Understanding Zero Trust
Everything you need to know about the most effective way to accelerate secure digital transformation.
Zero trust fundamentals
Comprehending zero trust
Let’s set the record straight.
01
What is zero trust?
Zero trust is a security framework that assumes no entity—inside or outside the network—can be trusted by default, so every request must be verified before access is granted.
02
Why do you need zero trust?
Traditional security models trust users or devices just for being "inside" the network. In our world of remote work, cloud services, and constant cyberthreats, that puts the network at risk.
03
How does zero trust work?
Zero trust continuously verifies a user's identity, device, and access requests—only allowing what's necessary and blocking everything else by default.
Key aspects of a zero trust framework
Dynamic identity- and context-based isolation prevents lateral movement of threats.
Every user, device, or app, anywhere, is verified before it can access any resource.
Controls adapt based on identity, device, location, resource sensitivity, and more in real time.
Built-in detection and inspection mechanisms prevent unauthorized access and data loss.
Delivering direct, secure access to apps minimizes exposure and enhances performance.
ZERO TRUST USE CASES
Zscaler delivers the power of the world’s largest security platform to secure, simplify, and transform your operations with zero trust + AI. Here’s what that looks like.
Zero Trust Everywhere
Extend seamless, secure zero trust access to internal and third-party users, applications, cloud workloads, OT/IoT devices, and branches, wherever they are.
BENEFITS OF ZERO TRUST
Zero trust pays off across the board with benefits that boost security, simplify IT, and support modern work.
ZERO TRUST IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
True zero trust doesn’t happen in an instant. Zscaler helps you take it a step at a time—transforming your network and security along the way. Here’s how it works:
- Empower and secure your workforce
- Protect your data in cloud workloads
- Modernize your IoT/OT security
- Engage your customers and suppliers securely
“Zero Trust, from Theory to Practice” Three-Part Webinar Series
Get everything you need to understand and deploy zero trust architecture, from entry-level basics to use cases and technical implementation.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Zero trust is a cybersecurity model that rejects traditional assumptions about trust within a network, treating all users, devices, and systems as untrustworthy until verified. It emphasizes constant authentication and authorization of every access request, limits access based on the principle of least privilege, and continuously monitors behaviors and risks in real time.
Zero trust is critical for modern organizations because it offers enhanced protection against advanced cyberthreats and insider risks. By minimizing attack surfaces, blocking lateral movement within compromised networks, and safeguarding remote or hybrid work setups, it provides a robust security approach tailored to today's dynamic IT environments.
Zero trust is built on comprehensive policies, advanced tools, and structured frameworks. Its implementation includes:
- strong identity verification processes,
- microsegmentation to isolate sensitive data,
- multifactor authentication (MFA) for access control,
- ongoing monitoring of user activities to quickly identify and mitigate any risks or anomalies.
Zero Trust leverages various technologies, including:
- zero trust network access (ZTNA) for secure remote connections,
- identity and access management (IAM) to verify users,
- multifactor authentication (MFA) for added access security, microsegmentation to isolate workloads,
- endpoint protection solutions like EDR, among many others tailored to an organization’s specific needs.
Businesses can begin implementing zero trust by auditing digital assets and systems to identify critical resources, defining access policies based on least privilege principles, deploying multifactor authentication (MFA) for sensitive accounts, and integrating continuous monitoring solutions. Adopting zero trust strengthens overall security and reduces risk in dynamic IT environments.