Zero Trust in password management: how to apply it?

A few decades ago, it was common to regard everything stored inside the company as trustworthy: the papers and files, securely stored in a locked safe and devices connected to the network. Everything outside – as a potential security threat.

In the current remote work, cloud computing, and digital era, the boundaries between the inside and outside are blurred or non-existing. Both internal and external factors can quickly become a security threat in any company.

Last year, the cost of the data breach reached a record of USD 4.24 million. Therefore, securely shifting to digital data management processes becomes essential. For that, you should be familiar with the Zero Trust approach.

What is Zero Trust ?

Zero Trust is an approach that promotes the idea of not trusting anyone within the network. The concept includes both the users and the devices. That is, every actor should first get verified before accessing the network.

Yet, the approach does not require implementing any technological solution. Instead, it promotes changing the attitude to security within the organization.

It boils down to the following. If people make mistakes and devices get stolen or corrupted, it is illogical to trust them blindly. Accordingly, requiring to log in or get verified might help prevent data breaches.

Why is the approach vital for companies?

When you do not implicitly trust anyone inside or outside the organization, you raise the level of security standard. You ensure that only verified actors get access. This way, you close the doors to every unauthorized person (or device) that tries to access any part of the organization.

This means that in case the device of an employee is stolen or corrupted, it will not automatically provide access to the organization network for the criminal.

If the user’s credentials are leaked or compromised, the perpetrator will not access the network.

If someone inside the company changes a password, you will trace back to the new version and the person who changed it.

The benefits are real. That is why 70% of organizations are introducing a Zero Trust model for their security following the pandemic.

How can Zero Trust be applied in password management?

Passwords are often the most vulnerable link in the cybersecurity chain. They are responsible for approximately 80% of data breaches.

Hence, credentials – the main access point – are the vital aspect of the Zero Trust security approach. Complete transparency in enterprise password management allows tracking the movement of people and the data.

To apply a Zero Trust password management model in your company, consider using the password manager with these features:

• Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (or 2FA) ensures that each new user or device verifies its identity before accessing the password management system. This eliminates the chance of successful unauthorized login.

• Frequent logins

If a password manager provides a browser extension, make sure it requires to log in periodically. If another person uses the device or it gets stolen, the mandatory login can protect the system from unauthorized access.

• Transparent data sharing

Make sure the password management tool tracks sharing and modifications of sensitive data. Such features as History Log boosts transparency inside the organization. If an employee reshares the password and changes it, it should be visible.

• Zero-knowledge

Zero-knowledge is a model of encrypting and storing sensitive data in a password manager. It means that the tool provider (the third party) does not have access to the client’s data in their cloud. If you store your company’s passwords inside a tool that is powered with Zero-knowledge, nobody will be able to reveal your data – neither the developers nor the cybercriminals.

The Zero Trust approach is an inevitable future of the remotely working industry to prevent human mistakes and external cyber threats. With cyber-attacks getting more frequent and sophisticated, this security model is expected to play a critical role in sustainable password safety.

Be among the first companies to successfully adopt the approach.