What is Zero Trust Architecture

Today’s digital environments are complex. Cloud adoption, remote work, mobile devices, and increasing cyber threats have eroded the effectiveness of traditional “castle-and-moat” security models that focus on defending the perimeter. Once an attacker breaches the outer wall, they often have unfettered access.

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) emerged as a response. Its core principle is simple yet powerful: “Never trust, always verify.” Every access request, user, and device must be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated.

Zero Trust assumes breach—and designs systems to minimize damage when breaches occur.

Learn more with our Neeve Podcast: Zero Trust Architecture and ZTNA

The Origins of Zero Trust

Zero Trust was coined by John Kindervag at Forrester Research in 2010. Since then, it has evolved into a globally recognized security model, endorsed and defined in detail by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in its publication SP 800-207.

While often used interchangeably, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) are distinct components of the broader Zero Trust approach.

What Is ZTA?

ZTA is a comprehensive security framework that:

• Eliminates implicit trust
• Requires strict identity and device verification
• Enforces policy-driven access controls

What Is ZTNA?

ZTNA is a productized implementation of Zero Trust, focused on application access. It replaces traditional VPNs with:

• Per-application access controls
• Dynamic session-based authentication
• Support for cloud and hybrid work environments

ZTNA is a practical enabler of ZTA.

Zero Trust Architecture strengthens cybersecurity by enforcing strict identity verification and minimizing implicit trust. Here’s how its five core pillars enhance security:

1. Identity Management

• Concept: Follow the principle of least-privileged access.
• Implementation: Assign permissions based on user roles, ensuring that each user receives only the access they need. Continuous identity verification prevents unauthorized access.

2. Device Integrity

• Concept: Maintain security compliance for all connected devices.
• Implementation: Regularly check devices for up-to-date security patches and configurations before granting access.

3. Network Segmentation

• Concept: Move beyond traditional perimeter-based security.
• Implementation: Divide networks into secure segments tailored to specific applications and workflows. Continuous monitoring prevents unauthorized lateral movement.

4. Applications and Workloads

• Concept: Secure applications with built-in access controls.
• Implementation: Grant access based on multiple authentication factors, including user identity and device compliance.

5. Data Security

• Concept: Prioritize data protection through classification and monitoring.
• Implementation: Identify, catalog, and monitor data assets continuously. Enforce strict access controls based on data sensitivity.

By integrating these five pillars, organizations strengthen their security posture, reduce vulnerabilities, and protect valuable digital assets.

NIST’s 7 Tenets of Zero Trust

According to NIST SP 800-207, ZTA is based on these seven tenets:

1. All data sources and computing services are considered resources.
2. All communication is secured regardless of network location.
3. Access is granted per session and per request.
4. Access to resources is determined by dynamic policy.
5. The enterprise monitors and measures the security posture of all assets.
6. All resource authentication and authorization are dynamic and strictly enforced.
7. The enterprise collects as much information as possible to improve security.

Transitioning to Zero Trust requires a structured, step-by-step approach. Here’s how organizations can implement it effectively:

1. Connect Users to Applications, Not Networks

Instead of relying on network perimeter security, Zero Trust secures access at the application level. A proxy-based architecture enables users to connect directly to the applications they need, eliminating unnecessary exposure.

2. Start with Identity and Context Verification

Before granting access, verify the identity of the user or device. This includes assessing location, device type, and security posture to ensure safe connections.

3. Evaluate and Mitigate Risk

Analyze security risks before establishing connections. Apply segmentation rules and inspect traffic to detect threats or sensitive data exposure.

4. Enforce Security Policies

Determine access permissions based on real-time risk assessments. If a user or device meets security requirements, establish a connection with strict policy enforcement—whether for cloud applications, software, or infrastructure.

By following these steps, organizations can build a Zero Trust framework that adapts to modern digital environments while reducing security risks.

While upfront planning is required, the long-term benefits of Zero Trust are substantial:

• Reduce breach risk and cost
• Simplify compliance with SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST
• Improve operational efficiency by consolidating infrastructure
• Enable secure remote work and third-party access

Securing operational technology (OT) and critical infrastructure has never been more critical. Neeve simplifies Zero Trust with a scalable and effective approach:

• Purpose-Built for OT: Agentless, Zero Trust remote access designed for critical infrastructure.
• Seamless Integration: Works with legacy systems and cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Granular Control & Real-Time Detection: Restrict access by role, time, or device while detecting threats instantly.
• Proven Security: ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2 certified, and aligned with NIST standards.
• Cost-Effective Scalability: Secure solutions that grow with your organization—without unnecessary complexity.

Neeve is more than a security solution—it’s a smarter foundation for your spaces. With simplicity, scalability, and innovation at its core, Neeve empowers your organization to secure infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and support long-term growth.

Zero Trust is more than a trend—it’s a transformation in how we think about security. With the right strategy, tools, and partners, organizations can reduce risk, secure their infrastructure, and move confidently into a cloud-first future.

Ready to start your Zero Trust journey? Contact us for a personalized demo and learn how Neeve can help secure your spaces.