In today’s digital economy, corporate users demand seamless access to cloud services and virtual desktops anywhere, anytime. As such, access to the corporate network has become a scarce commodity for both employees and third parties.
However, with a zero-trust network access policy, both internal and external users can rely on their data only being accessed by the company they work for.
Businesses that implement a zero-trust policy are more likely to adopt more secure access methods and adopt a more secure operating environment. In fact, a recent study stated that 96% of respondents believed zero-trust was critical to their business’ success.
The future of cybersecurity has a firm emphasis on zero-trust adoption, and your company can only benefit from its implementation.
What is zero-trust network access?
A zero-trust network access policy sets the ground rules for what constitutes acceptable network access for users.
Under a zero-trust policy, users are only granted access to resources on the network that they have been explicitly authorized to use. In other words, each user will be granted the resources they need to do their job and nothing more. Once logged in, these resources cannot be extended or accessed without their identity being verified. This approach to network access management is especially important in organizations that handle sensitive data.
If a user’s identity can’t be verified, they have been given unfettered access to the entire network. This could lead to data breaches, internal security violations, and even theft of sensitive information.
Why is zero-trust network access policy important?
In a digital climate where data breaches are becoming more and more common, a zero-trust network access policy is a must. A zero-trust network access policy provides more visibility into the network, which can also help reduce the risk of security violations.
A zero-trust network access policy also fosters a more secure work environment. What this essentially means is that employees and third parties will be inclined to adopt more secure access methods and adopt a more secure operating environment.
5 reasons your business needs a zero-trust network access policy
Lower the risk of data breaches
One of the most noticeable effects of a zero-trust network access policy is how it reduces the risk of data breaches. By ensuring that user identities are verified before they access the network, you’re significantly reducing the potential for data breaches.
This is because a verified identity means that data can’t be stolen or modified from the source. With a verified identity, the risk of data breaches is significantly lowered.
Safeguard sensitive business information
The zero-trust model is based on the assumption that data can be viewed as sensitive or not. Sensitive data should be encrypted and stored locally while non-sensitive data can be stored in a central location. The goal of this approach is to minimize the amount of sensitive data that is sent across a network connection.
It can also be used to verify that the person accessing the data is authorized and has been approved by a third party, such as an administrator.
Greater visibility
A zero-trust network access policy also leads to greater visibility into the network, which is another way in which it can lower the risk of data breaches.
With an internet-enabled network, organizations can monitor access activity in real-time. This real-time visibility can help organizations detect anomalies and quickly identify potential threats. If a user accesses an IP address that they shouldn’t be accessing from their location, for example, the organization will be alerted immediately.
This kind of real-time visibility can help companies detect anomalies and detect potential threats at an earlier stage, which reduces the risk of data breaches. It will also ensure all network devices and systems function properly. This can help prevent network downtime while also keeping all devices, including business applications, running smoothly.
Secure remote workforces
Another benefit of a zero-trust network access policy is that it makes it easier to manage remote workforces. When you have employees working remotely, it’s critical that they are granted access to only the resources that they need to do their job.
Greater security in the cloud
Another advantage of a zero-trust network access model is that it enables organizations to share cybersecurity responsibility while maintaining control over their data.
Cloud environments have become a popular way to store and distribute data. However, they come with their own risks, including the possibility that hackers can get access to this data. A zero-trust network access model will enable an organization to monitor its cloud service providers to ensure that their data is safe.
Start working on your policy with help from the experts
A zero-trust network access policy is a must for organizations looking to protect sensitive data and reduce the risk of data breaches. It leads to greater visibility and more secure remote workforce management, which is why it’s so important to implement one.
The cybersecurity specialists at Jelia Technology Solutions can help you create and implement a zero-trust network access policy specifically tailored to your business requirements. Talk to them today and fortify your company’s security measures.
