Zero Trust
Zero Trust
Zero Trust is a cybersecurity model based on the principle:
"Never trust, always verify."
In traditional networks, users and devices inside the network were often automatically trusted.
Zero Trust assumes:
No user is automatically trusted
No device is automatically trusted
No application is automatically trusted
Every access request must be verified
Traditional Security vs Zero Trust
Traditional Security
Plain Text
Internet
|
Firewall
|
Trusted Internal Network
Once a user gets inside the network, they may gain broad access.
Zero Trust
Plain Text
User
|
Verify Identity
|
Verify Device
|
Verify Permissions
|
Grant Limited Access
Every request is evaluated, even if it comes from inside the network.
Core Principle
Every access request must be verified based on:
User identity
Device health
Location
Risk level
Application
Data sensitivity
Example
An employee wants to access payroll data.
Plain Text
Employee
|
Zero Trust System
The system checks:
✅ Username and password
✅ Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
✅ Device compliance
✅ User role
✅ Location
Only then is access granted.
Key Pillars of Zero Trust
1. Verify Explicitly
Always verify identity and context.
Example:
Plain Text
Who are you?
What device are you using?
Where are you connecting from?
2. Least Privilege Access
Users receive only the permissions they need.
Example:
Plain Text
HR Employee
|
Payroll System Access
Not:
Plain Text
Domain Admin Access
3. Assume Breach
Zero Trust assumes attackers may already be inside the environment.
Because of this:
Access is limited
Activity is monitored
Systems are segmented
Important Zero Trust Technologies
Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Users must provide multiple authentication factors.
Example:
Plain Text
Password
+
Phone Code
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Controls:
Identity
Authentication
Authorization
Examples:
Microsoft Entra ID
Okta
Ping Identity
Conditional Access
Access decisions are based on context.
Example:
Plain Text
Office Laptop = Allow
Unknown Device = Block
Endpoint Security
Devices must meet security requirements.
Checks may include:
Antivirus installed
Device encrypted
OS updated
Firewall enabled
Microsegmentation
Networks are divided into smaller protected segments.
Traditional:
Plain Text
One Large Network
Zero Trust:
Plain Text
HR Segment
IT Segment
Finance Segment
Attackers cannot easily move between segments.
Example of Zero Trust Access
Plain Text
User
|
MFA
|
Device Check
|
Risk Assessment
|
Application Access
Access is continually verified.
Benefits of Zero Trust
✅ Reduces unauthorized access
✅ Limits attacker movement
✅ Supports remote work
✅ Improves security posture
✅ Protects cloud resources
✅ Protects sensitive data
✅ Reduces insider threats
Zero Trust and Cloud Computing
Zero Trust works especially well in cloud environments.
Examples:
Microsoft 365
Azure
AWS
Google Cloud
Instead of trusting a network location, Zero Trust focuses on:
Plain Text
Identity
+
Device
+
Risk
Real-World Example
Without Zero Trust:
Plain Text
Employee Logs In
|
Access Entire Network
With Zero Trust:
Plain Text
Employee Logs In
|
MFA Verification
|
Device Check
|
Role Verification
|
Limited Access Granted
Every resource request is evaluated.
Security+ Exam Tips
Remember the Zero Trust Motto
Plain Text
Never Trust
Always Verify
Key Concepts
MFA
IAM
Least Privilege
Conditional Access
Microsegmentation
Endpoint Security
Three Main Principles
Plain Text
Verify Explicitly
Use Least Privilege
Assume Breach
Quick Memory Trick
Plain Text
Zero Trust
Trust Nobody
Verify Everybody
Simple Definition
Zero Trust is a cybersecurity model that assumes no user, device, or application should be automatically trusted. Every access request must be continuously authenticated, authorized, and validated before access to systems, applications, or data is granted.
 "image title")
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.