Why Zero Trust Security is the Future

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, where cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, organizations must adopt robust security frameworks to protect sensitive data. The Zero Trust Security model emerges as a leading paradigm, emphasizing the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This approach is particularly vital in the context of remote work, where traditional network perimeters have dissolved. Ivanti’s multi-faceted VPN solution offers a comprehensive approach to secure remote access, providing organizations with the tools they need to safeguard their networks effectively.

However, as businesses increasingly rely on VPN technologies, they must also be aware of the associated security risks. VPN vulnerabilities can expose organizations to cyberattacks, making it imperative to implement stringent security measures. This article delves into the intricacies of Zero Trust Security, explores Ivanti’s innovative VPN solution, and highlights the critical security risks that organizations must navigate in their quest for robust cybersecurity.

For numerous organizations relying on outdated security technologies, the announcement acted as a tangible reminder of certain fundamental realities regarding VPN security threats that specialists have been discussing for some time now.

• VPNs give too many people too much access to too much of an enterprise network. 
• Zero trust solutions solve many of the problems associated with VPNs. 
• Alternatives to VPN for IoT and other types of remote network access should be implemented sooner, not later. 

What makes security threats so widespread in extensively distributed corporate networks?

Most organizations continue to rely on one of the two following methods for securing access to private resources within distributed enterprise networks:

Security through concealment approaches the ridiculous.

Employing static IP addresses along with port forwarding techniques has been a prevalent approach for concealing connected devices and applications on the local area network (LAN) that are located behind a router in a remote branch store or office.

Concealing your presence might be an option, but it is no longer a wise, lasting fix. Fixed IP addresses make your vulnerabilities visible on the internet. Cybercriminals are innovative and skilled at employing advanced techniques to probe and breach systems that are accessible via a public static IP. Moreover, they are continually improving their tactics.

When a server or resource is breached, hackers can “move laterally” to gain access to additional resources, jeopardizing the security of the entire enterprise network.

Additionally, every static IP incurs a cost, which can quickly add up as a business grows its network of connected locations, vehicles, and IoT devices. Overseeing all these static IPs can also be difficult. It requires significant effort and is susceptible to mistakes made by humans (consider the meticulous, extensive spreadsheets that a team member must update by hand).

Legacy VPN technology may be outdated, but it shouldn’t be overlooked

Legacy VPN technologies like DMVPN have effectively safeguarded distributed enterprise networks for quite some time. They have performed admirably and merit recognition for their long-standing contributions to private networks. However, it is time to phase out these legacy VPNs.

The unrestricted access typically offered by VPNs translates to complete network entry. Traditional VPN technology is often compared to a moat encircling a fortress. If this barrier is compromised, the entire area and everything within it can be exposed. This analogy highlights the significant consequences of breaches that happen when hackers penetrate a perimeter-based VPN, granting them free rein over private assets. Furthermore, improperly set up VPNs or complicated VPN configurations can create security weaknesses.

Conventional VPNs also pose considerable operational difficulties for businesses. Organizations with extensive distribution encounter a significant hurdle because they need separate static IP addresses for resources at every location.

Now, regarding the extensive attack surface… The Ivanti case serves as a clear example. In December 2023, several zero-day vulnerabilities targeted Ivanti’s VPN offerings, with attackers engaging in widespread scanning for susceptible devices and possible automated exploitation.

Now, regarding the extensive attack surface… The Ivanti case serves as a clear example. In December 2023, several zero-day vulnerabilities targeted Ivanti’s VPN offerings, with attackers engaging in widespread scanning for susceptible devices and possible automated exploitation.

• Credential Theft: The hackers introduced a specialized JavaScript malware known as WARPWIRE into a user login page to obtain and extract unencrypted credentials.
• Lateral Movement: The attackers progressed laterally by utilizing stolen credentials to access internal systems through RDP, SMB, and SSH.

In summary, VPNs were unable to thwart the advanced techniques employed by these hackers.

Why is zero trust a superior choice compared to VPN?

Alright, we’ve concluded that it’s crucial to look for alternatives to VPNs. So, what is the top alternative to a VPN? Zero trust security solutions have surfaced as the most effective choice for several reasons:

Zero trust minimizes the attack surface. By enabling only inside-out connections and effectively concealing internal resources, zero trust networking makes these resources invisible to the internet.

Zero trust inhibits lateral movement. It is founded on the premise that no user or system, regardless of whether they are within or outside the network, should be granted automatic trust. This approach seeks to reduce the likelihood of lateral movement, where an intruder, once inside a network, tries to navigate sideways to access additional systems or sensitive information. Instead of providing blanket access to the entire network, zero trust establishes connections between users and devices with particular IT resources on a case-by-case basis. It upholds the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users and systems have access solely to the resources and information necessary for their functions. This limitation helps to diminish the potential consequences of a compromised account on lateral movement.

Zero trust defends against zero-day vulnerabilities. The zero trust framework includes ongoing monitoring and verification by analyzing all traffic in real-time, effectively blocking zero-day attacks, malware, and other sophisticated threats. Additionally, it implements continuous authentication and authorization procedures, ensuring that users and devices are consistently validated during their sessions using contextual data.

How Cradlepoint assists decentralized businesses in safely evolving their network

Cradlepoint offers a variety of solutions that allow businesses to shift their networks to a zero trust framework.

Secure Connect: NCX Secure Connect enables organizations to create extensive distributed networks effortlessly while maintaining a zero trust connectivity model.

ZTNA: By implementing a zero trust network through Secure Connect, organizations can utilize a ZTNA solution to safely provide detailed access to remote staff and external contractors. ZTNA incorporates continuous authentication and authorization procedures, allowing for precise, adaptable, and robust policies determined by user characteristics and situational context.

Hybrid Mesh Firewall: Cloud-based hybrid mesh firewalls conduct ongoing monitoring of in-line traffic through IDS/IPS, successfully stopping zero-day vulnerabilities.

Remote Browser Isolation: To safeguard users and devices against internet-based zero-day vulnerabilities, Cradlepoint provides a Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) service. RBI establishes a digital air gap by utilizing a remote container environment. When a user selects a link, all web content—encompassing sites opened via email—is processed within an isolated, virtual browser that operates in the cloud, separate from the user’s device or network. This approach effectively shields users and devices from zero-day threats.

Conclusion

By leveraging Zero Trust Security this can be your secret weapon against hackers. By embracing this innovative solution you can stay ahead of the competition, ensuring your business remains safe and thriving in every moment.  Find out more by contacting us today!