Definition of terms:

Zero Trust is a security approach that assumes that no user, device, or system is automatically trustworthy, regardless of whether it is located inside or outside the corporate network. Every access must be continuously verified, authorized, and monitored. The goal is to minimize risks and effectively prevent unauthorized access.

Key principles

• "Never trust, always verify" – Every access is checked based on context.
• Attribute-based access policies – Identity attributes such as role, location, or device status determine access.
• Least Privilege Access – Users only receive the permissions they actually need.
• Continuous monitoring – Activities are continuously evaluated to detect suspicious behavior.

Core elements of zero trust

• Explicit verification: Access only after checking contextual factors such as role, device status, location, behavior.
• Micro-segmentation: Networks are divided into small zones to minimize attack surfaces.
• Assumption of an attack: It is assumed that a system may already have been compromised; monitoring and response are crucial.
• Device security & endpoint protection: End devices must also be trustworthy before they are granted access.
• Automated access control: Policies dynamically control who can access what and when.

Key reasons for the relevance of zero trust

Protection against modern cyberattacks: The "assume breach" approach assumes that attackers are already in the network. Zero Trust limits their scope of action and significantly reduces the extent of damage.

Preventive access control: Each access is checked depending on the context, enabling more precise and risk-based access control.

Holistic security architecture: Zero Trust combines proven security measures and best practices into a consistent, data-centric protection concept.

Focus on integrity and confidentiality: The measures aim to protect data from manipulation and unauthorized access—key requirements in critical and regulated environments.

Future-proof security strategy: As IT environments become increasingly hybrid and cross-organizational, Zero Trust provides a scalable framework that remains effective in the long term.

Conclusion

Zero Trust is a strategic security approach that fundamentally redefines trust in digital systems. Instead of relying on network boundaries, Zero Trust focuses on the identity, integrity, and context verification of each access.

Companies that adopt zero trust reduce the risk of data loss, insider threats, and lateral attacks, while also strengthening transparency and compliance.

Although implementation requires long-term investment and clear identity structures, it forms the central basis for sustainable cybersecurity in hybrid and networked infrastructures.