What is Zero Trust Data Security?
Zero trust security is the digital embodiment of the “never trust, always verify” ethos. Instead of assuming that a data consumer is authorized to access data based on role, geography, or other metadata, a zero trust framework requires continuous verification and authentication. This bolsters security while reducing the potential for a data leak or breach.
The zero trust methodology has been adopted in sectors such as government and education, but is quickly gaining traction with private companies as well.
The Zero Trust Challenge
As zero trust security becomes more popular – and even mandated by executive order – organizations must balance the “always verify” principle with real-time data access. However, constant user authentication often creates bottlenecks and delays workflows, and implementing it across distributed cloud environments is complex and error-prone. A study of nearly 200 leaders found that 40% said data management is the top hurdle they face in implementing zero trust.
An effective zero trust strategy requires streamlining and automating data access control enforcement so that users are not constantly waiting for data. Legacy and manual approaches, like role-based access control, are simply not built for the speed, scale, and security needs of today’s environments.
