zero trust?

A: One major challenge is cultural resistance, as employees and IT staff may be reluctant to adopt stricter access controls. There can also be technical hurdles, such as integrating zero trust principles into legacy systems or ensuring compatibility across platforms. Additionally, developing a comprehensive strategy that includes identity verification, access policies and real-time monitoring requires significant planning and investment. Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits of enhanced security and reduced breach risk often outweigh the initial difficulties.

What Is Zero Trust and How Should Businesses Implement It?

Small to midsized businesses cannot afford to ignore cyber security. It is essential for safely doing business and protecting hard-earned business data. As the growing tech world and our use of online technology encompass so many areas of our personal and business lives, cybercriminals continue to find new ways to attack private and business data. Smaller businesses don’t have the time or budget for a full-time IT department, so it’s essential for them to employ IT experts to provide IT consulting and risk analysis.

IT security companies specialize in preventing cyber threats of all kinds. They work with small and midsized businesses to provide cyber risk training and establish cyber security best practices to help ensure your confidential data is secure. Reach out to us if you are in the New York City metropolitan area, or contact a local cyber security firm that can assess your cyber risks and work with you to design and implement a zero trust architecture solution for your business.