Why This Matters Now: The rise of remote work and cloud-based services has made traditional perimeter-based security models obsolete. The SolarWinds hack in 2020 and other high-profile breaches highlighted the need for a more robust security strategy. Zero Trust architectures have emerged as the new standard, emphasizing continuous verification and least privilege access.
🚨 Breaking: The SolarWinds hack compromised over 18,000 government agencies and private companies, underscoring the need for Zero Trust security.
18,000+
Entities Affected
12+
Months of Compromise
Understanding Zero Trust
Zero Trust is a security model that assumes there are no trusted networks, internal or external. It requires strict verification for every access request, regardless of the user’s location. This approach minimizes the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Key Principles of Zero Trust
- Least Privilege Access: Grant users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions.
- Continuous Verification: Continuously verify the identity of users and devices attempting to access resources.
- Microsegmentation: Break down the network into smaller segments to contain potential breaches.
- Secure Access: Implement strong authentication mechanisms and encryption for all data in transit and at rest.
Evaluating Zero Trust Vendors
When selecting a Zero Trust vendor, consider the following key features:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) Integration: Seamless integration with existing IAM systems.
- Network Segmentation: Ability to segment the network into microsegments.
- User and Device Verification: Strong authentication methods and device posture checks.
- Monitoring and Logging: Comprehensive monitoring and logging capabilities.
- Scalability: Ability to scale with growing business needs.
- Cost: Affordability and value for money.
Let’s dive into the top 10 Zero Trust vendors based on these criteria.
1. Cisco Secure
Cisco Secure offers a comprehensive Zero Trust solution that integrates with Cisco’s broader security portfolio.
Key Features
- Identity Services Engine (ISE): Centralized identity management and policy enforcement.
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): Combines SD-WAN, firewall, and security services into a single platform.
- Threat Grid: Threat intelligence and sandboxing for detecting and mitigating threats.
Example Configuration
# Cisco ISE Configuration Example
network_access:
policies:
- name: "ZeroTrustPolicy"
conditions:
- type: "device_posture"
value: "compliant"
actions:
- type: "grant_access"
value: "full"
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Cisco Secure integrates well with existing Cisco infrastructure.
- Strong threat detection and response capabilities.
- Highly scalable and suitable for large enterprises.
2. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access provides a Zero Trust approach with a focus on secure access and segmentation.
Key Features
- Prisma SASE: Unified security services including SD-WAN, firewall, and security orchestration.
- Prisma Identity: Identity and access management with multi-factor authentication.
- Prisma Access: Secure access to applications and resources.
Example Configuration
# Prisma Access Configuration Example
access_policies:
rules:
- name: "ZeroTrustRule"
source_zones:
- "internal"
destination_zones:
- "external"
applications:
- "web"
actions:
- "allow"
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Unified security services under a single platform.
- Strong identity and access management features.
- Scalable and suitable for mid to large enterprises.
3. Zscaler Private Access
Zscaler Private Access offers a Zero Trust solution focused on secure application access.
Key Features
- Application Segmentation: Segment applications for granular access control.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strong authentication methods.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and logging.
Example Configuration
# Zscaler Private Access Configuration Example
application_segments:
- name: "HR"
access_control:
users:
- "hr_team"
mfa_required: true
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Focus on secure application access.
- Strong MFA and real-time monitoring.
- Scalable and suitable for mid to large enterprises.
4. Okta Zero Trust
Okta Zero Trust provides a Zero Trust approach with a focus on identity and access management.
Key Features
- Identity Governance: Centralized identity management and governance.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strong authentication methods.
- Application Access Control: Granular access control for applications.
Example Configuration
# Okta Zero Trust Configuration Example
applications:
- name: "Salesforce"
access_control:
users:
- "sales_team"
mfa_required: true
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Centralized identity management and governance.
- Strong MFA and application access control.
- Scalable and suitable for mid to large enterprises.
5. Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Zero Trust
Azure AD Zero Trust provides a Zero Trust approach integrated with Microsoft’s cloud services.
Key Features
- Conditional Access: Policy-based access control.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strong authentication methods.
- Device Compliance: Ensure devices meet compliance requirements.
Example Configuration
# Azure AD Zero Trust Configuration Example
conditional_access_policies:
- name: "ZeroTrustPolicy"
conditions:
- type: "users"
value: "all_users"
- type: "locations"
value: "trusted_locations"
actions:
- type: "mfa_required"
value: true
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Integrated with Microsoft's cloud services.
- Strong conditional access and MFA.
- Scalable and suitable for large enterprises.
6. VMware Carbon Black Cloud
VMware Carbon Black Cloud provides a Zero Trust approach with a focus on endpoint security.
