Zero Trust is a security framework requiring all users, whether in or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. Zero Trust assumes that there is no traditional network edge; networks can be local, in the cloud, or a combination or hybrid with resources anywhere as well as workers in any location.
This framework is defined by various industry guidelines such as Forrester eXtended, Gartner’s CARTA, and more recently NIST 800-207, as an optimal way to address current security challenges for a cloud-first, work from anywhere in the world.
Organizations that want to enable the strongest security defenses should utilize an identity security solution in conjunction with a Zero Trust security framework. They must also ensure that their solution of choice is compliant with industry guidelines, such as those outlined by NIST.