Instead, ZTA takes a granular approach that boosts internal security to match external firewalls—maximizing security measures across the entire environment. Zero trust frameworks are transformational for the cybersecurity of enterprises across industries.
How does it work?
Much of the buzz surrounding ZTA is driven by pressures to secure software supply chains. Zero trust requires that all actions are authorized and authenticated. In a ZTA world, no access is given simply because you happen to be connected to the intranet or corporate VPN. With ZTA/ZTNA (zero trust network access), virtual data centers rely on extensive data encryption at rest and in transit. Network access is closely controlled and segmented.
ZTA authorizations are not a one-time event but rather dynamic. Risks are constantly evaluated based on contextual data, including the following:
- Type of end-user device.
- Health and security posture of the device.
- The degree of data sensitivity.
- Individual users.
- The user’s location.
- Emerging threats.
Read more: Zero trust networks: What are they and how do you implement one?
Key advantages of zero trust architecture
An enterprise benefits from ZTA in three encompassing ways:
1. Minimized risk.
The threat of a data breach is significantly reduced by forcing granular access controls and extending detection capabilities across networks, applications, devices, and data. This model extends the enterprise’s data perimeter for the network edge to the user identity, which lowers risks and improves business continuity when implemented correctly.
2. Better UX.
ZTA is a crucial component of an organizational shift to the Cloud. Internet-accessible applications simplify overall network architecture and lower operating costs. Increasingly, businesses rely on the “Software-as-a-Service” (SaaS) model to grant access to employees and stakeholders to mission-critical applications. Employees work remotely from anywhere in the world (with a stable Internet connection) on their trusted applications like Gmail, Outlook, or Microsoft Teams. Zero trust architecture secures SaaS workflows and digital supply chains, which allows your employees to enjoy the benefits of fast and safe cloud applications.
3. Better compliance conformity.
Across the globe, regulators are cracking down on data privacy, especially in heavily regulated industries such as health care and finance. ZTA/ZTNA are often a part of new compliance rules, especially for regulations relating to government agencies.
Also read: Three vital tactics for embedding cloud network security
ZTA from OnX Canada
OnX functions through multiple computing domains, including security, product, and enterprise architecture, to build a zero trust plan that works for your business. This plan forms a cohesive risk reduction strategy and outlines action steps for implementing zero trust architecture, regardless of your organization’s stage of digital transformation.
Our vetted process guides customers through a series of core offerings that can be customized to meet the specific needs of your company.
Zero trust security assessment and planning
The OnX team tests and documents your organization’s readiness for a zero trust compute model. Through vendor-agnostic evaluations, our engineers prioritize actions in a multi-year roadmap that strategically lowers risk, shores up cybersecurity, and moves toward a fully realized zero trust architecture.
Architecture design
This step maximizes an organization’s existing IT real estate—systems, services, and processes—in service of the ZTA model outlined by CISA. The design can include budget forecasts and considerations as part of the roadmap.
Implementation
OnX engineers provide turnkey implementation services that augment your internal IT resources, in addition to providing guidance and assistance each step of the way.
Managed services
Zero trust architecture requires continuous improvement and refinement. OnX security experts provide a portfolio of managed services offerings to support and run ZTA/ZTNA, including managed detection and response. Additionally, we offer a host of supporting security services.
Learn more: The role of security in digital transformation
Your journey to zero trust architecture
ZTA lowers the risk of a data breach, improves user experience, and improves compliance controls. Additionally, organizations that adopt ZTA frameworks lower operating costs and streamline operations.
For over 30 years, OnX Canada has guided clients in every aspect of digital strategy—from cloud adoption to unified communications and cybersecurity. Our experts have you covered.
Get in touch to learn more about the benefits of zero trust.