5 Recommended Phases to be included in your roadmap for adoption of Zero Trust Network using SASE

There are many proven benefits for organization to adopt Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and many of them are excited and want to start adopting it to achieve Zero Trust Network concept.

However, many of these organizations are still facing challenges and one of the biggest challenges is to ow how to go from where they current are to ultimately where they want to be.

NetAssist has successfully help many organization in these journey and we would like to share some ideas here in phases:

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning

1. Conduct a Security Assessment: Identify current security posture, vulnerabilities, and risks. Evaluate existing network infrastructure and security controls. Assess compliance with relevant regulations or standards(e.g., NIST, ISO, PCI).
2. Define Business Objectives: Clearly articulate the company's goals for adopting zero trust. Identify key benefits and challenges. Determine the desired level of security and compliance.
3. Choose a SASE Solution: Research and evaluate SASE vendors based on features, pricing, and alignment with business needs. Consider factors like scalability, ease of deployment, and integration capabilities.
4. Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan: Create a timeline, assign responsibilities, and outline the necessary resources. Define key milestones and metrics for measuring progress.

Phase 2: Network and Security Infrastructure Preparation

1. Inventory Existing Infrastructure: Document all network devices, applications, and security controls. Assess their compatibility with zero trust principles.
2. Implement Strong Identity and Access Management (IAM):Deploy robust IAM solutions to manage user identities and access privileges. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users. Implement least privilege access policies.
3. Secure Remote Access: Replace traditional VPNs with a SASE-based secure remote access solution. Ensure secure connectivity for remote workers and contractors.
4. Segment Network Traffic: Divide the network into micro-segments based on functions and sensitivity. Implement granular access controls between segments.

Phase 3: SASE Solution Deployment and Configuration

1. Deploy SASE Infrastructure: Install and configure the chosen SASE solution in accordance with vendor guidelines. Integrate the SASE solution with existing network and security components.
2. Configure Zero Trust Policies: Define granular access policies based on user identity, device posture, and application requirements. Implement continuous authentication and authorization mechanisms.
3. Migrate Applications to the Cloud (Optional):If applicable, migrate on-premises applications to the cloud to leverage SASE-based security benefits.

Phase 4: Testing and Migration

1. Conduct Proof of Concept (PoC):Test the SASE solution in a controlled environment to verify its functionality and performance. Validate the effectiveness of zero trust policies and security controls.
2. Migrate to Zero Trust Architecture: Gradually migrate network traffic and applications to the SASE-based zero trust environment. Monitor and address any issues during the migration process.

Phase 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Management

1. Implement Continuous Monitoring: Monitor network traffic, user behavior, and security events for anomalies. Use advanced analytics and threat intelligence to detect and respond to potential threats.
2. Regular Security Updates and Patches: Keep SASE solution, network devices, and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches. Conduct vulnerability assessments on a regular basis.
3. Review and Adjust Policies: Continuously review and adjust zero trust policies based on changing business needs and security threats. Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.

Additional Considerations:

• Employee Training: Provide comprehensive training to employees on the importance of zero trust principles and best practices for secure access.
• Data Privacy and Compliance: Ensure that the SASE solution and zero trust architecture comply with relevant data privacy regulations.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Develop a robust disaster recovery plan to protect against potential disruptions.

By following this roadmap, a small insurance company can successfully adopt a zero trust network using SASE, enhancing its security posture and protecting sensitive data.