Zero-trust systems are growing in popularity as an effective method to protect sensitive organizational data from unauthorized access and data breaches. However, despite its solid concept, this approach has disadvantages, requiring smart workarounds to minimize frustration and enhance effectiveness.
Understanding Zero Trust
The zero-trust security model is a relatively new concept coined by John Kindervag of Forrester Research. As the name implies, it withholds trust from any device or user, requiring verification each time one tries to access networks or resources. Instead of focusing on physical perimeters, each person, device or application must follow set security policies for individual connections. This approach to cybersecurity offers several benefits, such as improved security against cyberattacks, data access for remote workers and compliance with industry regulations.
These precautions are essential in modern business environments, especially when dealing with sensitive customer information. One survey found that in the event of a data breach, 64% of customers would blame the company instead of the hackers who caused it.
6 Challenges of Implementing Zero-Trust Architecture
Zero trust is a revolutionary approach that can strengthen any brand’s cybersecurity infrastructure. However, it also has significant challenges and drawbacks that need special attention.
1. Complex Implementation
A fully-implemented zero-trust security infrastructure requires all users, devices, applications, and networks to undergo authentication and authorization for each use. Companies must identify each device, procedure and endpoint to ensure their protection throughout all operational processes.
This requirement brings extra complexity to the IT system, especially for larger entities. Mapping each employee and stakeholder device and network takes time and significant effort.
2. High Maintenance Needs
The additional features and infrastructure required in zero trust also need ongoing maintenance, which requires extra labor. Existing leadership and staff will need training to ensure everyone understands this new security system’s requirements.
This process repeats each time the business experiences staff changes. Workers can get added to the roster, or they can get fired. They may move to new places or change devices. Each time, the organization must retrain people and update permissions to ensure the system stays secure.
3. Increased Expenses
The complexity of zero trust comes with a high initial investment, especially if management wants to roll out this framework across the entire enterprise. All components of its tech infrastructure require additional maintenance and security measures, leading to higher initial investments and ongoing expenses.
4. Compatibility Issues
While zero trust can work with some IT systems, it is not always compatible with all devices, software or networks. For this reason, older software like legacy systems might not always work with its principles. While possible, brands might find it difficult to retrofit older software, as the process can involve extensive adjustments.
5. Lower Productivity
A common downside to zero trust is it can slow down productivity. Employees require access to data, devices, and applications to work, communicate and collaborate. Zero-trust systems can interrupt this workflow, leading to slower task completion. Without proper optimization, this decline in productivity could present bigger challenges than any cybersecurity concerns.
6. Employee Resistance
Zero trust brings many changes to existing systems, and team members might have some trouble adjusting. These frustrations can be particularly evident if they find the new cybersecurity model affects their productivity and established workflow.
Ways to Overcome These Challenges
Zero trust can still be an effective tool to improve an organization’s cybersecurity posture despite some potential issues. Here are four ways companies can work around the disadvantages of zero trust.
Running Trials
Before formally adopting zero trust as a preferred cybersecurity framework, it’s best for organizations to conduct user trials and evaluations. This step allows staff to familiarize themselves with the processes and for IT teams to understand how to best manage and monitor the system. Collecting feedback can help the company develop strategies to make the transition easier.
Training Employees Regularly
Training is essential in cybersecurity, as it helps people better understand and respond to threats affecting the business. Regular, hands-on sessions help them work through potential disruptions or frustrations related to the new system. They also reinforce a more open, growth-oriented mindset surrounding new processes and technologies.
Scaling in Phases
Implementing zero trust works best when done in phases. Entities can identify more sensitive parts of the network and enforce stricter controls there, such as biometrics or multi-factor authentication. Once these new controls succeed, leaders can roll out the deployment. This approach helps minimize frustrations with the process while ensuring assets stay protected, as there are no major downtimes to cybersecurity systems.
Balancing the Drawbacks of Zero Trust
Zero trust offers a strong cybersecurity framework despite its disadvantages. Understanding these drawbacks allows organizations to plan better and adopt this new system in a way that best supports their cybersecurity needs.
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