Question 15 - NSE7_ZTA-7.2 discussion

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a security model that follows the philosophy of ''never trust, always verify'' and does not assume any implicit trust for any entity within or outside the network perimeter. ZTA is based on a set of core principles that guide its implementation and operation. According to the NIST SP 800-207, the three core principles of ZTA are:

A) Verify and authenticate. This principle emphasizes the importance of strong identification and authentication for all types of principals, including users, devices, and machines. ZTA requires continuous verification of identities and authentication status throughout a session, ideally on each request. It does not rely solely on traditional network location or controls. This includes implementing modern strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) and evaluating additional environmental and contextual signals during authentication processes.

D) Least privilege access. This principle involves granting principals the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. By adopting the principle of least privilege access, organizations can enforce granular access controls, so that principals have access only to the resources necessary to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. This includes implementing just-in-time access provisioning, role-based access controls (RBAC), and regular access reviews to minimize the surface area and the risk of unauthorized access.

E) Assume breach. This principle assumes that the network is always compromised and that attackers can exploit any vulnerability or weakness. Therefore, ZTA adopts a proactive and defensive posture that aims to prevent, detect, and respond to threats in real-time. This includes implementing micro-segmentation, end-to-end encryption, and continuous monitoring and analytics to restrict unnecessary pathways, protect sensitive data, and identify anomalies and potential security events.

1: Understanding Zero Trust principles - AWS Prescriptive Guidance

2: Zero Trust Architecture - NIST