Zero Trust is a security model that assumes that any network, device, app, or user could be compromised and therefore requires verification for every access request.
If you would like to dig deeper on the concept of Zero Trust, before diving into how your business can implement it, please check our Why You Should Implement a Zero Trust Security Model
After reading the first Zero Trust article, you should be aware that your Zero Trust journey needs to begin now! Different organizational requirements, existing technology implementations, and security stages all affect Zero Trust security model implementation planning.
Table of Contents
- Zero Trust Identity Protection
- Endpoint Security in Zero Trust
- Application Security for Zero Trust
- Zero Trust Data Protection
- Zero Trust Threat Detection
- Employee Awareness
Let the journey towards Zero Trust begin!
Zero Trust Identity Protection
When it comes to “verify explicity” as part of Zero Trust, your first investment in the field of securing identities should be to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users and devices, utilizing passwordless technology when possible.
To secure identities with Microsoft technology, you will need Azure Active Directory (AAD) - a cloud-based identity and access management service that provides authentication and authorization services for users and applications. It can be used to enforce access policies and to ensure that only authorized users and devices have access to sensitive data and resources.
Additionally, use least-privilege with just-in-time (JIT) access policies, granting users only the minimum level of access they need to perform their job for specific periods of time and revoke it when they no longer need it. This can reduce the risk of data leakage or misuse by insiders or outsiders who gain access to privileged accounts (accounts that have the highest level of access to systems, applications, data, and resources).
With an AAD P2 license, you can utilize Privileged Identity Management (PIM) with JIT access and Azure Identity Protection to deliver real-time continuous detection, automated remediation, and connected intelligence to investigate risky users and sign-ins to address potential vulnerabilities.
Endpoint Security in Zero Trust
Do you have visibility into what devices are accessing your company data and how are you managing and protecting them? Once an identity has been granted access to a resource, data can flow to a variety of different endpoints, creating a massive attack surface area.
Utilize a comprehensive solution to discover, monitor, and protect endpoints against cyberthreats, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Include vulnerability management, endpoint protection, and endpoint detection and response (EDR).
Microsoft Intune provides visibility across your many devices, including mobile devices, desktop computers, and virtual endpoints. You can protect access and data on organization-owned and users personal devices. And, Intune has compliance and reporting features that support the Zero Trust security model.
If you’ve grasped the concept of “assume breach” with the Zero trust model, you’ll recognize the need to not only manage the endpoints, but also to defend them and analyze and respond to anything that may seem suspicious. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint not only provides next-generation antivirus and malware protection, but also detects and responds to advanced attacks.
Application Security for Zero Trust
Do you have control over which applications have access to your company data and are they kept up to date (including operating systems)?
Employees access data through applications (like Microsoft Office) and 3rd party apps (like printing applications, HR apps, etc). If the application itself is insecure, it can be an open entry point for unauthorized access to company data. Only trusted applications should be used. Applications should be kept up to date to reduce vulnerability. SaaS apps
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps provides full protection of SaaS applications, from app discovery to app approval and integration with Azure AD to enforce MFA.
Zero Trust Data Protection
The crown jewels are your company data – whoever controls the data, controls the business. Where possible, data should remain safe even if it leaves the devices, apps, infrastructure, and networks the organization controls.
Can you identify what data is sensitive, who has access to it, and how it is protected from unauthorized access? Is the data backed up? How is it backed up (disaster recovery)?
To ensure protection and restrict data access to authorized users, data should be inventoried, classified, labeled, and, where appropriate, encrypted. Encryption can prevent unauthorized parties from reading or modifying data even if they intercept it or access it without permission.
Microsoft Azure Information Protection (AIP) is a cloud-based information protection service that allows organizations to classify and protect their sensitive data. It can be used to automatically classify and label data, and to apply encryption and access controls to sensitive data.
Zero Trust Threat Detection
SMBs should have visibility into who is accessing what data and systems, when, where, and how. This can help detect and respond to suspicious or anomalous behavior , such as login attempts from unusual locations or devices as well as data transfers to external sources.
Do you have a unified method for monitoring and quickly responding to alerts as well as proactively assessing for vulnerabilities? An integral part of a Zero Trust strategy is the ability to detect, investigate, and respond to threats quickly (assume breach).
Microsoft Threat Protection provides the visibility needed into activities going on in your environment, as well as automated investigations and remediation.
Employee Awareness
Do you educate and train employees in security best practices? Employees are often the weakest link in any security strategy.
SMBs should make sure that their employees are aware of the common cyber threats -- such as phishing emails, malware infections, or social engineering attacks -- and how to avoid them. Employees should also know how to use security tools and policies correctly, such as MFA, password managers, VPNs, or secure file sharing platforms.
Here are three Employee Awareness security tools that BEMO uses internally and offers as add-ons for our customers:
Wrap-up
Zero trust is not a one-time project, but it’s an ongoing process that requires constant evaluation and improvement. SMBs should leverage the guidance and resources provided by security experts who can help them properly implement zero trust.
By using Microsoft security solutions with the help of a Microsoft partner, you can enhance your security and resilience against cyberattacks, while also improving your productivity and efficiency, and maintaining customer and business partner trust.
Here’s what you get when you take your Zero Trust journey with BEMO :
- Microsoft licensing guidance and purchase
- Up-to-date best practices security deployment by seasoned experts in Microsoft security
- Different packages for different stages of zero trust maturity
- Ongoing security Monitoring and Maintenance and notifications
- Access to our friendly and knowledgeable Support desk with ticketing system
- Dedicated Customer Success Manager to provide ongoing assistance during your zero-trust journey
A phased approach targeting high impact, low-effort areas first can lead to rapid improvements and clarify which steps to take next. You can build a larger strategy as you go. The important thing is to get started!
Don’t have the time or expertise to make start your move towards Zero Trust? Partner with BEMO, your trusted Microsoft Managed Security Partner!
FAQs: Implementing and Managing a Zero Trust Security Model
How long does it take to implement a Zero Trust security model?
Implementation time depends on your current IT environment, security maturity, and resources. Small and midsized businesses can start seeing improvements within weeks by prioritizing high-impact steps like enforcing MFA and securing endpoints, while full adoption may take several months.
Can I implement Zero Trust in stages?
Yes. Many SMBs start with quick wins like enabling MFA, setting least-privilege access, and securing endpoints, then progress to data protection, automated monitoring, and advanced threat detection as resources allow.
Do I need Microsoft 365 to implement Zero Trust with BEMO?
While you don’t need Microsoft 365 for the Zero Trust concept, BEMO’s recommended solutions use Microsoft technologies like Azure AD, Intune, and Defender, which integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 for maximum security and efficiency. Our Diamond Security Solution focuses on building a strong Zero trust environment, to deploy it you will need certain Microsoft licenses.
What are the key features of a Zero Trust security model?
Key features include:
-
Continuous identity verification (MFA, passwordless login)
-
Least-privilege access with just-in-time (JIT) permissions
-
Endpoint visibility and protection
-
Secure and monitored application usage
-
Data classification, encryption, and access control
-
Automated threat detection and remediation
-
Ongoing user training and awareness
Who is responsible for managing Zero Trust in an SMB?
Typically, the IT or security team manages Zero Trust implementation and monitoring. If those resources are limited, partnering with a managed security provider like BEMO ensures you have dedicated experts handling deployment, updates, and incident response.
How does Zero Trust protect remote and hybrid workers?
Zero Trust secures remote work by verifying every access request, enforcing MFA, encrypting data, and using tools like Intune, Defender, and secure VPNs to protect devices and connections, regardless of location.
We've got more resources for you to become a cyber-pro.
Leave us a comment!