The term “Zero Trust” has become a popular phrase in IT and cybersecurity circles. But what exactly does it mean, and what role does it play in cloud security?
As businesses shift to cloud-based infrastructures, the traditional network perimeter is fading, making it harder to control access and protect sensitive data. Zero Trust steps in as a critical solution, focusing on securing cloud environments by ensuring that no user or device is trusted by default, whether inside or outside the network.
What is a Zero Trust architecture?
Zero Trust is a modern security model where no user, device, or application is trusted by default—every access request must be authenticated and verified before being granted. Unlike traditional security models that assume anything inside the network is trustworthy, Zero Trust operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This makes it particularly effective in addressing the evolving security challenges of cloud environments.
At the core of Zero Trust are three fundamental principles, as outlined by Microsoft:
1. Verify explicitly: Always authenticate by the most data points available.
2. Use least-privilege access: Keep access to ‘just enough’ and ‘just-in-time’.
3. Assume breach: Leverage analytics for visibility and minimise fallout.
How Zero Trust Enhances Cloud Security
A zero trust set up significantly strengthens cloud security by addressing the unique challenges of cloud security today, particularly with the rise of hybrid working. As employees access sensitive data from various locations and devices, traditional perimeter-based security becomes insufficient. It ensures continuous verification of users, devices, and applications—no matter where they connect from—by authenticating every access request, reducing the risk of unauthorized access in hybrid work scenarios.
It also provides better visibility into any potential risks in an organization’s cloud environment, continuously monitoring network traffic, user behaviour, and device health. This extends to managing the security of employees throughout their lifecycle within the company—particularly in the joiners, movers, and leavers process. Zero Trust ensures that when new employees join (joiners), move between departments or roles (movers), or leave the company (leavers), their access is carefully managed.
It improves cloud security by enforcing strict identity and access management controls. By making sure that users and their devices only have access to the specific resources they need at any given time—through least-privilege access—Zero Trust minimises the attack surface and reduces the potential damage of a compromised account. This control over permissions helps organisations better secure sensitive data.
Get Started With Surveil
By embracing a “never trust, always verify” approach, you can enhance security, reduce risks, and ensure that your systems remain resilient against modern cyber threats. With Surveil’s insights, you gain a comprehensive view of your cloud environment, enabling you to identify vulnerabilities, monitor access, and effectively manage the joiners, movers, and leavers process. Our platform equips you with the tools needed to strengthen your security posture tailored to your business needs. To learn more about how Surveil can help you implement Zero Trust, get in touch with us today.