The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many organizations to shift to remote work, making security more challenging. A Zero Trust strategy can help ensure the security of remote workers. Nate Galimore, Director, Access Management Center of Excellence, MorganFranklin Consulting, shares best practices for designing a Zero Trust strategy for remote workers.
Applying the Zero Trust Framework for Remote Workers
When designing a Zero Trust strategy, the focus should be on applying the framework correctly. This will allow remote workers to seamlessly integrate into the same overall security architecture as their on-prem peers. Zero Trust operates on the fundamental principle of assuming that no user or device should be inherently trusted. Instead, it champions rigorous authentication and authorization processes for every person, thing, or application attempting to access resources, regardless of physical or network location.
Best Practices for Zero Trust and Remote Work
With a Zero Trust strategy, remote workers are subject to the same stringent security measures as any other user or device within the organization. They undergo the same authentication methods and access restrictions, ensuring that their identity is verified, and access is granted only to authorized resources. Continuous checks for authentication and authorization are applied to all users, regardless of location, maintaining a consistent security posture across the organization.
Technologies to Implement a Remote Work Zero Trust Strategy
Mobile Application Management (MAM) tools are a vital part of a Zero Trust toolbox that would play a significant role in securing remote workers. Additionally, many organizations already have the technologies in place that enable a zero trust architecture, such as VPNs, firewalls, and endpoint protection platforms. Unfortunately, there isn’t validation against a Zero Trust framework that confirms the configuration, integration, and use of these technologies meet the requirements.
Changes in Security Strategy for Successful Zero Trust Implementation
Pre-pandemic BYOD was simply the buzzy project name for an organization moving beyond perimeter-based security. For most companies, the pandemic forced their hand, and this has already been addressed. Organizations should mature to continuous authentication and authorization to ensure ongoing trust during remote work sessions and update security training programs to educate employees about Zero Trust and remote work security principles and practices.
Conclusion
Designing a Zero Trust strategy for remote workers is crucial for maintaining a secure and consistent security posture across the organization. By applying the Zero Trust framework correctly and implementing the right technologies, remote workers can seamlessly integrate into the same security architecture as their on-premise peers. Organizations should also update their security training programs to educate employees about Zero Trust and remote work security principles and practices.
With remote work here to stay, it’s time for organizations to take a proactive approach to security. By implementing a Zero Trust strategy, organizations can stay ahead of threats and ensure the security of their data and systems. Start designing your Zero Trust strategy today and protect your organization from cyber attacks.
MorganFranklin’s identity and access management experts have extensive experience in translating cybersecurity objectives, frameworks, and regulatory requirements into actions that improve and maintain the security of an organization’s network environment. They can assist in identifying how an organization’s current security model needs to change to implement Zero Trust, develop a plan for the necessary changes, and support the organization throughout the entire process.
