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Website Maintenance Announcement – September 19–21
Activities begin at 6:00 PM CT on Friday, September 19 and continue through Sunday, September 21.
During this time, Product functionality will be unavailable
Traditional network security models are no longer sufficient to protect against sophisticated cyber threats. Enter Zero Trust—a transformative security approach that assumes no user or device, whether inside or outside the network, is inherently trustworthy.
CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model, Version 2.0, April 2023, page 7, U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Available at: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/CISA_Zero_Trust_Maturity_Model_Version_2_508c.pdf.
As cyber threats become increasingly complex, the Zero Trust security approach offers a robust framework for safeguarding digital assets and providing secure network access. This blog explores the key concepts of Zero Trust, its fundamental pillars, and how agencies and organizations can utilize RUCKUS solutions to effectively implement this model to enhance their security posture.
Zero Trust represents a foundational security philosophy that revolutionizes how organizations protect their networks and data. At its core, ZT operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," marking a departure from traditional security paradigms that predominantly rely on perimeter defenses. Instead, it operates under the premise that threats can originate from both inside and outside of the network. This approach mandates continuous verification of the identity and integrity of every user and device, implementing strict access controls and providing comprehensive visibility across the network. It is not a specific product or solution but a mindset that fundamentally shifts how security is approached in the modern threat landscape.
The Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) framework, detailed in NIST Special Publication 800-207, provides a structured method for embedding ZT principles into an organization’s network infrastructure. ZTA aims to minimize the attack surface through granular access controls and continuous network activity monitoring. By adhering to this framework, organizations can detect and mitigate potential threats in real-time, thus enhancing their overall security posture. Originally conceptualized by John Kindervag of Forrester in 2010, ZT builds upon established cybersecurity concepts such as least privilege, non-repudiation, and defense-in-depth. It emphasizes rigorous access controls and constant oversight to provide both security and usability for end-users
RUCKUS Networks exemplifies how modern networking solutions can seamlessly integrate with and enhance ZTAs. By supporting multivendor strategies, RUCKUS enables customers to leverage existing investments while adapting to a Zero Trust framework. This approach not only bolsters security but also maintains network efficiency and operational flexibility. As organizations move away from traditional security models, the adoption of ZTA requires reconfiguration of networking gear and a strong, collaborative relationship with networking partners. Through expertise and strategic implementation, RUCKUS aids in navigating this transition, reinforcing that Zero Trust is not just a technological shift but a crucial evolution in cybersecurity strategy.
A critical component of successfully adopting Zero Trust is understanding and applying the "Five Pillars of Zero Trust." These pillars represent essential areas that organizations must focus on to enhance security and operational efficiency. Each pillar is underpinned by key capabilities that implement a comprehensive defense strategy and facilitate the seamless integration of Zero Trust principles into existing infrastructure.
1. Identity: Enforces strict verification and authorization of every user's identity before granting access to any resources.
2. Devices: Safeguards that all devices accessing the network are securely configured, managed, and continuously monitored for compliance.
3. Networks: Segments and analyzes traffic to limit movement and detect anomalies within the network.
4. Applications and Workloads: Secures application access, enabling only authorized users to interact with the applications.
5. Data: Protects sensitive data utilizing encryption, strict access controls, and continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and data leaks.
In the face of increasing cyber threats, adopting a Zero Trust model is essential for modern network security. ZT principles focus on continuous verification and strict access controls, enhancing protection and minimizing the risk of breaches. Our solutions are designed to align with these principles, offering advanced security measures that fortify your digital assets and contribute to your agency or organization’s sustained success.
This blog serves as a companion piece to the RTF Webinar, “Zero Trust: Defining Modern Network Security." Together, the webinar and blog provide a comprehensive introduction to ZT principles, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding your network in today’s evolving threat landscape.
Stay tuned for upcoming companion blogs that will provide actionable guidance on implementing Zero Trust, including integrating technologies like RUCKUS Cloudpath® enrollment system and RUCKUS Wan Gateway (RWG) to enhance identity management, MFA, and microsegmentation, as well as leveraging tools like RUCKUS AI™ for continuous monitoring and refinement of your Zero Trust practices.
Until then, discover how our Zero Trust solutions can help you build a secure and resilient network infrastructure. Check out the resources below for more information:
Whether you're just beginning your Zero Trust journey or looking for networking solutions to minimize latency within your ZTA, these resources, coupled with the expertise of RUCKUS systems engineers and partners, will empower you to successfully navigate this critical security transformation.
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