What is a key component of a zero trust security architecture?

A key component of a zero trust security architecture is the principle of "assuming breach and verifying every request." This approach shifts the security paradigm from a traditional perimeter-based model to one that emphasizes verification and ongoing validation of all users and devices, regardless of their location within or outside the network.

In zero trust, organizations operate under the assumption that threats could exist both inside and outside the network. Therefore, every access request—whether from an internal or external source—is treated with skepticism. This means that users must provide verification for their identity and the legitimacy of their requests continuously, and access controls are enforced at all levels. This rigorous validation helps to mitigate risks from potential internal threats or compromised credentials.

By prioritizing verification over trust, zero trust architectures enhance security posture, reduce attack surfaces, and limit the potential damage from breaches, making it a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategies.