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Zero Trust Guiding Principles
Zero Trust Guiding Principles
Who it's for:
  • Information protection practitioners
  • Executive management

Zero Trust Guiding Principles

Release Date: 07/18/2023

Working Group: Zero Trust

Zero Trust is a strategic mindset that is highly useful for organizations to adopt as part of their digital transformations and other efforts to increase security and resilience. However, despite being based on long-standing principles, Zero Trust is easily misunderstood and over-complicated due to conflicting messaging within the security industry and a lack of established Zero Trust standards. When properly understood, Zero Trust philosophy and strategy are valuable tools that organizations can use to enhance security, increase resilience, and guide digital transformation.

This document provides a clear understanding of what Zero Trust security is and the guiding principles that any organization can leverage when planning, implementing, and operating Zero Trust. These best practices remain consistent across all Zero Trust pillars, use cases, environments, and products. As expertise and industry knowledge mature, additional authoritative references such as guidance, policies, and legislation may be added.

Principles Covered:
  • Begin with the end in mind
  • Do not overcomplicate
  • Products are not the priority
  • Access is a deliberate act
  • Inside out, not outside in 
  • Breaches happen
  • Understand your risk appetite
  • Ensure the tone from the top
  • Instill a Zero Trust culture
  • Start small and focus on quick wins
  • Continuously monitor
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