Is your security model really fit for today’s digital environment? Cyber threats have grown by 67% in the last five years, with the average cost of a data breach hitting $4.88 million in 2024.
It’s time to wake up to the fact that our security approach needs an upgrade badly. Traditional security models have been the backbone of organizational defenses for a long time, but Zero Trust is challenging the status quo. Let’s break down these two approaches and see which one stands tall in the face of modern cyber threats.
The traditional security model: The old reliable
What it is?
The traditional security model is a fortress with high walls. It relies on the principle of strong perimeter defense. Inside, users and devices are trusted blindly, where all threats are assumed to originate from outside.
Challenges
- Implicit Trust: All users and devices, after getting inside, will remain trusted without continuous verification against significant weaknesses.
- Static Defenses: Traditional models seldom adapt to new and changing threats.
- Lack of Visibility: It is challenging to monitor and respond to threats within the periphery.
Real-world example
The most notorious breach of 2013 at Target, for instance. The attackers entered through a third-party vendor. Once they had access to the network, they went laterally to steal credit card information for millions of customers. This meant that the breach cost Target over $200 million. It made people understand that implicit trust was not really the way forward for traditional security models.
Zero Trust security model: The new way of doing things
What it is?
Zero Trust is based on “never trust, always verify.” It presumes any incoming threat can come from any location, both insiders as well as outsiders within your network. Everyone seeking access is constantly authenticated as well as authorized.
The solution
- Continuous Verification: An ever-validating identity coupled with the authorization of everybody along with every device.
- Micro Segmentation: The segregation or partitioning of smaller zones of the network limiting access and potential damage resulting in a breach.
- Improved Visibility: Continuously monitoring user and device activity in real time.
Real world example
A good example of such an organization that has embraced the Zero Trust principles is Netflix. This company had to have a robust security model because of its highly distributed workforce and large volumes of sensitive data. Zero Trust ensures that every access request is verified, no matter where the user is coming from or what device he or she is using.
Why did Zero Trust gain traction?
Stats recently show that the world Zero Trust Security market is on course to hit $51.6 billion by 2028, growing by a CAGR of 15.2%. In fact, this growth factor is influenced by the following factors:
- Cyberattacks– Cyberattacks are rapidly increasing in frequency and sophistication, making the age-old security models less effective and obsolete.
- Remote Work– The network perimeter is less defined as people are gradually shifting to remote workplaces, which requires better flexibility in security.
- Cloud Adoption: Organizations are moving to the cloud, and a security model that can work irrespective of location is needed to protect data and applications.
Comparison of two models
Security posture
- Traditional: A strong perimeter protects the system, but its vulnerability to internal threats might be exposed.
- Zero Trust: No trust is assumed to reduce the attack surface area and prevent lateral movement.
Flexibility
- Traditional: Rigid and slow
- Zero Trust: Dynamic and adaptable to changing threats and environments
User experience
- Traditional: It will be generally seamless inside the perimeter.
- Zero Trust: More frequent authentication can happen, but this problem could be mitigated using some user-friendly solutions.
Verdict: Which one shall you choose?
Tradition has served us up so far, but evolving landscapes of threats demand a lot from it. Zero Trust brings in a more elaborate, flexible security framework, making it one of the most significant preferences for modern organizations.
How to implement Zero Trust? Challenges and solutions
Challenges
- Cultural: Migrating to Zero Trust is a cultural shift in an organization. The staff and stakeholders need to know about the change in security.
- Complex: Because changes in an old structure and processes bring complexity to the implementation of Zero Trust.
Solutions
- Education and Training: This would ease the transition to Zero Trust.
- Phased Implementation: Zero Trust can be implemented in phases to help manage complexity and cost.
- Leverage Technology: Advanced technologies like AI and machine learning can leverage the effectiveness of Zero Trust security measures.
Role of Microsoft Azure with Zero Trust
Microsoft Azure offers a whole suite of security services that provide support for Zero Trust principles. From Azure Active Directory- the root of all identities to Azure Sentinel-continuous monitoring, organizations can easily implement their Zero Trust architecture through Azure.
Key Azure Services
- Azure Active Directory: Manages Identities and access appropriately; thus, only the right users can be allowed access to resources.
- Azure Sentinel: intelligent security analytics and threat intelligence across the enterprise.
- Microsoft Defender for Identity: It detects and investigates advanced threats, compromised identities, and malicious insider actions.
Introducing Intwo: Your trusted Microsoft partner
At Intwo, we specialize in guiding businesses through the transition to Zero Trust security models using the powerful tools provided by Microsoft Azure. Our team of experts collaborates closely with you to ensure your organization is safeguarded against the latest cyber threats.
Why Choose Intwo?
- Expertise: With extensive experience in implementing Zero Trust security models, we bring industry-leading knowledge and best practices to your organization.
- Customized Solutions: We tailor our services to meet your unique needs and challenges, ensuring the most effective security posture.
- Proven Track Record: Our success stories span various industries, demonstrating our ability to deliver robust, scalable security solutions.
- Ongoing Support: We provide continuous support and monitoring to ensure your security measures remain effective and adapt to emerging threats.
Elevate Your Security Model Today
Don’t leave your organization’s security to chance. Take proactive steps to safeguard your data, operations, and reputation in an increasingly volatile cyber landscape.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you transition to a Zero Trust architecture with Microsoft Azure.