Key Features
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Real-time threat detection and response.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strong authentication methods.
- Device Posture Checks: Ensure devices meet compliance requirements.
Example Configuration
# VMware Carbon Black Cloud Configuration Example
endpoint_policies:
- name: "ZeroTrustPolicy"
conditions:
- type: "device_posture"
value: "compliant"
actions:
- type: "grant_access"
value: "full"
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Strong endpoint detection and response capabilities.
- Strong MFA and device posture checks.
- Scalable and suitable for large enterprises.
7. Fortinet Secure Access
Fortinet Secure Access provides a Zero Trust approach with a focus on secure access and segmentation.
Key Features
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): Unified security services including SD-WAN, firewall, and security orchestration.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strong authentication methods.
- Application Control: Granular access control for applications.
Example Configuration
# Fortinet Secure Access Configuration Example
access_policies:
rules:
- name: "ZeroTrustRule"
source_zones:
- "internal"
destination_zones:
- "external"
applications:
- "web"
actions:
- "allow"
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Unified security services under a single platform.
- Strong MFA and application control.
- Scalable and suitable for mid to large enterprises.
8. Check Point Infinity Portal
Check Point Infinity Portal provides a Zero Trust approach with a focus on secure access and segmentation.
Key Features
- Infinity Portal: Secure access to applications and resources.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strong authentication methods.
- Device Posture Checks: Ensure devices meet compliance requirements.
Example Configuration
# Check Point Infinity Portal Configuration Example
access_policies:
rules:
- name: "ZeroTrustRule"
source_zones:
- "internal"
destination_zones:
- "external"
applications:
- "web"
actions:
- "allow"
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Secure access to applications and resources.
- Strong MFA and device posture checks.
- Scalable and suitable for mid to large enterprises.
9. CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust
CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust provides a Zero Trust approach with a focus on endpoint security.
Key Features
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Real-time threat detection and response.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strong authentication methods.
- Device Posture Checks: Ensure devices meet compliance requirements.
Example Configuration
# CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust Configuration Example
endpoint_policies:
- name: "ZeroTrustPolicy"
conditions:
- type: "device_posture"
value: "compliant"
actions:
- type: "grant_access"
value: "full"
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Strong endpoint detection and response capabilities.
- Strong MFA and device posture checks.
- Scalable and suitable for large enterprises.
10. Trend Micro Zero Trust Network Access
Trend Micro Zero Trust Network Access provides a Zero Trust approach with a focus on secure access and segmentation.
Key Features
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE): Unified security services including SD-WAN, firewall, and security orchestration.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strong authentication methods.
- Application Control: Granular access control for applications.
Example Configuration
# Trend Micro Zero Trust Network Access Configuration Example
access_policies:
rules:
- name: "ZeroTrustRule"
source_zones:
- "internal"
destination_zones:
- "external"
applications:
- "web"
actions:
- "allow"
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Unified security services under a single platform.
- Strong MFA and application control.
- Scalable and suitable for mid to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
| Vendor | Pros | Cons | Use When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Secure | Integrated with Cisco infrastructure | High cost | Large enterprises |
| Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access | Unified security services | Complex setup | Mid to large enterprises |
| Zscaler Private Access | Focus on secure application access | Higher cost | Mid to large enterprises |
| Okta Zero Trust | Centralized identity management | Integration challenges | Mid to large enterprises |
| Microsoft Azure AD Zero Trust | Integrated with Microsoft cloud services | Subscription costs | Large enterprises |
| VMware Carbon Black Cloud | Strong endpoint security | Complex setup | Large enterprises |
| Fortinet Secure Access | Unified security services | Complex setup | Mid to large enterprises |
| Check Point Infinity Portal | Secure access to applications | Higher cost | Mid to large enterprises |
| CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust | Strong endpoint security | Complex setup | Large enterprises |
| Trend Micro Zero Trust Network Access | Unified security services | Complex setup | Mid to large enterprises |
Choosing the Right Vendor
When choosing a Zero Trust vendor, consider the following factors:
- Alignment with Business Needs: Ensure the vendor’s offerings align with your specific security requirements.
- Budget: Evaluate the cost of the solution against your budget.
- Ease of Integration: Consider how easily the solution can be integrated with your existing infrastructure.
- Support and Documentation: Look for vendors with good support and comprehensive documentation.
Final Thoughts
Implementing a Zero Trust architecture is crucial for protecting your organization in today’s threat landscape. By evaluating the top 10 Zero Trust vendors, you can find the solution that best fits your needs.
💜 Pro Tip: Start with a pilot program to test the solution before full-scale deployment.
That’s it. Simple, secure, works.