Zero Trust Architecture
A security model that eliminates implicit trust based on network location and instead requires continuous verification of every user, device, and request before granting access to any resource, operating on the principle of 'never trust, always verify.'
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) represents a fundamental shift from traditional perimeter-based security, which assumed that everything inside the network could be trusted. In a zero trust model, trust is never assumed — every access request is authenticated, authorized, and encrypted regardless of where it originates. The core principles include verifying identity explicitly, applying least privilege access, assuming breach at all times, and continuously monitoring and validating security posture. This approach acknowledges that modern IT environments — with cloud services, remote workers, and mobile devices — no longer have a clear network perimeter to defend.
While no single compliance framework mandates zero trust by name, the principles align with and exceed the requirements of all major frameworks. ISO 27001's access control objectives are naturally fulfilled by zero trust's continuous verification approach. SOC 2's requirements for logical access controls, system monitoring, and risk management map directly to zero trust principles. NIS2 encourages the adoption of zero trust approaches as part of cybersecurity risk management. GDPR's requirement for appropriate technical measures to protect personal data is well served by zero trust's granular, context-aware access controls. In technology due diligence, organizations that have adopted zero trust principles demonstrate a mature, forward-looking security posture.
Implementing zero trust is a journey rather than a single project. Key components include strong identity verification (multi-factor authentication, continuous authentication), micro-segmentation (granular network controls between workloads), device trust verification (checking device health and compliance before granting access), least privilege authorization (just-in-time and just-enough access), and comprehensive monitoring (analyzing all traffic for anomalies). Organizations typically start by identifying their most critical data and applications (protect surfaces), mapping the transaction flows to those resources, and progressively implementing zero trust controls. Software-defined perimeters, identity-aware proxies, and cloud-native security services are common building blocks in zero trust architectures.
Related frameworks
Related terms
Access Control
The set of policies, procedures, and technical mechanisms that govern who can access which information assets, systems, and resources. Access control ensures that only authorized individuals can view, modify, or interact with sensitive data and systems.
Identity and Access Management
The framework of policies, processes, and technologies that manages digital identities and controls user access to critical systems and data. IAM encompasses identity lifecycle management, authentication, authorization, single sign-on, directory services, and privileged access management.
Multi-Factor Authentication
A security mechanism that requires users to provide two or more independent verification factors before granting access to a system or resource. Factors typically include something you know (password), something you have (token or device), and something you are (biometric).
Network Segmentation
The practice of dividing a computer network into smaller, isolated segments or subnets to limit lateral movement, contain security breaches, and enforce granular access policies between network zones.
Role-Based Access Control
An authorization model that assigns permissions to users based on their organizational roles rather than individual identities. RBAC simplifies access management by grouping permissions into roles such as administrator, editor, or viewer, and assigning users to the appropriate roles.
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