What is Zero Trust, and does it help cyber security in small firms?

For small businesses, safeguarding sensitive data and protecting against cyber threats can feel overwhelming - this is where zero-trust cyber security comes into play. 

But what exactly is zero trust, and how can it benefit small firms? Let's dive in.

Understanding Zero Trust cyber security

Zero trust is a security concept based on "never trust, always verify." Unlike traditional security models that assume everything inside an organisation's network can be trusted, zero trust requires that every user and device inside and outside the network be authenticated, authorised, and continuously validated before gaining access to applications and data.

This approach helps protect against modern cyber threats, often originating from within the network. According to a Verizon report, 34% of all data breaches 2021 involved internal actors, highlighting the need for a security model beyond perimeter defences.

Why small firms should care about Zero Trust

Zero Trust cyber security is crucial for small firms aiming to protect their digital assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Adopting a zero-trust model can offer several significant benefits:

Enhanced Security: Cybercriminals often target small businesses because they typically have fewer resources to devote to security. Implementing a zero-trust model can significantly reduce the risk of breaches. A study by IBM found that the average data breach cost for small firms in 2021 was $2.98 million, emphasising the importance of robust security measures.

Compliance: Many industries have stringent data protection regulations. Zero trust can help small organisations comply with laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) by ensuring that only authorised users can access sensitive data.

Scalability: As small businesses grow, their security needs evolve. Zero trust is scalable, allowing firms to adjust their security measures as they expand. This ensures continuous protection without the need for a complete security overhaul.

Remote Work: The shift to remote work has blurred the lines of the traditional network perimeter. Zero trust is designed to secure remote access, ensuring that employees can work safely from anywhere. According to Gartner, by 2025, 60% of enterprises will phase out most of their remote access virtual private networks (VPNs) in favour of zero trust network access.

Critical components of Zero Trust for small firms

Implementing a zero-trust cybersecurity model involves several key components to enhance security and minimise risks. Each component is crucial in protecting sensitive data and ensuring only authorised access. Here are four elements of zero trust that small firms should consider:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access. This reduces the likelihood of unauthorised access, even if passwords are compromised.

Least Privilege Access: This principle ensures that users only have the minimum access necessary to perform their jobs. By limiting access rights, the potential damage from a breach is minimised.

Continuous Monitoring and Analytics: Zero trust involves monitoring ongoing network traffic and user activity. This helps detect suspicious behaviour early, allowing firms to respond quickly to potential threats.

Micro-Segmentation: This technique divides the network into smaller, isolated segments. Even if an attacker gains access to one segment, they cannot move laterally to other parts of the network which helps to contain the threat.

Implementing Zero Trust: Expert Advice

John Kindervag, the creator of the zero trust model, emphasises that zero trust is not a single technology but a strategic approach. He advises businesses to understand what data they must protect and who needs access. "Zero trust is a journey, not a destination," he says. "It's about making incremental improvements and continuously assessing your security posture."

Martin Wegrostek, Cyber Security Portfolio Manager at OryxAlign, agrees, "Small firms often feel overwhelmed by the complexity of implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, but zero trust can be approached in manageable steps. Start by identifying your most critical data and ensuring it’s protected with multi-factor authentication and least privilege access."

Martin continues, "From there, gradually incorporate continuous monitoring and micro-segmentation. By building on these existing measures, you can enhance your security posture incrementally without the need for a complete overhaul."

Summary of Zero Trust for small firms

Adopting a zero-trust cyber security model can provide significant benefits for small firms, including enhanced security, regulatory compliance, scalability, and support for remote work. 

While implementing zero trust may seem daunting, the payoff in protecting sensitive data and maintaining customer trust is well worth the effort. Small businesses can effectively transition to a zero-trust model and secure their digital future by starting small and building on existing security measures.

For more information and guidance, email hello@oryxalign.com.