October 18, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of government cybersecurity, the Zero Trust Security framework has demonstrated advantages over traditional cybersecurity models. Traditionally, IT security operated on the assumption that entities within the network were inherently trustworthy. However, this approach no longer suffices in the face of sophisticated cyber threats. Fortra’s 2023 Zero Trust Security Report cites that 79% of respondents identified security and data protection as key drivers for adopting Zero Trust programs. The report also states that 68% of respondents cited breach prevention. Zero Trust cybersecurity enforces stringent identity verification and least privilege access controls to strengthen security postures and minimize the damage of security breaches.
Zero Trust is not merely a strategy; it’s a fundamental shift in approach. It operates under the premise that no one, whether inside or outside the network, can be trusted by default. In Fortra’s report, 45% of security incidents from responding organizations were caused by end users possessing privileges beyond what they require for their daily work. Continuously verifying trust minimizes damage in the event of a breach, a fundamental principle in modern Zero Trust cybersecurity solutions.
Enhanced Security Posture: Zero Trust Cybersecurity significantly reduces the attack surface, fortifying government IT security against cyber threats.
Traditional remote access solutions lag behind today’s dynamic and distributed cloud environments. Fortra’s report states that 34% of respondents have to publicly expose private apps in a public cloud to enable remote and mobile users, introducing significant risk. Zero Trust enables a secure mobile workforce, ensuring government employees access critical data securely from any location.
Government agencies can securely collaborate with external entities, safeguarding sensitive data.
By preventing lateral movement of threats, Zero Trust limits the impact of potential incidents, safeguarding government data.
Government agencies face unique cybersecurity challenges requiring specialized expertise. Per Fortra’s report, 42% of enterprise IT security teams lack or have low confidence in their ability to provide Zero Trust. MSPs bridge the gap, offering expertise and solutions that navigate the complexities of government IT security:
MSPs offer tailored Zero Trust frameworks, aligning with government cybersecurity trends and challenges. Fortinet’s 2023 State of Zero Trust Report states that although many organizations are moving forward with zero trust, challenges remain, including interoperability between solutions, consistent visibility, end-to-end policy enforcement, and application latency issues. Experienced MSPs have the expertise to navigate these issues.
Experienced MSPs conduct in-depth assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend cybersecurity solutions aligned with regulatory compliance. A CIS assessment is a great way to baseline an organization’s security posture and develop a roadmap for improvement.
MSPs manage Zero Trust implementations, ensuring government agencies maintain cybersecurity effectiveness. A good MSP will also monitor the environment for performance and flag any potential issues before they become widespread problems.
MSPs provide invaluable insights based on experience when implementing Zero Trust, offering practical strategies derived from real-world implementations.
Government data protection mandates stringent regulatory compliance. The Zero Trust philosophy aligns with these mandates:
Zero Trust strengthens government data protection through strict access controls and encryption protocols, adhering to regulatory compliance like CMMC and HIPAA.
It provides real-time visibility into security measures, simplifying compliance audits and demonstrating adherence to evolving regulations.
By enhancing cybersecurity effectiveness and ensuring regulatory compliance, government agencies bolster their reputation in the eyes of their constituents.
The constant barrage of news about cyber-attacks and their financial impact seems relentless. Fortunately, Dewpoint’s cybersecurity experts understand how to limit your risk. Don’t wait for the next cyber-attack to strike. Start a conversation with a Dewpoint cybersecurity expert today and reduce your risk against the evolving world of cybercrime.
Still not sure? Take our cybersecurity quiz and see how your current security posture scores. Check out our IT solutions for Government.
Dewpoint, an award-winning, Michigan-based technology firm, has been helping businesses prepare for, stay ahead of, and respond to IT challenges for over 26 years. From IT security to infrastructure management to automation, cloud migration, and beyond, Dewpoint has long been a trusted technology resource for businesses.