How Automation Enables Effective Zero Trust Identity

Zero Trust and the Importance of Trusted Identity in Authentication

The rise of remote and hybrid work models has led to the rapid adoption of zero-trust initiatives by enterprises looking to secure their networks and data. Zero trust takes a cautious “stranger-danger” approach to authentication, assuming that all users and devices, whether they are accessing networks from outside or within an enterprise’s physical environment, are untrustworthy. Therefore, zero trust demands a trusted identity to unlock access for people and devices to enter an enterprise’s key networks, systems, and resources.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Trusted Identity

For decades, the gold standard for authentication has been public key infrastructure (PKI). PKI goes beyond traditional password-based approaches to authentication; not only does it help enterprises identify and authenticate users and devices without passwords, but it also enables encryption of machine-to-machine communications across any location. PKI helps prove trusted identities by enabling enterprises to assign a trust anchor to devices and personnel accessing their networks. It does this by issuing certificates to devices or authorized users using a trusted certificate issuance route, which cannot be fooled by traditional authentication methods, such as a password with special characters.

Managing PKI Operations

The certificate-issuance process may seem overwhelming due to the number of users and devices that need certificates. However, one of the many benefits of implementing PKI as the building block for an enterprise’s zero-trust identity framework is that existing enterprise tools such as Intune or Active Directory can be leveraged to automate certificate issuance, renewal, and revocation. Regardless of the operating system or device policies used by an IT organization, a zero-trust environment rooted in PKI automation can be implemented.

For optimal PKI operations management, organizations must establish a strong foundation and maintain visibility of all certificates within the organization. This is so that they can achieve trust, scalability, and cost efficiency, as well as the freedom to retain control of their private trust assets, to achieve a zero-trust PKI operation.

The Biden Administration and Zero Trust

The Biden administration has become a strong proponent of zero-trust frameworks to fortify cybersecurity, including it in its cybersecurity executive order in 2021 and the National Cybersecurity Strategy in 2023. Therefore, it is recommended that enterprises align their security measures with White House directives while implementing zero trust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing zero trust with PKI automation can help enterprises authenticate that the individuals or devices requesting access are trusted to do so. A successful zero-trust PKI operation involves establishing a strong foundation for the authentication process and maintaining a direct line of sight to all certificates within the organization. Ultimately, in a time when remote work is the new normal, adopting zero trust is a crucial step towards safeguarding sensitive information and resources.

About the Author: Mrugesh Chandarana is the Product Management Director for Identity and Access Management Solutions at HID Global, where he specializes in IoT and PKI solutions. He has over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, with a focus on areas such as risk management, threat and vulnerability management, application security, and PKI. He previously worked in product management positions at RiskSense, WhiteHat Security (acquired by NTT Security), and RiskVision (acquired by Resolver, Inc.).

Keywords: Security, identity management, zero-trust security, automation, access control, authentication, authorization, privileged access, security policies.