Apu Pavithran is the founder and CEO of Hexnode, an award-winning unified endpoint management platform.
In an age where digital transformation is the cornerstone of progress, safeguarding critical infrastructure has never been more paramount.
From power grids to financial systems, transportation networks to healthcare facilities, critical infrastructure forms the backbone of our society. As such, disruptions in these vital sectors can have far-reaching and devastating consequences, not only in economic terms but also for the well-being and safety of citizens.
The FBI’s annual Internet Crime Report shows that one-third of all ransomware attacks last year were targeted at critical infrastructure. In the face of such adversities, traditional security measures, while once effective, are now outpaced. Moreover, the growing geopolitical instability and the subsequent inception of malware such as Industroyer2 further complicate matters.
In this article, I will delve into the dynamic synergy between Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) and why a combination of both is necessary for the safety of critical infrastructure.
The Unwavering Sentry: Zero-Trust Architecture
Traditional security models rely heavily on a one-time authentication process at the point of entry. However, ZTA operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify” by validating users and devices throughout their interaction with the network. This verification process ensures that access privileges are maintained only as long as they are warranted, even for previously authenticated entities.
Such a security model exceeds mere user authentication; its principles extend to encompass vital components such as cloud workloads, OT devices and network nodes within the critical infrastructure framework. This ensures that every facet, from users to devices and infrastructure elements, is subjected to rigorous scrutiny before access is granted. By focusing on the protection of sensitive data itself rather than solely safeguarding the perimeter, organizations are likely better equipped to thwart insider threats and advanced persistent attacks.
Furthermore, most of the current critical infrastructure is purpose-built, characterized by predictable network traffic, and faces a common challenge in terms of patching. This predictability of network behavior makes it ideal for ZTA and allows for the implementation of finely tuned security policies, ensuring that any deviation from the norm is met with heightened scrutiny.
However, it is also essential to acknowledge that ZTA is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a process that organizations must undertake. This path takes more than the flip of a single switch to shift from a typical network design to zero trust, particularly in the sector of critical infrastructure.
Embracing the Future: The SASE Revolution
In an era of connectivity, the concept of the traditional perimeter has become obsolete. SASE addresses this paradigm shift by providing secure access to resources regardless of location or device.
Through merging network and security services like Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), etc., into a unified, cloud-native platform, SASE empowers organizations to maintain a holistic security posture, irrespective of the ever-changing dynamics of the cybersecurity landscape.
Among these tools, SD-WAN and ZTNA are the most foundational. In short, SD-WAN utilizes edge computing to move traffic from the data center to the cloud, significantly simplifies traffic flow, and reduces latency in the network. ZTNA, on the other hand, enforces zero trust policies of authentication and network segmentation, thereby reducing the attack surface.
Ever since the pandemic, remote work has been relevant even within critical infrastructure. For these external workers, SASE can help to implement solid zero trust policies. With this framework, even when one device is infiltrated, the rest of the network can be protected from harm.
At first glance, SASE and zero trust appear very similar. Adopting a zero trust strategy will naturally align with several components of SASE, and a SASE implementation strategy will necessitate the incorporation of zero trust principles in formulating the security policies governing access. Why, then, are both necessary for critical infrastructure?
The Symbiotic Relationship: SASE And Zero Trust In Action
ZTA and SASE are two of the most buzzing trends in cybersecurity recently. Both of them, lauded as the future of cybersecurity, are closely linked. However, the vital difference to note is that while SASE provides a robust framework for secure edge access, it’s imperative to recognize that the broader spectrum of zero trust requirements encompasses a range of critical factors that extend beyond the scope of SASE.
For instance, effective threat monitoring, continuous environmental maintenance and adherence to governance and compliance standards are integral components of a comprehensive zero trust strategy and are essential in critical infrastructure. These elements ensure that the security posture remains robust and adaptive in the face of evolving threats and regulatory landscapes. Zero trust is an expansive architecture including such services, and SASE acts as an enabler toward it.
Moreover, it’s also vital to understand that SASE capabilities like SD-WAN allow it to extend beyond security concerns to encompass various network-centric policies. So, while both SASE and ZTNA complement each other, their range of capabilities extends beyond their individual scopes.
Transitioning to a proactive approach to securing critical infrastructure entails the use of both these frameworks. Starting with implementing SASE and then moving to broader zero trust concepts significantly reduces the attack surface and provides a more robust security architecture for both onsite and remote employees.
When deployed together, each of these components assumes a pivotal role and provides a synergic ecosystem that fortifies our critical infrastructure.
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