Enterprises today have had to rethink how they apply security to their corporate network and, as a result, have decided to implement zero-trust principles.
A zero-trust framework enables greater visibility, control and security over the network perimeter, identities and each endpoint. This set of standards and guidelines is based on the concept of "trust but verify,” which can be extended to "verify, re-verify, and keep verifying until you get to zero trust.”
Zero trust offers many potential advantages for improving an organization's security model and reducing the risk and cost of cyberattacks. However, according to a study by Gartner Peer Insights, there are still three significant challenges to adoption: cost concerns (56%), lack of knowledge (51%) and technology (51%).
And this is where MSPs can fill a big gap for the many organizations wanting to adopt a zero-trust framework.
Zero trust relies heavily on an organization's ability to accurately identify and classify the data it holds on each document, endpoint or system and accurately identify and classify each user or system that may need access to that data. But the resources required to undertake and execute such a project effectively are considerable.
The costs are too high for companies who are still struggling to find the resources to perform basic cybersecurity tasks such as patching systems promptly, conducting basic security activities, and running an established detection and response function. In addition to purchasing and implementing solutions that cover the entire attack surface, the costs of implementing zero trust include time spent planning such a complex project, classifying data and helping users adapt to a zero-trust system.
For organizations that want to move ahead with Zero Trust, engaging an IT managed services provider may be the answer. By providing the solutions, expertise and skills needed, MSPs can help companies remove the main barriers to adopting zero trust while delivering cost benefits.