Description: The Overarching Security Policy is a comprehensive framework that outlines the security measures and protocols an organization implements to protect its assets, data, and operations. In the context of Zero Trust in the cloud, this policy focuses on the premise that no entity, whether internal or external, should be automatically considered trustworthy. This means that every access to resources must be verified and authenticated, regardless of the user’s or device’s location. Key features of this policy include network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, continuous monitoring, and identity and access management. The relevance of this policy lies in its ability to adapt to an ever-evolving threat landscape, where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. By adopting a Zero Trust approach, organizations can minimize the risk of security breaches and better protect their critical information, ensuring that only authorized users have access to the resources necessary to perform their functions.
History: The concept of Zero Trust was introduced by John Kindervag in 2010 while working at Forrester Research. The idea emerged in response to the growing complexity of networks and the need for a more rigorous approach to security. As organizations began to adopt cloud services and allow remote access, the need for a security policy that did not assume trust became evident. Since then, Zero Trust has evolved and become a standard in cybersecurity, driven by digitalization and the increase in threats.
Uses: The Overarching Security Policy within the Zero Trust framework is primarily used to protect sensitive data and ensure that only authorized users have access to critical resources. It is applied in hybrid and remote work environments, where employees access the network from various locations and devices. Additionally, it is essential for compliance with data protection regulations and security standards, such as GDPR and PCI-DSS.
Examples: An example of implementing an Overarching Security Policy based on Zero Trust is the use of multi-factor authentication solutions in organizations that allow access to cloud applications. Another practical application is network segmentation, where access to different parts of the infrastructure is restricted based on the user’s role, thereby minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
