Zero trust has become a key strategy for protecting small businesses’ sensitive data. With cyberthreats constantly increasing in numbers and threats, it is essential to reduce the risks. However, the perceived cost of implementing zero trust can seem like a barrier for many companies.
The good news is there are many ways to achieve zero trust without a massive budget or extensive resources. By following a strategic approach, startups can ensure strong security measures without financial strain.
Understanding the zero trust security model
Zero trust is a security framework that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This means no entity—whether internally or externally—should be trusted by default. Companies must authenticate and authorize every access request before granting access to resources. The purpose of this is to minimize security risks by eliminating implicit trust and ensuring the validation of each user and device.
Zero trust includes a few key components:
- Identity verification. Continuous authentication and authorization of users and devices
- Least privilege access. Limit user access rights to the minimum necessary to perform their job functions and reduce the attack surface
- Microsegmentation. Divide the network into smaller, isolated segments to prevent lateral threat movements within the network
- Continuous monitoring. Implementing real-time tracking and analytics to detect and respond to suspicious activity
- Device security. Ensuring all devices meet security standards before accessing the network
For small businesses with limited budgets, it is possible to implement zero trust effectively through several creative strategies.
How to implement zero trust security on a budget
1. Assess your current environment
With the increasing adoption of third-party generative AI tools, many enterprises find themselves balancing enhanced productivity with the risks of shadow AI. Shadow AI is when employees use AI tools without IT’s consent, potentially bypassing security protocols and creating vulnerabilities. For instance, employees may use ChatGPT to streamline tasks, but without proper oversight, it can expose sensitive data and increase the risk of cyberthreats.
Recognizing these risks, more than 70% of brands have already taken measures to mitigate the dangers of AI adoption. To follow suit, conduct a thorough assessment of your current environment to find where staff are using unauthorized tools. This strategy will help you understand security gaps and create a targeted plan to enforce zero trust.
2. Establish a zero trust policy
Zero trust policies are crucial for guiding your small business’s security practices. A policy should outline the principles and protocols for granting and managing access across the network.
Start by creating clear guidelines on identity verification, access controls, and continuous monitoring. Ensure every user, device, and application follows through with authentication and authorization before gaining access to any resources. With a well-defined policy, you can create standard security measures and ensure consistent application.
3. Leverage existing tools
Maximizing existing tools and resources is a cost-effective strategy for implementing zero trust. Many small-scale enterprises already have security tools they can configure to support zero trust. For instance, adapt existing firewalls, VPNs, and endpoint security solutions to enforce stricter access controls. By leveraging what you already have, you can avoid the expense of purchasing new tools while still enhancing your security posture.
4. Implement strong authentication measures
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a cost-effective way to enhance security. Many service providers offer this for free, requiring multiple verification forms before granting access to sensitive resources. This could include something the user knows or has, like a password or a security token. Incorporate MFA into access controls to ensure that even if one credential becomes compromised, unauthorized access is still a decreased risk.
Additionally, consider using adaptive authentication. This method adjusts the level of verification based on the user’s behavior, location, and risk profile. Doing so adds another layer of security without impacting user experience.
5. Monitor and log activity
Implement continuous monitoring and logging activity. This guarantees real-time tracking of user actions and network events, allowing for prompt detection and response. Such visibility is crucial for pinpointing potential threats and ensuring compliance with security policies.
The best way to start monitoring is by using existing tools that offer logging and alerting functionalities. These tools can track access attempts, data flow, and user behavior. Ensuring thorough and regular review of logs will also specify anomalies and potential security incidents. Automated alert systems can notify the security team of unusual activities, enabling swift intervention.
6. Adopt cloud-based solutions
Cloud-based solutions are often economical and efficient for implementing zero trust. Providers usually offer security features that align with zero trust, such as advanced identity and access management and encryption, allowing smaller organizations to leverage enterprise-level security at lower costs.
Cloud solutions also provide the scalability and flexibility necessary to adjust resources and security measures. Utilizing these services, small businesses can ensure their security infrastructure can grow along with them. Plus, cloud providers offer flexible pricing models, such as pay as you go. This makes it easier to manage spending and avoid large upfront investments.
7. Start small and scale gradually
While zero trust is gaining traction globally, only 48% of small enterprises in the United States have started implementing this security framework. Meanwhile, countries like Japan and Singapore are leading the way in zero-trust adoption.
For startups, the idea of implementing zero trust may seem far-fetched. However, it is entirely feasible to integrate by starting with small implementation strategies. This procedure begins with prioritizing the security of the most critical assets. Determine what requires the highest level of protection and implement basic zero trust principles, such as strong authentication and access controls.
As your budget allows, gradually increase these measures across the rest of the organization. By taking a phased approach, you can manage expenses effectively while continuously enriching your security.
8. Gain vendor support
Many vendors provide free trials or smaller-scaled versions of their security offerings. These opportunities can give small businesses the tools they need to start zero trust endeavors without having to invest a lot of money. Plus, they allow users to test different solutions to decide which service fits best.
Consider exploring different merchants to see what they can provide. Often, they are willing to offer customized pricing plans or extended trial periods to help you get started. Additionally, they may provide onboarding assistance, ensuring you are able to maximize the tools’ potential.
