Overview
Zero Trust is a security framework that eliminates implicit trust and requires continuous verification of every user, device, and connection—'never trust, always verify.' Instead of a network perimeter, Zero Trust enforces identity-centric security with least privilege access, micro-segmentation, and continuous validation. Executive Order 14028 mandates Zero Trust for federal agencies, and Gartner predicts 60% of enterprises will embrace Zero Trust by 2025. Identity is the foundation: in Zero Trust, who you are matters more than where you are.
Why It Matters
The perimeter is dead. Remote work (75% of workforce), cloud adoption (94% of enterprises), and mobile-first computing have dissolved the network boundary. VPN breaches increased 300% in 2024. Zero Trust provides security that works regardless of location, reducing breach impact by 50% according to IBM. Organizations with mature Zero Trust report 66% lower breach costs and 45% faster breach containment.
Key Concepts
1Never Trust, Always Verify
Core Zero Trust principle: every access request must be authenticated and authorized based on all available data points, regardless of network location or previous authentication.
2Assume Breach
Design systems assuming attackers are already inside the network. Minimize blast radius through segmentation, least privilege, and continuous monitoring.
3Least Privilege Access
Grant minimum access required for the task, for the minimum time needed. Implemented through JIT access, RBAC/ABAC, and privilege scoping.
4Micro-Segmentation
Divide network into small, isolated zones with separate access controls. Prevents lateral movement—if one segment is breached, attackers can't move freely.
5Continuous Verification
Real-time evaluation of trust based on context signals: device posture, user behavior, location, time, data sensitivity. Trust score changes trigger step-up authentication or access revocation.
6ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
Application-specific access replacing VPN. Users connect to applications, not networks. Hides application infrastructure from internet exposure.
7Policy Enforcement Point (PEP)
Component that enforces access decisions. Located close to resources (API gateway, proxy, network). NIST 800-207 reference architecture component.
Key Capabilities
- Continuous identity verification with risk-adaptive authentication
- Device trust assessment and endpoint posture validation
- Micro-segmentation and software-defined perimeter (SDP)
- Context-aware access policies (user, device, location, data sensitivity)
- Encrypted communications (mTLS, TLS 1.3)
- Just-in-time (JIT) and just-enough access (JEA)
- ZTNA for application-level access control
- Real-time session monitoring and anomaly detection
Benefits
- 50% reduction in breach impact (IBM Cost of Breach Report)
- 66% lower breach costs for mature Zero Trust organizations
- 45% faster breach containment and response
- Eliminates VPN vulnerabilities and lateral movement
- Enables secure remote work without network perimeter
- Compliance alignment with EO 14028, NIST, CISA requirements
- Application-level visibility replacing network-level blindness
Common Challenges
Learning Path
Recommended learning sequence for Zero Trust
Understand Zero Trust Principles
Learn the core concepts, history, and why perimeter security is insufficient
Learn Zero Trust Frameworks
Study NIST, CISA, and DoD Zero Trust models and maturity frameworks
Master Identity in Zero Trust
Understand identity as the new perimeter, strong authentication, continuous verification
Explore Zero Trust Technologies
ZTNA, SASE, micro-segmentation, conditional access
Plan Zero Trust Implementation
Create roadmap for your organization's Zero Trust journey
Technologies
Standards & Frameworks
Related Certifications
Security Incidents & Case Studies
Russian GRU Hackers Disrupt Western Critical Infrastructure
GRU hackers targeted energy sector via misconfigured edge devices. Zero Trust architecture would have limited lateral movement.
CertGPSLondon Councils IT Systems Disrupted by Ransomware
Multiple London councils' IT systems disrupted. Zero Trust micro-segmentation could have contained the attack.
CertGPSUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center Ransomware Attack
Ransomware attack exposed decades of research participant data. Demonstrates need for Zero Trust data protection.
CertGPS