3 Steps to Zero Trust Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

A simple lapse in network security could lead to a chain of events that could prove catastrophic for your business. You can avoid this by implementing a robust cybersecurity framework that starts with zero trust.

Zero trust makes sure that no user or application should be trusted automatically. It encourages businesses to verify every access while treating every user or application as a potential threat.

“Zero trust can not only adapt to the complexity of the modern work environment, including a hybrid workplace but also protect people, devices, applications, and data irrespective of where they are located,” said Matt Cooke, Director at Clearview Group.

However, zero trust should not be mistaken for a solution or a platform, regardless of how security vendors market it to you. You can't just buy it from a security vendor and implement it with a click of a button.

‍Zero trust is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically.

Implementing Zero Trust: 3 Core Principles to Remember

As you begin your journey to implement a zero-trust framework, consider these three core principles:

1. Continually Verify

‍You should strive to implement a “never trust, always verify” approach to security by continuously confirming the identity and access privileges of users, devices, and applications.

Consider implementing strong identity and access (IAM) controls. It will help you define roles and access privileges — ensuring only the right users can access the right information.

2. Limit Access

‍Misuse of privileged access is one of the most common reasons for cyberattacks.

Limiting access ensures that users are granted minimal access without affecting their day-to-day activities. Here are some common security practices that organizations have adopted to restrict access:

• Just-in-time access (JIT) – Users, devices, or applications are granted access only for a predetermined period. This helps limit the time one has access to critical systems.
• Principle of least privilege (PoLP) – Users, devices, or applications are granted the least access or permissions needed to perform their job role.
• Segmented application access (SAA) – Users can only access permitted applications, preventing cious users from gaining access to the network.

3. Assume Breach and Minimize Impact

‍Instead of waiting for a breach, you can take a proactive step toward your cybersecurity by assuming risk. That means treating applications, services, identities, and networks — both internal and external — as already compromised.

This strategy will improve your response time to a breach, minimize the damage, improve overall security, and protect your business.

Achieving zero trust compliance on your own is daunting, but partnering with a Managed IT Service Provider can ease your burden. Schedule your IT Consultation.