Zero Trust is a security approach that assumes no user, device, or network is automatically trusted—every access request must be verified.
Why it matters
- “Inside the network = trusted” doesn’t fit remote work and cloud apps.
- Attackers often move laterally after an initial breach.
- Zero Trust reduces blast radius by restricting access continuously.
Key points
- Core idea: never trust, always verify.
- Access is based on identity, device health, and context.
- Least privilege limits what each account can do.
- Checks are often continuous, not one-time.
How Zero Trust works in practice
Zero Trust usually combines several controls:
- Strong identity: SSO, MFA, and risk-based login checks
- Device trust signals: managed device status, updates, encryption
- Least privilege: only the access a user needs
- Continuous evaluation: access can change based on risk and context
- Assume breach: segmentation to prevent easy spread
What Zero Trust is not
- Not a single product you buy.
- Not “block everything.”
- Not “MFA prompts all day.”
Key takeaways
- Zero Trust verifies every access request—no automatic trust.
- Identity + device posture + context drive access decisions.
- Least privilege and segmentation reduce breach impact.
- It’s an approach, not a single tool.
- Start small: MFA, SSO, permission cleanup.
