CCNP ENCOR Exam Notes

Zero Trust is a security model that discards the traditional “castle and moat” approach to network security. Instead of implicitly trusting devices and users within the network perimeter, ZTA assumes that any device or user, whether inside or outside the network, could be compromised.

Key Principles:

• Never Trust, Always Verify: Every access request, regardless of origin, must be explicitly verified and authorized.
• Least Privilege: Users and devices are granted only the minimum necessary access to perform their required functions.
• Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation: Security policies and access controls are continuously monitored and adjusted based on real-time risk assessments and threat intelligence.
• Data-Centric Security: Focuses on protecting sensitive data, regardless of its location.

Core Components:

1. Policy-Based Authentication:
   • What it is: Strong authentication methods are enforced for every access request, regardless of location.
   • Examples:
     • Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Requires multiple forms of verification (e.g., password, biometrics, one-time codes).
     • Continuous authentication: Regularly re-authenticates users and devices to ensure ongoing trust.
   • Goal: To ensure that only authorized entities can access resources.
2. Authorization:
   • What it is: Defines which actions specific users or devices are permitted to perform on specific resources.
   • Examples:
     • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Assigns permissions based on a user’s role within the organization.
     • Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): Grants access based on a combination of attributes (user, device, location, data sensitivity, etc.).
   • Goal: To restrict access to only the necessary level for each individual or device.
3. Least Privilege Access:
   • What it is: The principle of granting users and devices only the minimum necessary privileges to perform their required tasks.
   • Benefits:
     • Reduces the potential impact of a successful attack.
     • Minimizes the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
     • Improves overall security posture.
   • Implementation: Involves carefully reviewing and adjusting user permissions and access rights on an ongoing basis.

Benefits of ZTA:

• Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of data breaches, lateral movement of threats within the network, and insider threats.
• Improved Agility: Enables organizations to adapt quickly to changing business needs and security threats.
• Better Visibility: Provides greater visibility into user activity and network traffic, enabling proactive threat detection and response.
• Stronger Compliance: Helps organizations comply with various security regulations and industry standards.

In Summary:

Zero Trust is a fundamental shift in security thinking that emphasizes continuous verification, least privilege access, and a focus on protecting data regardless of location. By implementing ZTA principles, organizations can significantly enhance their security posture and better protect their valuable assets.

Ref: Checkout the CCNP ENCORE and CCNP ENARSI practice tests