This article was originally published on NAFCU Services.
Shakespeare says to only “trust a few”. We say, trust no one - until verified.
With a Zero Trust architecture (ZTA) to cybersecurity, trust is not automatically granted. Unlike trust-based networks that open the digital door for anyone who had a key at one time, a Zero Trust approach doesn’t trust login credentials alone. With alarming rises of social engineering and credential stuffing, credit unions that take a trust-based approach are more vulnerable to these types of attacks. Fraud aside, remote work and rapidly progressive technology have ramped up the critical need for this type of security structure.
Why Zero Trust?
ZTA is a strategic effort to shut and lock digital doors against bad actors’ attempts to gain access to your credit union’s data and resources. Breaches can happen off premises (and they usually do), so this strategy protects the data inside and beyond the brick and mortar perimeter.
The Core Principles of a Zero Trust Design
Requires verification of every user: An inherently distrusting network relies on additional authorizations for entrance. Networks with a zero trust architecture have a least privileged structure, restricting sensitive data to specific areas. All credentials must be verified upon each attempted gateway entrance, regardless of privilege. No one person has access to everything. Giving access only to what someone needs to do their job will go a long way in limiting what could be stolen if someone’s credentials are compromised.
Requires validation of every device: Similar to verification of each user attempting to gain access, Zero Trust continuously validates every device – on and off premises. Regular inspection and logging of all traffic are critical to know what is and isn’t normal on your network.
Leverages data masking and encryption: These two functions protect at-rest and in-transit data. Data masking obscures data from unauthorized access, and encryption turns the data into unreadable characters without the correct key/code. Safeguarding data at every point is a crucial element of security that every credit union must embrace. These functions can protect data while meeting compliance standards.
Best Practices to Protect your Data from Unauthorized Access
An enterprise-wide approach to cybersecurity with a Zero Trust model will have more data security confidence and a stronger response plan in the unfortunate event of a breach. An effective Zero Trust strategy should align with your business goals and should not hinder business outcomes or efficiencies. While there are numerous tools available to secure your credit union’s digital doors, there are some best practices to keep the bigger picture in mind.
A push towards a zero trust architecture inside your credit union can look like:
#1: Define what needs protecting.
Use the highest revenue generating areas of your credit union as a starting point to help you identify what assets need the most protection. Build your unique Zero Trust model with… continue reading here.