Cloud computing, remote work, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats are creating holes in conventional network security perimeters that are easily and regularly exploited. Network security engineers must assume a zero-trust posture rather than trust all devices, applications, and services that reside behind a fortified exterior.
Zero trust architecture (ZTA) comprises comprehensive security frameworks that “never trust” and “always verify” users, devices, and applications before granting access to digital resources. Adopting a ZTA permits network architects to circumvent the limitations of traditional security models by protecting assets regardless of where they are located, who or what is attempting to access them, and the reason they’re being accessed.
But ZTAs mean network engineers must take a fundamentally new approach to develop the design and implementation of network architectures and security policies.
Understanding Zero Trust Architectures
As previously noted, a ZTA model adheres to the principle of “never trust, always verify.” These security frameworks operate under the constant assumption that a threat exists within the network environment and, therefore, mandate continuous analysis and evaluation of risk to enterprise assets. This is followed by implementing protective measures that ensure all users are verified and continually authenticated whenever they try to access an asset.
A robust zero-trust solution typically includes three primary strategies: enhanced identity governance, logical micro-segmentation, and network-based segmentation (Figure 1). Collectively, these strategies create a secure and dynamic environment that adapts to changing threats and user requirements. Automation and orchestration tools play a vital role in ensuring practical and scalable security operations when managing the complexities of a ZTA.
ZTAs have been around for more than a decade, but many were initially developed to safeguard only data and services. Now, they are expanding to include an enterprise’s digital assets. Enterprises can implement a ZTA through various methodologies and diverge in component use and policy rules.
Zero Trust Architectures and the Network Engineer
Network security architectures have changed significantly in recent years, and ZTAs have played a significant role in that transition. Network engineers who once relied on modem connections for securing infrastructure have progressively transitioned to virtual private networks based on Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. Now, it has become crucial for network engineers to be well-versed in zero-trust strategies, such as identity governance, logical micro-segmentation, and network-based segmentation.
ZTAs’ micro-segmentation, granular access control, and continuous monitoring capabilities allow the network to grant users access to necessary tools and information while restricting access to other devices and locations. However, the technology also transforms how network engineers design and operate enterprise network infrastructure.
ZTAs not only introduce engineers to new skill sets but also change how they work. For instance, the ZTA paradigm requires a much higher degree of collaboration between engineers and security teams, as both share responsibility for securing resources and maintaining a robust security posture. Moreover, network security engineers must adeptly use automation and orchestration software to manage the complex workflows associated with ZTA implementations. Maintaining a practical security framework requires the use of automation tools for configuration management, policy implementation, and incident response.
Opportunities for Zero Trust
Gartner predicts that by 2026, 10 percent of large enterprises will have established trust programs to improve organizational security.[1] However, ZTAs’ benefits are being recognized beyond just the enterprise sector.
ZTAs significantly benefit from safeguarding operational technology (OT) environments—such as manufacturing plants, power grids, and transportation systems—against cyberattacks. Organizations can prevent malicious actors from compromising their OT devices and networks and disrupting critical operations by using zero-trust principles such as visibility, segmentation, and advanced threat detection. Following these principles involves integrating security information from both OT and IT networks and establishing comprehensive security response protocols that address both environments.
Elsewhere, technological advancements in wireless connectivity, particularly the introduction of 6G networks, present a compelling case for the potential of ZTAs. With its inherently complex and distributed architecture, 6G requires a security framework capable of adapting to dynamic environments and mitigating diverse threats. ZTAs, with their focus on granular access control and continuous verification, are a potential solution for securing this next-generation connectivity technology.
Conclusion
The advantages of ZTAs are clear, yet their implementation is not without challenges. The initial deployment can be complex and expensive, necessitating integration with pre-existing systems and possible changes to the network infrastructure. These challenges can be mitigated through strategic planning, phased deployments, and automation tools.
For network engineers, embracing ZTAs extends responsibilities beyond mere network management. They must collaborate with security teams and utilize novel tools to create a robust and reliable enterprise infrastructure while maintaining a secure digital landscape.
As organizations progress with zero-trust implementations, practical insights are gained from real-world applications. Adopting structured policy frameworks provides a systematic approach to zero-trust deployment and ensures uniformity in security practices across the organization.
Author: Brandon Lewis has been a deep tech journalist, storyteller, and technical writer for more than a decade, covering software startups, semiconductor giants, and everything in between. His focus areas include embedded processors, hardware, software, and tools as they relate to electronic system integration, IoT/industry 4.0 deployments, and edge AI use cases. He is also an accomplished podcaster, YouTuber, event moderator, and conference presenter, and has held roles as editor-in-chief and technology editor at various electronics engineering trade publications.
