For any business looking to optimize and strengthen their network security, it’s essential to understand the differences between zero trust vs least privilege. Nowadays, there’s a strong focus on zero-trust architecture, but that doesn’t mean least privilege isn’t still a relevant topic.
However, one reality that shouldn’t be ignored is that traditional perimeter-based security isn’t as effective as it once was. This primarily stems from the rapidly expanding nature of cyber threats in our modern era. When you also couple in the growing relevance of cloud-based and remote work environments, this security model starts to make a lot of sense.
The access controls required in today’s business network security focus on adaptive, identity-aware, and granular strategies. For this article, you’re getting a quick, yet detailed look into the conversation around zero trust vs least privilege in your network security architecture.
Zero Trust vs Least Privilege and Their Key Distinctions
When it comes to zero-trust, this follows the mantra of “never trust, always verify”. In more technical language, it works on the principle of requiring constant authentication and context-based access. Looking at least privilege, this simply limits user and system access to only what’s required for the specific task at hand.
Both clearly come with their benefits, but it’s important to understand how they differ as well. Another way to look at it is that the zero trust control plane focuses on continuous verification, and least privilege is its own enforcement layer within that strategy. They work together, but target key areas of user and network access.
What is Zero-Trust Extended Framework?
User access may be a focal point here, but zero trust benefits and best practices go beyond that. It also extends to devices, workloads, and networks from hybrid to cloud environments. You won’t find a single part of IT trusted by default with zero trust employed.
Here are a few key details to remember about the zero trust extended framework:
- No trust by default with traditional perimeter, hybrid, or cloud environments
- Zero trust policies are what guide access decisions in real time
- Continuous verification goes hand in hand with ongoing risk assessment
- Microsegmentation works to limit later movement of cyber threats by isolating network zones and workloads
At one point in time, zero trust was a new concept and suggestion at best in network security. Nowadays, the tone has shifted to a must-have for business network security.
What is the Principle of Least Privilege?
The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) is found across multiple layers. Across application, endpoint, file, and cloud layers to the network, it’s another effective way of limiting access. Permissions are tailored through role and attribute-based access controls, and they can even put restrictions on long-term exposure.
Several important details about PoLP include the following:
- Can be utilized to grant task-specific or time-limited access
- Helps to reduce attack surfaces and prevent later movement of cyber threats
- Works to support long-term compliance with regulatory security and data requirements
- Equally valuable in cloud and hybrid network environments
- Strengthens the capabilities and efficacy of zero-trust architecture
While zero trust security vendors and solutions are a hot topic right now, it’s helpful to remember that there are layers to what makes it so effective. Implementation is one thing, but how it’s all utilized in the long term is another consideration.
Here are several common zero trust best practices you should always remember:
- Strong identity verification and multi-factor authentication for every user
- Use microsegmentation and encrypt network traffic to protect data in transit
- Leverage analytics for ongoing monitoring and proactive network security decisions
- Device compliance checks to make sure only secure and updated devices have access
- Automate policy enforcement to quickly adjust based on real-time network conditions
The truth is that without zero-trust architecture, your network is a lot more vulnerable than you might think. At the same time, integrating it into your current security setup is easier than it sounds.
The Bottom Line
You won’t see conversations surrounding zero-trust benefits die down any time soon. This is heavily influenced by the shifting landscape of cybersecurity threats, which have become more dangerous and prominent than ever before.
In the context of zero trust vs least privilege, it isn’t about one or the other, but understanding the roles they play in your security architecture. For those looking for a little more guidance on the topic, have a chat with us to help streamline and improve your network security solutions.
