Why it matters
Hybrid work, cloud services and connected partners have dissolved the network perimeter that traditional security relied on. Most serious breaches now start with stolen credentials or a compromised supplier, both of which a perimeter cannot stop.
What to get right
- Start with identity: one identity provider, strong multi-factor authentication for every employee and partner.
- Know your devices. Access decisions are only as good as the device inventory behind them.
- Segment access to critical applications before attempting full network micro-segmentation.
- Treat zero trust as a multi-year programme with measurable stages, not a product purchase.
Common questions
Is zero trust a product I can buy?
No. It is an architecture and operating model. Vendors sell components such as identity platforms, secure access service edge (SASE) and endpoint tools, but the design and sequencing are yours.
Where should a mid-size company start?
With identity consolidation and multi-factor authentication. Our research finds this delivers more risk reduction per rupee in the early stages than network segmentation.