What is Zero Trust Security?

Zero Trust Security is a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify."

It focuses on securing resources (data, applications, systems) and continuously verifying the identity and trust level of users and devices, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network.

The primary aim is to reduce reliance on perimeter defenses and implement granular access controls to protect individual resources.

Analysis of Each Option

A. Companies must apply the same access controls to all users, regardless of identity:

Incorrect:

Zero Trust enforces dynamic and identity-based access controls, not the same static controls for everyone.

Users and devices are granted access based on their specific context, role, and trust level.

B. Companies that support remote workers cannot achieve zero trust security and must determine if the benefits outweigh the cost:

Incorrect:

Zero Trust is particularly effective for securing remote work environments by verifying and authenticating remote users and devices before granting access to resources.

The model is adaptable to hybrid and remote work scenarios, making this statement false.

C. Companies should focus on protecting their resources rather than on protecting the boundaries of their internal network:

Correct:

Zero Trust shifts the focus from perimeter security (traditional network boundaries) to protecting specific resources.

This includes implementing measures such as:

Micro-segmentation.

Continuous monitoring of user and device trust levels.

Dynamic access control policies.

The emphasis is on securing sensitive assets rather than assuming an internal network is inherently safe.

D. Companies can achieve zero trust security by strengthening their perimeter security to detect a wider range of threats:

Incorrect:

Zero Trust challenges the traditional reliance on perimeter defenses (firewalls, VPNs) as the sole security mechanism.

Strengthening perimeter security is not sufficient for Zero Trust, as this model assumes threats can already exist inside the network.

Final Explanation

Zero Trust Security emphasizes protecting resources at the granular level rather than relying on the traditional security perimeter, which makes C the most accurate description.

References

NIST Zero Trust Architecture Guide.

Zero Trust Principles and Implementation in Modern Networks by HPE Aruba.

"Never Trust, Always Verify" Framework Overview from Cybersecurity Best Practices.