Zero Trust Architecture: A Non-Negotiable in SaaS Security?

Zero trust architecture is a “hardcore” security strategy many businesses worldwide adopt to strengthen their resilience, ensuring peace of mind when operating in today’s dynamic digital landscape. As “cool” as it sounds, zero trust architecture has one and only one motive.

If your business is looking to adopt an extra layer of security around your SaaS solutions, you might want to check out this framework.

What is zero trust architecture?

Zero trust architecture (ZTA) is a security framework that operates on the fundamental principle of “never trust, always verify”, even when it is your employees. This differs from traditional security models by assuming all users, devices, and applications as potential threats, regardless of their location.

ZTA utilises various security technologies, which you might have already been familiar with, such as:

– Identity and access management (IAM)

– Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

– Micro-segmentation

– Encryption

– Real-time monitoring

The multitude of benefits that the zero trust architecture can bring to organisations is plentiful, which can be grouped into five large pillars:

1. Enhanced security

Reduced attack points: Users and devices must strictly follow ZTA policies and are given access to only what they need, thus limiting opportunities for exploitation.

Micro-segmentation to contain breaches: Networks are divided into small, isolated zones to prevent compromise during attacks, minimising the damage.

Stronger defence: Possible internal threats, both malicious and accidental, are decreased as user access is continuously verified.

Improved protection for remote workers: Your remote employees are prime targets for cyber breaches, as they might access the company’s resources via a public network. ZTA helps put this worry at bay by requesting verification regardless of the devices they are using or the locations they are at.

2. Increased visibility and control

Comprehensive monitoring: ZTA requires continuous monitoring and logging of users, devices, and activities, providing better visibility into who is accessing what, when, and from where.

Better threat detection and response: Continuous monitoring helps establish a foundation for standard behaviours, making detecting suspicious activities easier and faster.

3. Cost saving

Centralising authentication processes can help simplify IT management while enabling businesses to move away from outdated, less effective security tools, potentially saving on licensing and maintenance.

4. Business enablement and agility

ZTA provides a highly effective and secure solution for different cloud environments, giving organisations the confidence to adopt emerging technologies (e.g., AI) and reducing the need for multiple authentication apps.

Additionally, the solution is designed to scale as the business grows, offering peace of mind when expanding into new markets without compromising security.

5. Compliance

By prioritising data protection through least privilege and continuous verification, ZTA allows businesses to comply with various stringent industry-specific and international requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001).

Key principles of zero trust architecture

For ZTA to work, the architecture needs to follow certain procedures and best practices.

The most critical being the “zero trust” element. No user, device, or application is trusted under any circumstances. Users must be continuously authenticated based on available data points (e.g., identity, location, device health, service, data classification, etc.) before being granted access to the company’s resources.

ZTA does not treat internal networks as safer than external, public ones; security in ZTA is a perimeterless concept. Networks are divided into isolated segments to limit lateral movement. If attackers gain access to one segment, they cannot easily move to other parts of the network without further authorisation.

Users and devices are granted minimal permission to perform their specific tasks. As a result, some even dub ZTA as “just enough access”. The primary goal of ZTA is to safeguard resources, whether they are data, applications, or services.

Moreover, with ZTA, breaches are perceived as inevitable or have already occurred. Security teams, therefore, proactively implement measures, including continuous monitoring, micro-segmentation, and robust incident response, to minimise the damage if a compromise happens.

Why zero trust architecture is crucial for SaaS solutions

Zero trust architecture is not a single product but a holistic strategy that involves integrating various security solutions, policies, and processes. The solution is exceptionally vital for SaaS due to SaaS applications being hosted in the cloud, across different public cloud providers and data centres.

ZTA shifts the focus away from the network location and treats every access request as if it comes from an untrusted network, protecting distributed SaaS environments.

As SaaS offers ease of access from anywhere, on any device, it is often the solution of choice for countless digital nomads and remote workforces. Thus, enforcing security controls on these mobile and deskless employees can be a challenge for businesses.

This is where ZTA comes in and saves the day with its explicit verification at every access attempt. This ensures secure access to SaaS apps no matter where the user is.

SaaS solutions involve third-party vendors and their supply chains. A vulnerability in one vendor’s system, though rare, could lead to detrimental results for many customers. ZTA extends its “never trust, always verify” principle to third-party interactions by scrutinising every access point and maintaining its strict authorisation protocols across all integrations and data exchanges, thereby mitigating supply chain risks.

Last but not least, phishing and credential stuffing attacks are becoming more common and sophisticated. Traditional perimeter security offers little defence, leaving businesses vulnerable to threats on many fronts.

ZTA’s constant authentication and behavioural analytics create a strong force guarding the company from potential outside fraud and attacks. Any unusual activity, for instance, logging in from an unfamiliar location, triggers a series of verifications, thus significantly reducing risks.

Addressing concerns and resistance towards the zero trust architecture

ZTA is a dynamic, adaptive, and comprehensive security framework capable of directly addressing the unique challenges posed by SaaS adoption, making it an indispensable strategy for securing modern cloud-based operations.

Having said that, zero trust architecture is not a silver bullet or a magic pill that cures all cybersecurity anomalies. The solution only works if the company prioritises safety and puts in the effort to equip its workforce with the knowledge and to enforce strict housekeeping practices.

And just like any other new solution, adopting it might face resistance from employees. Some might find the constant ID checking overbearing. When it comes to this challenge, communication is key. Leaders need to clearly explain and provide real-world examples of breaches that could have been prevented with zero trust principles.

Clear, frequent communications coupled with effective training programs can help raise awareness among users about the importance of stricter security controls in maintaining the company’s IT infrastructure integrity.

Additionally, regular workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions can be organised to engage users actively, allowing them to voice concerns, ask questions, and get guidance on navigating the new security protocols.

This proactive approach not only helps alleviate fears and misconceptions but also empowers users to become active participants in the organisation’s security framework, ultimately leading to a more secure and resilient IT environment.

To learn more about everything you need to know about the cloud, including security measures, migration options, and TRG’s recommended cloud solutions, check out our series of resources below.

What ‘Transformers’ Can Teach Us about Enterprise IT Security

Is Multi-Cloud More Secure? Strategies to Protect Your Data

Here Are How You Spot Spear-phishing and Phishing

5 Questions for CIOs Following the Wake of the CrowdStrike Incident