Zero Trust Overview
A security model based on the principle "never trust, always verify." Zero trust eliminates implicit trust and requires continuous verification of users, devices, and applications regardless of network location.
Understanding Zero Trust Overview
Zero trust is a security philosophy that assumes no user, device, or network should be automatically trusted—not even those inside the corporate network. Every access request must be verified, regardless of where it originates.
Traditional security used a "castle and moat" approach: strong perimeter defenses, but once inside, users were trusted. Zero trust recognizes this model fails in modern environments where users work remotely, data lives in the cloud, and attackers who breach the perimeter move freely.
The core principle: "Never trust, always verify." Every access request is authenticated, authorized, and encrypted. Trust is never assumed based on network location, device ownership, or previous access.
Why This Matters for the Exam
Zero trust is heavily emphasized in SY0-701, reflecting its adoption across enterprises. The exam tests both conceptual understanding and practical implementation components.
Understanding zero trust helps answer questions about modern network security, cloud architecture, and identity management. It also connects to multiple other exam topics: authentication, authorization, network segmentation, and encryption.
The exam specifically tests the control plane (decision-making) and data plane (enforcement) components of zero trust architecture—covered in the next two concepts.
Deep Dive
Core Zero Trust Principles
1. Never Trust, Always Verify
- •Every access request requires verification
- •Previous access doesn't guarantee future access
- •Trust is earned per session, not assumed
2. Assume Breach
- •Design as if attackers are already inside
- •Minimize blast radius of any compromise
- •Don't rely solely on perimeter defenses
3. Verify Explicitly
- •Authenticate based on all available data points
- •Consider user identity, location, device health, data classification
- •Make risk-based access decisions
4. Least Privilege Access
- •Grant minimum permissions needed
- •Time-limited access when possible
- •Just-in-time access provisioning
5. Micro-segmentation
- •Divide network into small, isolated segments
- •Control traffic between segments
- •Limit lateral movement by attackers
Traditional vs. Zero Trust Security
| Traditional | Zero Trust |
|---|---|
| Trust internal network | Trust no network |
| Perimeter-focused | Identity-focused |
| Authenticate once | Continuous authentication |
| VPN for remote access | Direct access with verification |
| Implicit trust inside | Explicit verification everywhere |
| Broad network access | Micro-segmented access |
Zero Trust Architecture Components
Control Plane (Decision-Making)
- •Policy Engine — Makes access decisions
- •Policy Administrator — Executes policy decisions
- •Adaptive Identity — Risk-based authentication
- •Threat Intelligence — Informs access decisions
Data Plane (Enforcement)
- •Policy Enforcement Points — Enforce decisions
- •Subject/System — Users and devices requesting access
- •Implicit Trust Zones — Minimal trusted areas
- •Enterprise Resources — Protected assets
Key Technologies Enabling Zero Trust
• Identity Providers — Centralized authentication • MFA — Strong multi-factor authentication • ZTNA — Zero Trust Network Access (replaces VPN) • Micro-segmentation — Network isolation • Endpoint Detection — Device health assessment • SIEM/SOAR — Security monitoring and automation • Encryption — Data protection in transit and at rest
Zero Trust Implementation Steps
1. Identify sensitive data and assets 2. Map transaction flows 3. Architect zero trust network 4. Create zero trust policies 5. Monitor and maintain
How CompTIA Tests This
Example Analysis
Scenario: An organization transitions from VPN-based remote access to a new system where users must authenticate with MFA for every application access, their device health is verified before each session, and access is limited to only the specific applications needed for their role—regardless of whether they're in the office or working remotely.
Analysis: This describes a zero trust architecture implementation: • Never trust, always verify: MFA for every application (not just VPN login) • Continuous verification: Device health checked each session • Least privilege: Access limited to role-specific applications • Location-independent: Same controls whether in office or remote
Key insight: In traditional VPN, once connected, users often had broad network access. Zero trust eliminates that—every application access is individually verified.
Key Terms to Know
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Exam Tips
Memory Trick
"Never Trust, Always Verify" = NTAV
- •Every letter represents a principle:
- •No implicit trust
- •Trust must be earned
- •Always authenticate
- •Verify continuously
- •The VIP Model:
- •Verify explicitly
- •Implicitly deny (assume hostile)
- •Privilege minimally (least privilege)
- •Traditional vs. Zero Trust:
- •Castle & Moat = Trust inside, protect the wall
- •Zero Trust = Trust no one, verify everyone
- •Technology Shift:
- •VPN → ZTNA
- •Network-based trust → Identity-based trust
- •One-time login → Continuous verification
Test Your Knowledge
Q1.Which principle BEST describes the zero trust security model?
Q2.An organization implements a security architecture where every user must authenticate for each application, device health is verified continuously, and network access is segmented so users only reach resources they're authorized for. What security model is this?
Q3.In zero trust architecture, what replaces the implicit trust previously granted to users on the corporate network?
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