What is a zero-trust architecture?

A zero-trust architecture is fundamentally characterized by the principle that no user or device should be trusted by default, regardless of whether they are accessing the network from inside or outside its perimeter. This model requires verification for every access request, meaning that all users, devices, and applications must be authenticated and authorized before they can connect to any resources.

This approach acknowledges that threats can originate from within the network itself as well as from outside, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that scrutinize every attempted access. By implementing this architecture, organizations can minimize the risk of unauthorized access and breaches due to compromised credentials or insider threats.

While encryption is critical for secure communications and protecting data in transit, it does not alone encompass the broader principles of a zero-trust model. Additionally, a zero-trust approach does not focus solely on external threats, as it recognizes that internal threats can be just as significant. Therefore, the core essence of a zero-trust architecture is its insistence on verification and authentication for all access requests, no matter the origin.