Zero trust networking software is a type of network security and identity management solution used to implement the zero trust security model. As opposed to traditional network security systems, which provide a castle-and-moat system for granting access into a network, the zero trust model assumes every individual, both internal and external, is a potential threat until they are verified.
Companies have adopted the zero trust security model since decentralized business models and IT systems have made it significantly more complicated to ensure proper access controls are in place across multiple networks and physical locations. Zero trust networking solutions allow companies to continuously monitor network activity and user behavior to adapt authentication requirements on an individual basis. Verified individuals behaving abnormally or attempting to violate their permissions will be prompted to provide further authentication. Data is collected from access points, behaviors, and traffic logs to provide in-depth network security analytics capabilities.
Zero trust networking software utilizes similar authentication methods as risk-based authentication software, but is specifically for network access control. Risk-based authentication is more broad and its methods can be applied to accessing a network, application, database, or any other privileged information.
To qualify for inclusion in the Zero Trust Networking category, a product must:
Utilize adaptive authentication to continuously verify user permissions
Allow for network segmentation to simplify and broaden policy enforcement
Monitor traffic and user behavior for future inspection and analysis
