Why You Should Implement Zero Trust Security to Protect Your Data

With data protection mounting as a top priority for organizations, implementing a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) has become a necessity rather than a choice.

As remote work is becoming ubiquitous, the majority of modern cyberattacks involve credentials use or misuse in the network. With constant new attacks against credentials and identity stores, additional protections for credentials and data need to be extended to email security and secure web gateway (CASB) providers to ensure greater password security, integrity of accounts, and adherence to organizational IT rules.

What is Zero Trust Security?

Zero Trust is a security framework requiring all users, whether in or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. Zero Trust assumes that trust should never be automatically granted, regardless of the entity's location. Instead of relying on perimeter defenses, Zero Trust demands continuous verification and strict access controls for all users, devices, and applications, both inside and outside the network.

Zero Trust shifts security from traditional perimeter-based models to a model where trust is never implied, and access is strictly verified. One powerful tool in achieving this is Network Attached Storage (NAS), especially when equipped with advanced security features like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), snapshots, and drive encryption. Let’s explore how integrating such a NAS into a Zero Trust Architecture can fortify data protection.

Zero Trust and the Public Sector

As a response to the increasing number of high profile security breaches, in May 2021 the Biden administration issued an executive order mandating U.S. Federal Agencies to adhere to NIST 800-207 as a required step for Zero Trust implementation. As a result, the standard has gone through heavy validation and inputs from a range of commercial customers, vendors, and government agencies stakeholders – which is why many private organizations view it as the de facto standard for private enterprises as well.

Execution of this framework combines advanced technologies such as risk based multi-factor authentication, identity protection, next-generation endpoint security, and robust cloud workload technology to verify a user or systems identity, consideration of access at that moment in time, and the maintenance of system security. Zero Trust also requires consideration of encryption of data, securing email, and verifying the hygiene of assets and endpoints before they connect to applications.

Benefits of Zero Trust

Zero Trust mitigates the risk of unauthorized access to your NAS, protecting your critical data from potential breaches or data leaks. As remote work becomes more prevalent, Zero Trust security provides a secure framework for remote access to your NAS, even from untrusted networks.

Zero Trust helps defend against insider threats by continuously monitoring user behavior, making it harder for malicious insiders to compromise the NAS. Zero Trust also aligns with many regulatory requirements, ensuring that your organization remains compliant with data protection and privacy laws.

Zero Trust Implementation

While Zero Trust is a good practice and is shaping the future of cybersecurity, Implementing Zero Trust can be complex, particularly in larger organizations with extensive network infrastructure. After all, stricter access controls may lead to a more complex user experience. Balancing security with usability is essential to ensure that employees can work efficiently.

Zero Trust may require an initial investment in technology and expertise. However, the long-term benefits of enhanced NAS security often outweigh the costs. Zero Trust security is not a one-time solution but an ongoing approach to cybersecurity. As the value of data continues to grow, and as threats evolve and technology advances, embracing Zero Trust for NAS is not just a choice but a necessity in safeguarding your most valuable digital assets to remain resilient in the face of new challenges.

Buffalo TeraStation Security for Zero Trust

Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Authentication is the cornerstone of security, and 2FA adds an extra layer of defense. With 2FA, users must provide two forms of identification to access data, typically something they know (password) and something they have (smartphone or hardware token). Integrating 2FA with NAS ensures that even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is thwarted.

In a Zero Trust model, 2FA becomes non-negotiable. Every access attempt, whether internal or external, requires dual authentication. This minimizes the risk of credential theft or brute force attacks. Furthermore, modern NAS systems often support various 2FA methods, offering flexibility without compromising security.

Implement Access Controls

You can set up granulated access controls for different users and groups and integrates with Active Directory on Buffalo TeraStations so you can specify who has access to which resources on the network. This aids in thwarting unauthorized access to sensitive data and mitigates potential damage that a threat actor could inflict upon gaining entry to an account within your system.

Snapshots for Data Integrity

Data integrity is critical in a Zero Trust environment. Snapshots, a data backup and recovery feature, can play a vital role here. Snapshots capture the state of files and folders at a specific point in time, creating immediate backups. This means even if data is corrupted, encrypted by ransomware, or accidentally deleted, a previous snapshot can restore it to its original state near-instantaneously, without affecting daily operations.

Integrating snapshots into a Zero Trust Architecture adds a layer of data protection that complements other security measures. Automated snapshot schedules ensure regular backups without human intervention, reducing the window of vulnerability. Moreover, snapshots can be replicated to offsite locations, enhancing disaster recovery capabilities.

Drive Encryption for Confidentiality

Zero Trust extends beyond access control to ensure data confidentiality. Drive encryption is a potent tool in achieving this goal. By encrypting data at rest, sensitive information remains unreadable to unauthorized users even if physical or virtual storage devices are compromised.

Buffalo NAS come with AES-256 encryption, the highest level of emcryption used by the US government for security. Systems with built-in encryption capabilities offer seamless integration into a Zero Trust Architecture. Data is encrypted before being written to disks, and decryption keys are managed securely. This ensures that even if a Buffalo NAS device is accessed illicitly, data remains protected.

The Future of Cybersecurity

By assuming that no entity is inherently trustworthy, Zero Trust creates a robust defense against a wide range of cyber threats. Adopting Zero Trust principles for data security allows organizations to significantly bolster their data protection measures, ensure compliance, and adapt to the changing landscape of remote work and cybersecurity. Integrating Buffalo NAS with its robust security features into a Zero Trust Architecture can help create a resilient defense against evolving cyber threats. This approach ensures that data remains secure, regardless of where it resides or how it is accessed, aligning with the principles of Zero Trust and safeguarding critical assets.

Buffalo’s acclaimed TeraStations are the most secure NAS on the market. With nuanced data protection features such as drive encryption, two-factor authentication, and a closed system, and along with certifications such as FIPS and CMMC, Buffalo prides itself in providing easy-to-use data storage solutions that offer the security, stability, and simplicity you need so you can manage your data with peace of mind. Contact us to see how we can be part of your Zero Trust solution!