TALKING

One such approach that has gained prominence in recent years is Zero Trust , which challenges the traditional perimeter-based security mindset and instead places a strong emphasis on identity as a cornerstone of a robust defense strategy .

Rethinking Traditional Perimeter Security

Traditionally , organizations relied on perimeter-based security models that operated under the assumption that threats could be kept at bay by securing the network perimeter . However , as cyberattacks became more sophisticated , it became clear that this approach was no longer effective . Attackers found ways to bypass these perimeter defenses , rendering them inadequate .

Zero Trust flips this model on its head by adopting a ‘ never trust , always verify ’ philosophy .

In a Zero Trust environment , trust is never assumed , regardless of whether a user or device is inside or outside the corporate network .

Identity plays a pivotal role in verifying and authenticating users and devices , ensuring that access to resources is granted based on their identity , permissions and the context of their request .

Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Authentication

Zero Trust extends beyond the initial authentication process ; it emphasizes continuous monitoring and adaptive authentication . In this context , identity is not a one-time verification but an ongoing process . Users

and devices are continually assessed for risk , and access privileges can be adjusted in real time based on changing circumstances .

For instance , if an authenticated user suddenly exhibits unusual behavior patterns or attempts to access sensitive data outside of their usual work hours , the system can flag this as a potential security threat and prompt additional authentication or restrict access until the user ’ s identity and intent are confirmed .

Identity-Centric Threat Detection and Response

Jaye Tilson , Field CTO , HPE Aruba Networking

Context-Aware Access Control

Identity is at the heart of context-aware access control , a fundamental component of Zero Trust . Contextaware access control takes into account various factors , including user identity , device health , location , time and behavior to determine whether a user should be granted access to a specific resource . This approach ensures that access is granted on a case-bycase basis , minimizing the attack surface and reducing the risk of unauthorized access .

For example , a user attempting to access a critical database from an unfamiliar device and location may trigger additional authentication measures or even deny access entirely until their identity and intent are verified . This dynamic approach to access control enhances security while allowing for flexibility and user productivity .

In a Zero Trust environment , identity-centric threat detection and response are critical components . By closely monitoring the behavior and identity of users and devices , organizations can quickly detect and respond to suspicious activities . Identity-based

In the era of evolving cyber threats and remote work , adopting a Zero Trust strategy is becoming increasingly essential for organizations seeking to safeguard their digital assets .

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