What is the zero trust security model based on?

The zero trust security model is fundamentally based on the principle of continuous verification and authentication of users and devices. This approach is designed to address the challenges posed by modern threats and evolving environments. In a zero trust framework, no one or nothing is trusted by default, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter.

This model operates on the assumption that both external threats and internal risks exist, meaning that each access request is carefully vetted through an ongoing process of verification at each point of access. It emphasizes the importance of implementing strict identity verification, ensuring that users and devices are continuously authenticated before granting access to resources, regardless of their location—in the office or remote.

In contrast, options suggesting implicit trust based on internal users, reliance on static passwords, or access strictly based on user roles do not align with the zero trust principle because they inherently assume a level of default trust, which is counter to the core tenets of the zero trust philosophy. By shifting to a zero trust model, organizations can better mitigate risks and enhance their security posture through rigorous and continual validation mechanisms.