Trusting 0s and 1s with blockchain

Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed digital ledger that is used to record transactions across many nodes so that the record cannot be altered retroactively without the alteration of all subsequent blocks and the consensus of the network. (“What Is Blockchain and How Does It Work? | Synopsys”)

One of the key features of blockchain technology is that it allows for secure, transparent record-keeping without the need of intermediaries and the very same decentralized nature of blockchain can be used in achieving a zero-trust architecture. The zero-trust architecture is a security model that assumes that no one can be fully trusted, and all the network traffic is treated as potentially malicious.

Instead of assuming everything behind the corporate firewall is safe, the Zero Trust model assumes breach and verifies each request as though it originates from an open network. Regardless of where the request originates or what resource it accesses, Zero Trust teaches us to “never trust, always verify.” Every access request is fully authenticated, authorized, and encrypted before granting access.

By using blockchain to store and validate transactions and access control information, it is possible to create a secure and transparent system that does not rely on a central authority. This can help to improve security and reduce the risk of fraud or tampering, as any changes to the blockchain would need to be validated by the network before they can be accepted.

Let us look at some of the industry application of blockchain to strengthen zero-trust.

Healthcare: Blockchain can be used to create secure, decentralized electronic health record systems that allow patients to control access to their personal health information. This can help to prevent data breaches and ensure that only authorized parties have access to sensitive medical information.

Supply chain management: Blockchain can be used to track the movement of goods through the supply chain, providing a transparent and secure way to verify the origin and authenticity of products. This can help to reduce the risk of counterfeiting and improve the efficiency of supply chain operations.

Finance: Blockchain can be used to create decentralized, peer-to-peer financial systems that enable individuals and businesses to make transactions directly, without the need for intermediaries. This can help to reduce the risk of fraud and increase the security of financial transactions.

Government: Blockchain can be used to create secure, decentralized systems for storing and transmitting sensitive government data, such as voting records and citizen identification information. This can help to prevent data breaches and improve the security of government operations.

Why do you need blockchain when zero-trust can be achieved without it?

Blockchain technology can be used in conjunction with zero-trust networks because it can provide a secure and transparent way to store and share data among different parties. In a zero-trust network, all parties are assumed to be potentially untrustworthy, so it is important to have a system in place that can help verify the authenticity and integrity of the data being shared.

One of the key benefits of blockchain is that it uses cryptography to secure the data and make it tamper-evident. This means that any attempt to alter the data on the blockchain would be immediately detectable, which helps to maintain the integrity of the data and build trust among the parties involved.

Additionally, blockchain technology can be used to create a decentralized network, where no single entity has control over the data. This can be useful in a zero-trust network because it means that no single party can manipulate the data for their own benefit. Instead, the data is controlled by the network as a whole, which can help to build trust among the parties involved.

So, while it is possible to achieve zero-trust without using blockchain technology, the use of blockchain can provide additional security and trust-building benefits that may make it a useful tool in certain situations. Overall, the decentralized and secure nature of blockchain technology makes it well-suited for use in zero-trust systems and networks, where the focus is on ensuring that only authorized parties have access to sensitive data and resources.