What is zero trust security (and do you need it)?

Remember when building a strong castle wall was enough to keep the bad guys out? Well, in the digital world, those days are long gone. Today’s cybersecurity landscape is more like a chaotic city than a fortress—people coming and going, accessing resources from all over the place, and threats lurking around every corner.

Think about it: We’re working from home, from coffee shops, or from the other side of the world. We’re using personal devices, cloud services, and apps that IT might not even know about. And let’s not forget our good friends in the cybercriminal underworld, always cooking up new ways to sneak past our defenses.

While it might not sound like the most altruistic concept, there’s a new concept that’s shaking up the cybersecurity world: zero trust security.

Now, you’re probably thinking “zero trust” has a negative connotation, and you’re not entirely wrong. However, zero trust isn’t about being paranoid and believing everyone is out to get you—it’s a smart, practical approach to security that’s all about adapting to the way we work today.

It’s not about trusting no one—it’s about verifying everyone, all the time.

In a world where the lines between “inside” and “outside” your network are blurrier than ever, zero trust might be just the thing your organization needs to protect itself. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about zero trust security to safeguard your business and its data.

What is zero trust security?

Zero trust security is an approach to cybersecurity that operates under the following: “Trust no one and nothing by default, even if they’re inside the network perimeter.”

Zero trust security operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” It’s like having a bouncer who doesn’t just check your ID at the door but keeps asking for it every time you order a drink, go to the bathroom, or hit the dance floor. Annoying? Maybe. Effective? You bet it is.

This is how DMARC fits perfectly into the zero-trust model for email. DMARC works in a similar way as that bouncer.

This approach to security dates back to 2010, where a guy named John Kindervag was working at Forrester Research and analyzing the modern-day cybersecurity landscape—and he found it just wasn’t cutting it. Traditional security models operated on the assumption that everything inside the corporate network could be trusted. It’s like saying, “If you’re inside the castle walls, you must be one of us!” Kindervag realized this was about as effective as using a screen door on a submarine.

He coined the term “zero trust” and introduced a model where trust is never assumed, regardless of whether you’re inside or outside the network perimeter. Since then, zero trust has evolved from an edgy concept to a full-fledged security model. Major tech players like Google and Microsoft have jumped on board, developing their own zero-trust frameworks.

Today, zero trust security isn’t just about network access. It’s a holistic approach that covers everything from devices and users to applications and data. It’s less about building higher walls and more about knowing exactly who’s doing what, when, where, and why (at all times).

Core principles of zero trust security

Let’s dive into the fundamental principles that make zero trust security work. These are the key concepts that drive this innovative approach to cybersecurity.

1. “Never trust, always verify”

This is the foundational principle of zero trust. It means treating every access request as if it’s coming from an untrusted network, regardless of where it originates. In practice, this looks like verifying user identity, device health, and other security factors before granting access to any resources.

It’s not about being overly suspicious—it’s about recognizing that in today’s complex digital landscape, traditional perimeter-based security isn’t enough. This principle confirms that security checks are consistent and thorough, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Least privilege access

Least privilege access is about granting users the minimum level of access rights they need to perform their job functions. This principle significantly reduces the potential damage if a user account is compromised.

For example, an employee in the marketing department might need access to content management systems and analytics tools, but they don’t need access to financial records or HR databases. Limiting access rights helps your organization contain potential security breaches and protect sensitive information.

3. Micro-segmentation

Micro-segmentation involves dividing the network into small, isolated zones. Each zone has its own access requirements, which helps contain potential security breaches.

This approach works well in today’s cloud and hybrid environments. If an attacker manages to breach one segment, they don’t automatically gain access to the entire network. It’s an effective way to limit lateral movement within a network (which is a common tactic used in many cyberattacks).

4. Continuous monitoring and validation

Zero trust isn’t a “set it and forget it” approach. It requires ongoing monitoring and regular revalidation of every access request. This principle guarantees that security remains tight even after initial access is granted.

Continuous monitoring involves real-time analysis of user behavior, device health, and network traffic. If anything unusual is detected—like a user accessing resources they don’t typically use or a device suddenly showing signs of compromise—the system can immediately revoke access or trigger additional authentication steps.

Zero trust vs. traditional security models

Traditional security models operate on a “trust but verify” basis. They assume that everything inside the corporate network is safe and focus on defending the perimeter. It’s a bit like a castle with high walls and a moat—once you’re inside, you have relatively free rein.

On the other hand, zero trust assumes that threats can exist both inside and outside the network. It’s more like a modern art gallery where every visitor is vetted, every room requires separate access, and security cameras are always watching. The focus shifts from securing the network perimeter to securing individual resources.

A zero-trust architecture typically includes several components:

1. Identity and Access Management (IAM): This is the gatekeeper, verifying the identity of users and devices.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds extra layers of security beyond just passwords.
3. Endpoint security: Guarantees that devices accessing the network are secure and comply with policies.
4. Network segmentation: Divides the network into smaller, isolated sections.
5. Least privilege access controls: Restricts user permissions to the minimum necessary.
6. Data encryption: Protects data both in transit and at rest.
7. Continuous monitoring and analytics: Keeps an eye on all activity for anomalies.

