3 Essential Steps for Small Businesses to Implement 'Zero Trust' Cybersecurity
As a small business owner, you may not realize the severity of cyberattacks and their impact on your business. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and a simple lapse in your network security could have disastrous consequences. This is why implementing a robust cybersecurity framework such as zero trust is crucial for protecting your business.
What is 'Zero Trust' Cybersecurity?
Zero Trust is a security model that emphasizes verifying every access while treating every user or application as a potential threat. It is a great starting point for small businesses looking to build formidable cybersecurity that can adapt to the complexity of the modern work environment, including a hybrid workplace. However, it is important to remember that zero trust is a strategy, not a solution or platform that you can just buy from a security vendor and implement with a click of a button. It is a framework that needs to be applied systematically.
Core Principles of a 'Zero Trust' Cybersecurity Environment
If you are looking to implement a zero-trust framework for your small business, there are three core principles that you must remember:
Continually Verify
You should implement a “never trust, always verify” approach to security by continuously confirming the identity and access privileges of users, devices and applications. Consider implementing strong identity and access (IAM) controls to define roles and access privileges to ensure that only the right users can access the right information.
Limit Access
Limiting access ensures that users are granted minimal access without affecting their day-to-day activities. Here are some common security practices that organizations have adopted to limit access:
- Just-in-time access (JIT) – Users, devices or applications are granted access only for a predetermined period. This helps limit the time one has access to critical systems.
- Principle of least privilege (PoLP) – Users, devices or applications are granted the least access or permissions needed to perform their job role.
- Segmented application access (SAA) – Users can only access permitted applications, preventing any malicious users from gaining access to the network.
Assume Breach & Minimise Impact
Assume that your applications, services, identities, and networks, both internal and external, are already compromised. This proactive approach to cybersecurity will improve your response time to a breach, minimize the damage, and protect your business.
Implement 'Zero Trust' Cybersecurity to your Business with Step Fwd IT!
Implementing a zero-trust framework may seem like a daunting task, but partnering with an IT service provider like Step Fwd IT can ease your burden. Our advanced technologies and expertise can help you implement zero trust within your business without hiring additional talent or bringing on additional tools yourself.
In conclusion, implementing a zero-trust framework is crucial for small businesses to protect themselves against cyber threats. Remember to continually verify, limit access, and assume breach to minimize the impact of cyber attacks. Don’t hesitate to partner with an IT service provider like Step Fwd IT to implement zero trust and protect your business.
Reach out to the Step Fwd IT team today if you want a ‘Zero Trust’ Cybersecurity environment in your business.
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