The internet has brought with it a world of opportunity for businesses. It is easy for any business to reach out to consumers and offer them products or services without the need for a physical storefront. However, this also opens your business up to the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.
The best way to determine if you should implement zero-trust network access is based on the risk of your business and the type of data you store on the network.
Using a zero-trust network access policy can help mitigate the risks of user trust, and in this blog post, you’ll learn about the risks and benefits of this type of access management, as well as some of the best practices for implementing it in your own business.
What is zero-trust network access?
A zero-trust network access policy limits access to data for users across the board. This means that if an endpoint can’t be verified, it won’t have access to any sensitive data or resources on the network. This ensures that only authorised and authenticated users are able to use and connect to services on a given device or computer.
Furthermore, a policy that limits user access based on trust level helps reduce the risk of accidental disclosure of sensitive data by employees. A user has to trust that the system they’re logging into is configured correctly and that they’re accessing the appropriate data.
Why is zero-trust network access important?
A zero-trust network allows you to create a safe and healthy work environment for employees and reduce the risk of malicious acts. This makes it possible to securely grant employees access to information, software, and other resources they need to do their jobs properly.Â
Zero-trust policies are becoming more and more popular because they offer greater protection against cyber-attacks, while also not impeding productivity and speed in terms of data transfer speeds. In fact, Microsoft recently reported that 96% of security decision-makers stated zero-trust was critical to their business’ success.
With a zero-trust network access policy in place, business will benefit from reduced costs, improved productivity, and a more engaged workforce. And employees will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from feeling safe in their jobs and that their jobs aren’t at risk of being maliciously threatened..
Benefits of zero-trust network access
Protect your remote workforce
A zero-trust network is a good way to secure your remote workforce. Many companies don’t take the time to think about the level of access that their remote staff has. This can lead to a dangerous situation where an employee has full access to an asset they shouldn’t.Â
A zero-trust network addresses this issue in a few different ways. First, you can create different user access levels depending on the level of access that an individual has. This can help give teams clear guidelines for what each remote worker can do.Â
Second, you can update your user access policies to address the needs of your remote team. Remote employees should be able to access company data and assets, but they should also have strict controls over what they can do with that information.Â
Finally, you should conduct regular audits of your remote access policies. This helps you stay on top of any gaps or new threats that could threaten a remote workforce.o.
Lower the risk of data breaches
A data breach happens when someone breaks into your network and obtains sensitive information from the server. This information can then be used for malicious purposes, like identity theft or fraud.
A key benefit of having a zero-trust network is that it makes data breaches much harder to happen. This is because strong security and access policies help you control who has access to what. You can also update these policies quickly if they become outdated or new threats emerge.Â
With a secure and protected network, cybercriminals would have a much harder time breaching your network and stealing sensitive information. A zero-trust network creates a safer work environment where remote employees are protected by strict policies.
Secure private business information
Another key benefit of having a zero-trust network is that it can help protect your private business information. Many companies don’t take the time to think about the level of access that their remote staff has. This can lead to a dangerous situation where an employee has full access to an asset they shouldn’t.Â
A zero-trust network addresses this issue in a few different ways. First, you can create different user access levels depending on the level of access that an individual has. This can help give teams clear guidelines for what each remote worker can do.Â
Another option is to update your user access policies to address the needs of your remote team. Remote employees should be able to access company data and assets, but they should also have strict controls over what they can do with that information.
Secure your network access
In many businesses, every employee has access to the corporate network. This is convenient for employees, but it also increases the risk of data breaches. A zero-trust network access policy can help address these risks by limiting the network access of remote employees and offering them strict verification procedures.
The IT specialists at Steadfast Solutions can help you develop and implement a zero-trust network access policy tailored to your business’ requirements.