Cybersecurity is more important than ever. With increasing cyber threats, businesses are adopting new approaches to safeguard their data and systems. One such strategy gaining traction is Zero Trust. This model assumes that threats are always present, both inside and outside the network, and requires verification at every step. Here’s a deeper dive into how Zero Trust, particularly in endpoint security, can protect your organization.

What is Zero Trust?

Zero Trust is a security framework based on the idea of “never trust, always verify.” Rather than trusting users and devices based on their location or credentials, Zero Trust requires continuous authentication and strict access controls. At its core, Zero Trust minimizes the risk of lateral movement within an organization’s network, even if an attacker gains access.

A critical aspect of implementing Zero Trust is securing endpoints, where most cyberattacks begin. Endpoint security involves managing and monitoring all devices that connect to a network, such as laptops, smartphones, and workstations. A robust endpoint security strategy that leverages Zero Trust principles can block unauthorized access and limit the damage caused by breaches.

Blocking Unauthorized Software

One of the most straightforward ways to apply Zero Trust at the endpoint level is by blocking unauthorized software. Often, businesses allow a range of software to run on their systems, trusting that it’s safe. However, cybercriminals frequently exploit trusted software to launch attacks.

• Limit approved applications: Only allow the software that’s absolutely necessary for operations.
• Block everything else: Prevent malware and unapproved applications from running by default.

By ensuring only authorized software is allowed, businesses significantly reduce their risk of attack.

In fact, over 400,000 new pieces of malware are detected daily, according to AV-ATLAS, and this number grows continuously. Relying solely on traditional antivirus tools that must constantly update to catch new threats is no longer enough. A more proactive approach, like blocking unauthorized software from running altogether, offers better protection.

Application Control with Ring Fencing

Zero Trust security is about controlling what applications can do, not just who can access them. An important concept in Zero Trust at the endpoint level is ring fencing. This approach limits what trusted applications can do, preventing them from accessing sensitive areas of your network or interacting with other applications in dangerous ways.

For example:

• Limit application access: Control what files, registry entries, and other applications a trusted app can access.
• Block dangerous behavior: Prevent trusted applications from interacting with other applications, like PowerShell, that could be used to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network.

Ring fencing helps mitigate the risk of vulnerabilities, such as those seen in the SolarWinds and 3CX attacks, where trusted software was compromised. By controlling how applications interact with each other, businesses can limit the damage caused by any single breach.

Managing Admin Rights

Another crucial aspect of Zero Trust is managing admin rights at the endpoint. Cybercriminals often target admin accounts because they grant elevated access to systems and data. Therefore, limiting the number of accounts with admin privileges can reduce the risk of an attack.

Key strategies include:

• Use principle of least privilege: Only grant admin rights to those who need them.
• Temporary elevation: Allow users to request elevated privileges when necessary but limit the duration of that access.

By applying these strategies, businesses can prevent attackers from using compromised admin accounts to escalate their access and cause more damage.

Layering with EDR Tools

Endpoint Detection and Response tools, like Threatlocker’s Troca Detect, are valuable additions to any Zero Trust strategy. While they should not be the foundation of your security framework, they can complement Zero Trust measures by providing additional visibility and alerts on suspicious activity.

EDR tools can:

• Detect attempts to bypass security measures: Alert security teams to any attempts to circumvent the Zero Trust controls, like unauthorized access attempts.
• Monitor for indicators of compromise: Provide real-time alerts on threats that manage to slip through.

However, it’s important to remember that EDR tools are only effective when placed on top of a solid Zero Trust foundation. Without Zero Trust’s proactive defenses, EDR tools alone may not be enough to prevent breaches.

Adopting Zero Trust for Effective Endpoint Security

By securing endpoints with a Zero Trust strategy, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks. With solutions like Threatlocker’s application control and ring fencing, organizations can protect themselves from both known and emerging threats. By verifying every request and limiting access based on need, businesses can stay ahead of threats and ensure their network remains secure. Ready to strengthen your cybersecurity with Zero Trust? Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.