How to implement a zero trust strategy

Believing in zero trust and adopting it are two very different things. However, if you’re committed to this cybersecurity approach, we can help you get started. Let’s break down the process, look at some common hurdles, and explore best practices for a successful implementation.

Steps to adopt zero trust

1. Identify your protected surface: Start by mapping out what you need to protect – your critical data, assets, applications, and services.
2. Map the flows of your protected surface: Understand how your critical assets are accessed and used. Who needs access? From where? When?
3. Architect your zero trust network: Design your network with micro-perimeters around your protected surface. This often involves network segmentation and micro-segmentation.
4. Create zero trust policies: Develop policies that enforce the principle of least privilege access. Remember, these policies should be dynamic and adaptable.
5. Monitor and maintain: Implement continuous monitoring and logging to detect and respond to potential threats quickly.

Challenges in implementation

Adopting zero trust security is easier said than done. Here are some common challenges you might face:

1. Legacy systems: Older systems might not play nice with zero trust principles. Retrofitting them can be complex and costly.
2. Cultural resistance: Employees might push back against stricter access controls. Change management is crucial.
3. Complexity: Zero trust can add layers of complexity to your IT environment. Balancing security with user experience is key.
4. Cost: Implementing zero trust often requires a significant investment in new tools and technologies.
5. Skill gap: Zero trust requires specialized knowledge. You might need to train existing staff or hire new talent.

Best practices for success

1. Start small: Don’t try to boil the ocean. Begin with a pilot project focusing on your most critical assets.
2. Get buy-in: Make sure leadership understands and supports the zero trust initiative. Their backing is crucial for success.
3. Choose the right tools: Select technologies that integrate well with your existing infrastructure and align with your goals.
4. Automate where possible: Use automation to reduce complexity and improve consistency in policy enforcement.
5. Continuously assess and adjust: Zero trust is not a “set it and forget it” solution. Regularly review and update your approach.
6. Focus on user experience: While tightening security, double-check that legitimate users can still do their jobs efficiently.
7. Plan for incident response: Even with zero trust, breaches can happen. Have a solid incident response plan in place.

Implementing zero trust is about continuously improving your security posture to match the evolving threat landscape. It may seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and execution, you can massively improve your organization’s security.

Zero trust and your email security

Now, you might be wondering, “Where does email fit into all this?” Email remains a primary communication tool for businesses, and unfortunately, it’s also a favorite attack avenue for cybercriminals.

In a zero-trust world, we can’t afford to trust any communication channel implicitly—and that includes email. Here’s why:

• Identity verification: Just as zero trust verifies user identities, email authentication verifies sender identities. This is important for preventing phishing and business email compromise (BEC) attacks.
• Least privilege access: In email terms, this means guaranteeing that only authorized senders can use your domain to send emails.
• Continuous monitoring: Zero trust principles call for ongoing vigilance, which applies equally to email systems.

How to implement zero trust in email security

This is where Valimail’s zero trust anti-phishing solutions come in handy:

1. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): DMARC is the bouncer at the email inbox. It checks the authentication of every email claiming to be from your domain. Valimail Enforce makes DMARC implementation easy and effective, so only authorized senders can use your domain.
2. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): These are the authentications that DMARC checks. Valimail’s solutions help you set up and manage these protocols effectively, closing loopholes that attackers might exploit.
3. Continuous monitoring and reporting: Valimail provides ongoing monitoring and detailed reporting, aligning with the zero-trust principle of continuous validation. This helps you spot and address potential vulnerabilities quickly.
4. Automated management: Valimail’s automated approach to email authentication reduces the complexity often associated with zero trust implementation, making it easier to maintain a strong security posture.

Valimail’s approach to email authentication embodies zero trust principles:

• Never trust, always verify: Every email is authenticated, regardless of its apparent origin.
• Least privilege access: Only explicitly authorized senders can send emails using your domain.
• Micro-segmentation: Granular controls allow you to authorize specific third-party services to send emails on your behalf without granting blanket permissions.
• Continuous monitoring and validation: Valimail provides real-time monitoring and alerts, helping you maintain a zero-trust email environment.

Embrace zero trust security with Valimail

Implementing zero-trust principles across your entire IT infrastructure can be downright overwhelming. However, every journey begins with a single step. And when it comes to zero trust, securing your email communications is an excellent place to start.

We can help. Valimail’s solutions integrate zero-trust principles into your email security:

1. We help you verify every sender’s identity
2. Our automated DMARC implementation guarantees that only authorized senders can use your domain
3. Our continuous monitoring and real-time alerts keep you up to date with emerging threats

Remember, in a zero-trust world, every point of verification matters. Don’t let email be your security blind spot. With Valimail, you can trust that your email is truly trustworthy, even when you’re trusting nothing else.

Take the first step towards zero trust email security today. Get started with Valimail Monitor (for free) to get visibility into all your sending.