What is zero trust security?

Zero trust security requires strict identity verification for every person and device trying to access resources, regardless of network location.

What is zero trust security?

Zero trust is a security framework that requires all users, whether inside or outside the organization's network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated before being granted access to applications and data. Zero trust assumes no implicit trust is granted to assets or user accounts based solely on their physical or network location.

Core principles of zero trust

  • Never trust, always verify: Every access request is fully authenticated and authorized
  • Least privilege access: Users are given minimum levels of access needed to perform their tasks
  • Assume breach: Security controls operate as if the network has already been compromised
  • Microsegmentation: Network is divided into small zones to maintain separate access

How does zero trust differ from traditional security?

Traditional network security follows the "castle-and-moat" concept: everyone inside the network is trusted by default. Zero trust eliminates this implicit trust, treating every user, device, and connection as a potential threat.