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Part 1 - Steps to Implementing Zero Trust

January 21, 2025 Network Solutions

This article describes the next steps to implementing Zero Trust. It picks up where our article “What is Zero Trust” left off.   

This will be the first of a four part series.

Part 1 – Steps to Implementing Zero Trust

Part 2 – Zero Trust Best Practices

Part 3 – Common Challenges and Solutions of Zero Trust

Part 4 – Measuring Your Zero Trust Success

Part 1

Steps to Implementing Zero Trust

The Road to Zero Trust: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Secure Future

The age of implicit trust is over. In a world where cyber threats evolve faster than ever, organizations are turning to Zero Trust—a security framework that assumes nothing and no one can be trusted until verified. But while the theory of Zero Trust is compelling, the real challenge lies in implementation.

How do you move from understanding Zero Trust principles to making them a reality? It starts with a structured, actionable approach. Here’s your guide to adopting Zero Trust in your organization.

  1. Map Your Kingdom: Asset Discovery and Inventory

You can’t protect what you don’t know you have. The first step in Zero Trust is identifying every device, application, user, and piece of data in your network. Think of it as creating a detailed map of your digital kingdom.

Automated discovery tools are your best allies here. They can uncover rogue devices, shadow IT, and hidden vulnerabilities. Once you’ve mapped it all, classify assets based on their importance and access requirements.

“A clear inventory is foundational,” says cybersecurity expert Jane Roberts. “It gives you a baseline for understanding your risks.”

  1. Lock the Doors: Enforce Least Privilege

Zero Trust thrives on minimalism. The fewer permissions granted, the better. Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure users and devices only access what they truly need. Regularly audit these permissions to keep them up to date.

For high-risk scenarios, adopt Just-In-Time (JIT) access models, granting temporary permissions only when required. This approach ensures your organization isn’t overexposed to unnecessary risks.

  1. Strengthen Your Front Door: Identity and Access Management

Identity is the new security perimeter. Robust verification mechanisms, like multi-factor authentication (MFA), are non-negotiable in a Zero Trust environment.

But don’t stop at MFA. Risk-based authentication goes a step further, adjusting verification requirements based on user behavior, device health, or location. Combine these measures with Single Sign-On (SSO) for seamless yet secure access.

“Identity isn’t just about keeping intruders out—it’s about ensuring the right people have the right access at the right time,” says Roberts.

  1. Divide and Conquer: Micro-Segmentation

Micro-segmentation is like turning your network into a collection of secure neighborhoods. If an attacker breaches one segment, they can’t move laterally to others.

To implement this, identify critical assets and create isolated zones around them. Granular policies control communication between segments, and software-defined networking (SDN) tools make the process efficient and scalable.

  1. Rethink Connectivity: Secure Every Access Point

Traditional VPNs are no longer sufficient. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is the modern approach, allowing users to connect only to the specific resources they’re authorized to access. This reduces the attack surface significantly.

Pair ZTNA with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which combines networking and security for a streamlined solution. Context-aware policies—factoring in user location, device status, and behavior—add an extra layer of protection.

  1. Stay Alert: Continuous Monitoring

Zero Trust isn’t static—it’s a dynamic framework that requires constant vigilance. Continuous monitoring is critical to detect and respond to threats in real time.

Deploy tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to maintain visibility across your environment. Regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests will keep your defenses sharp.

“Zero Trust is about anticipating threats, not just reacting to them,” Roberts notes.

  1. Automate for Speed and Precision

Cybersecurity is a race against time, and automation gives you the edge. AI-powered tools can adapt policies in real time and streamline workflows for access approvals and incident response.

Ensure all your security tools are integrated into a centralized platform. This ensures consistency and eliminates gaps in your defenses.

  1. Cultivate a Security-First Culture

The best technology in the world won’t protect you if your people aren’t aligned. Building a Zero Trust culture means prioritizing security awareness at every level of your organization.

Regular training, cross-department collaboration, and clear accountability frameworks are essential. A strong culture ensures everyone—from IT to HR—understands their role in maintaining security.

“Zero Trust isn’t just about tools—it’s about mindset,” says Roberts. “When people understand the ‘why,’ they’re more likely to follow through on the ‘how.’”

 A Security Framework for the Future

Zero Trust isn’t a one-time project; it’s an ongoing commitment to vigilance, adaptability, and resilience. By following these steps, your organization can move from theory to practice, creating a security framework that’s ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

The world has changed. Trust, as we once knew it, is no longer enough. It’s time to embrace Zero Trust and secure your organization’s future.

Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI), founded in 1989 is a Managed Services and Cisco Gold Provider demonstrating advanced competencies across Cisco's solutions, including networking, security, collaboration, and data center technologies. This designation reflects NSI's commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality services backed by Cisco’s latest technology and best practices, ensuring that customers receive expert guidance and support for their implementations.

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