Zero Trust Security in the Cloud Era
Zero Trust Security in the Cloud Era Cloud environments change where we work and how we defend data. Zero Trust is a safety model that does not assume trust, even for users inside the network. The idea is simple: verify every access request, enforce least privilege, and inspect behavior continuously. In today’s cloud settings, this approach is practical and affordable for many teams. Core ideas Verify each user and device before granting access Enforce least-privilege access with fine-grained policies Continuously assess risk and adapt access in real time Protect data with encryption, integrity checks, and context-aware controls Segment networks and applications to limit blast radius Rely on strong authentication and device posture as gatekeepers Practical steps Map identities, roles, apps, and data across clouds Require multi-factor authentication for all critical paths Use conditional access to tailor access by location, device, and risk Centralize identity with an IAM system and manage privileges with PAM where needed Check device health and posture before granting access Segment networks and apply micro-segmentation to limit lateral movement Use short-lived tokens and continuous authorization, not long-lived credentials Monitor access patterns and set automated alerts for anomalies Automate policy enforcement across cloud services and tools Example scenario Meet Mia, a software engineer who works from home. She signs in with MFA, her device posture is checked, and her access to production systems is granted only after risk checks pass. If her behavior or device changes, access can be tightened or blocked. ...