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Zero Trust
A security model built on ’never trust, always verify’ that removes the internal/external distinction and continuously validates every access request.
I. Overview
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flowchart LR
A["Perimeter-centric\nsecurity"] -- "Redefining trust\n(continuous verification)" --> B["Resource-centric\nsecurity"]
style A fill:#f9f9f9,stroke:#333,stroke-width:3px
style B fill:#e1f5fe,stroke:#01579b,stroke-width:3px
Definition: A security model that eliminates the distinction between internal and external, trusting nothing that accesses a resource — user, device, or network — and continuously verifying it instead.
Features:
( Perimeter Collapse ) The spread of cloud adoption and remote work has blurred the traditional network perimeter.
( Insider Threats ) Data leakage and misuse by trusted internal users are increasing.
( APT Response ) Detecting intrusions and blocking lateral movement is required to counter advanced persistent threats.
II. Mechanism & Components
Three Core Principles of Zero Trust
flowchart LR
A["Zero Trust\n3 Core Principles"] --> B["Verify Explicitly"]
A --> C["Least Privilege"]
A --> D["Assume Breach"]
B --> B1["Authenticate using all\navailable data: user ID,\nlocation, device posture, service"]
C --> C1["Grant only the minimum\nprivilege needed for the task\nJust-In-Time access"]
D --> D1["Assume the network is\nalready compromised\nSegment and ensure visibility"]
Zero Trust Core Architecture and Components
| Core Component | Primary Role and Technology | Detailed Description |
|---|---|---|
| Control Plane | Policy Engine / Admin | Calculates a trust score and makes the final decision on whether to allow resource access |
| Data Plane | PEP (Enforcement Point) | Creates or blocks the actual traffic path according to policy (Gatekeeper) |
| Security Technology | Micro-Segmentation | Breaks the network into small segments to block an attacker’s lateral movement |
III. Advanced Topics & Comparison
- Phased Transition: Applied progressively to core assets first, running in parallel with the existing perimeter security model (see NIST SP 800-207).
- Building a Trust-Signal Foundation: Establishes a system for collecting multi-dimensional context — biometric authentication, device integrity, access location — rather than relying on simple ID/password credentials.
Last updated 18 Aug 2026, 00:00 UTC.