Zero Trust Security

Title: Zero Trust - Controlling Privileged Access

November 4, 2023

Abstract

Zero Trust Cybersecurity represents a paradigm shift from traditional perimeter-based defense systems, emphasizing the principle of "never trust, always verify." This approach acknowledges that threats can originate both outside and inside an organization's network, necessitating continuous verification of all devices and users. This paper explores the core concepts of Zero Trust, including its implementation through rigorous identity verification, multi-factor authentication, and least-privilege access controls. Additionally, the paper discusses the cultural and organizational changes required to adopt Zero Trust, and examines its integration with Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM), Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM), Secrets Management, and Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM). Key components such as Zero Standing Privilege (ZSP) and Just-in-Time (JIT) access are also detailed, providing a comprehensive understanding of their roles in enhancing cybersecurity.

I. Introduction

Zero Trust Cybersecurity marks a significant departure from traditional IT security models, which focused primarily on defending the network perimeter. The traditional model operated on the assumption that threats were external and that internal network resources could be trusted. However, this approach has proven inadequate in the face of modern cyber threats, which can originate from both external and internal sources. Zero Trust operates under the principle that no entity, whether inside or outside the network, should be inherently trusted. Instead, every access request must be continuously verified.

II. Core Concepts of Zero Trust

Zero Trust Cybersecurity is built on several foundational principles:

• Never Trust, Always Verify: Every access request is treated as though it originates from an untrusted network.
• Least-Privilege Access: Users and devices are granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their functions.
• Continuous Monitoring and Verification: The security status of users and devices is continuously verified through rigorous identity verification and multi-factor authentication.

III. Access Control Key Components and the Implementation of Zero Trust

KEY COMPONENTS & CONCEPTS

• Privileged Access Management (PAM) in Zero Trust - Privileged Access Management (PAM) is a critical component of Zero Trust, encompassing several key areas:
• Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM): PASM focuses on vaulting privileged account credentials and managing privileged sessions. This ensures that privileged accounts are not misused and that sessions are monitored for suspicious activities.
• Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM): PEDM provides controlled elevation of privileges for specific commands and tasks. This allows for secure and efficient management of administrative tasks without granting excessive access.
• Secrets Management: Secrets Management involves the secure storage and management of credentials used by applications and systems. This ensures that sensitive information is protected and accessed only by authorized entities.
• Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM): CIEM manages entitlements in cloud environments, ensuring that access is granted appropriately and that cloud resources are protected.
• Integration with PAM Components:
• Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM): PASM is essential for securing privileged accounts and managing sessions. In a Zero Trust model, PASM tools vault privileged credentials, ensuring they are securely stored and only accessible to authorized users. Sessions are monitored in real-time to detect and respond to suspicious activities, reducing the risk of credential theft and misuse.
• Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM): PEDM allows for the secure elevation and delegation of privileges, providing users with the necessary permissions to perform specific tasks without granting excessive access. This aligns with the Zero Trust principle of least privilege, ensuring that users have only the access they need when they need it.
• Secrets Management: Secrets Management is crucial for protecting sensitive credentials used by applications and systems. In a Zero Trust framework, secrets are securely stored and managed, with access tightly controlled and monitored. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information and reduces the risk of credential theft.
• Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM): CIEM manages entitlements in cloud environments, ensuring that access to cloud resources is appropriately granted and monitored. This is vital in a Zero Trust model, where cloud environments are treated with the same level of scrutiny as on-premises systems. CIEM tools help enforce least-privilege access and monitor for any deviations from expected behavior.
• Zero Standing Privilege (ZSP)

Zero Standing Privilege (ZSP) is a crucial aspect of the Zero Trust model. ZSP means that no user or device has permanent privileged access. Instead, privileged access is granted on an as-needed basis and revoked once the task is completed. This approach minimizes the risk of misuse of privileged access and reduces the attack surface. By ensuring that privileged credentials are not left standing, organizations can significantly lower the chances of a breach.

Implementation of ZSP:

• Dynamic Privilege Assignment: Privileged access is dynamically assigned based on real-time needs and revoked immediately after use.
• Automated Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and automated systems ensure that any deviations from expected behavior are promptly addressed.
• Audit and Logging: All privileged access requests and activities are logged and audited to ensure compliance and detect potential security issues.
• Just-in-Time (JIT) Access

Just-in-Time (JIT) access complements the ZSP approach by providing temporary, time-bound access to resources. JIT access ensures that users have the necessary permissions to perform their tasks only when they need them and for the duration required. This reduces the risk associated with standing privileges and ensures that access is tightly controlled and monitored.

Implementation of JIT Access:

• Time-Bound Access Controls: Access permissions are granted for a specific time period and automatically revoked once the time expires.
• Conditional Access Policies: Access is granted based on specific conditions, such as the user’s role, the task at hand, and the security status of the device.
• Integration with Identity Management Systems: JIT access is integrated with identity management systems to streamline the process of granting and revoking access.

IV. Drivers Encouraging Enterprises Towards Zero Trust

Several key drivers are encouraging enterprises to adopt Zero Trust and enhance controls around privileged access:

• Security, Compliance, and Audit: The primary drivers for PAM adoption include addressing security needs, meeting compliance requirements, and enhancing audit capabilities. Enterprises are increasingly recognizing the importance of robust security measures to protect against evolving threats and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Cybersecurity Insurance: An increasing number of clients are required by cybersecurity insurers to implement PAM tools. Insurers are mandating these measures to reduce the risk of breaches and minimize potential losses, driving organizations to adopt comprehensive PAM solutions.
• Remote Access and DevOps: The growing interest in remote access for vendors and the adoption of PAM tools for managing privileged access in DevOps environments are significant drivers. As organizations embrace remote work and DevOps practices, the need for secure and controlled access becomes paramount. PAM tools provide the necessary mechanisms to manage and secure privileged access in these dynamic environments.

V. Cultural and Organizational Changes

Adopting Zero Trust requires a significant cultural shift within organizations. It necessitates a more holistic view of security, integrating various departments and functions. Key changes include:

• Collaboration Across Departments: IT teams must work closely with other departments to understand and implement security measures effectively.
• Continuous Security Education: Employees must be continuously educated about security policies and practices to ensure compliance and awareness.
• Investment in Security Technologies: Implementing Zero Trust requires significant investment in new security tools and technologies. Organizations must recognize that security is a continuous process that evolves with emerging threats.

VI. Conclusion

Zero Trust Cybersecurity represents a dynamic and adaptive approach to modern cybersecurity challenges. By continuously verifying all access requests and adopting a least-privilege model, organizations can significantly enhance their security posture. Integrating Privileged Access Management (PAM) components such as PASM, PEDM, Secrets Management, and CIEM further strengthens the Zero Trust framework. Zero Trust Cybersecurity is not just a set of technologies but a comprehensive approach that encompasses policies, processes, and technologies. It requires significant investment in new security tools and technologies, but more importantly, it requires a change in mindset. Organizations must recognize that security is a continuous process and not a one-time implementation. As cyber threats evolve, so too must the strategies to combat them, making Zero Trust a dynamic and adaptive approach to modern cybersecurity challenges. By adopting Zero Trust principles and integrating advanced PAM solutions, enterprises can effectively mitigate risks, enhance security, and ensure compliance in an increasingly complex threat landscape.