The Path to Zero Trust Security: What It Is and Why It Matters

The Path to Zero Trust: A Practical Guide for Your Business

In our previous post, we explored how Microsoft Entra Verified ID is revolutionizing digital identity. This verifiable identity is a foundational building block of a much larger framework: Zero Trust.

What is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a security philosophy, not a product. Unlike the traditional "castle-and-moat" model that trusts everything inside the network, Zero Trust operates on the principle of never trust, always verify.

This means every user, device, and application must be authenticated and authorised, regardless of its location. The goal is to minimise the potential for lateral movement by an attacker once they gain a foothold.

Why Zero Trust is a Must-Have

Modern cyberattacks often bypass firewalls through phishing or stolen credentials. Once inside, they can move freely and undetected. A Zero Trust model directly addresses these threats by enforcing strict security controls:

• Minimizes Attack Surface: It forces attackers to authenticate at every point, making it harder for them to succeed.
• Contains Breaches: It limits an attacker's ability to move laterally, containing damage to a small area.
• Protects Against Insider Threats: It guards against both malicious and accidental actions by employees, ensuring access is based strictly on need.

A Practical Zero Trust Framework with Microsoft Entra ID

Microsoft Entra ID is the perfect tool for building a Zero Trust strategy. It provides the core identity and access management controls needed to enforce a "never trust, always verify" policy.

Here are the key steps to begin your Zero Trust journey using Microsoft Entra ID:

Step 1: Verify All Identities and Devices

The foundation of Zero Trust is confirming who and what every user and device claims to be.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce MFA for all users, especially for administrators. This is the single most effective way to prevent credential theft.
• Device Trust: Use Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) to ensure every device is compliant and correctly configured.
• Continuous Access Evaluation (CAE): Microsoft Entra ID’s CAE can instantly revoke access if a user's security posture changes (e.g., password reset, account disabled, new location).

Step 2: Use Least Privilege Principles

Access should be granted only for what is absolutely necessary, for as long as it is needed.

• Just-in-Time (JIT) Access: Use Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) to grant temporary access to privileged roles, which is automatically revoked after a set period.
• Access Reviews: Regularly review and remove dormant or unnecessary permissions using PIM and Microsoft Entra ID Access Reviews.
• Step 3: Segment Your Network and Protect Data
• Move beyond a single perimeter. Treat every application and data set as its own secure segment.
• Conditional Access Policies: Microsoft Entra Conditional Access is your Zero Trust policy engine. It lets you create dynamic rules like:
• Ø If a user is from a high-risk country and is not on a compliant device, block their access.
• Ø If a user tries to access the 'Finance' application, require MFA, even if they are in the office.
• Data Protection: Use Microsoft Purview to classify and protect sensitive data. Even if an attacker gains access to a file, the data inside remains encrypted.

The Dolphin IT Solutions Approach to Zero Trust

At Dolphin IT Solutions, we partner with you to implement this framework effectively:

1. Assessment: We evaluate your current security posture to identify high-priority areas to begin your Zero Trust journey.
2. Roadmap Development: We create a practical, phased plan for implementing the necessary controls.
3. Deployment & Integration: We configure and deploy Microsoft Entra ID and related tools to enforce your Zero Trust policies.
4. Training: We will train your team and equip them with the knowledge to manage the new framework.

Trust is a Vulnerability

Trust is no longer a given; it's a vulnerability. By moving to a Zero Trust model with Microsoft Entra ID, you are building a resilient security architecture that ensures your business stays protected. Don't wait until a breach proves your old security model is obsolete – contact us for a free security assessment of your environment.