Why trust is the biggest security risk – and how Zero Trust fixes it

In an era where cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, the biggest risk to security isn’t just external attackers — it’s misplaced trust. Traditional security models operate on the assumption that entities inside the network perimeter are trustworthy. But with the rise of insider threats, credential theft, and supply chain attacks, this outdated approach leaves organisation vulnerable. The cost of inaction is high – every day without Zero Trust increases the risk of a disruptive and costly breach.

The danger of assumed trust

Historically, security frameworks were built on a ‘castle-and-moat’ principle: if a user or device was inside the network, it was assumed to be safe. This model worked when organisations had clearly defined perimeters, but today’s digital landscape has changed. Remote work, cloud services, and interconnected ecosystems have blurred the lines, making it easier for attackers to exploit trust-based access controls.

Once an attacker gains initial access – whether through phishing, stolen credentials, or a compromised endpoint – they can move laterally within the network with little resistance. This leads to devastating breaches, data exfiltration, and operational disruptions. The longer an attacker remains undetected, the greater the damage they can inflict. Without Zero Trust, organisations are leaving the door wide open.

Zero Trust: a new security paradigm

Zero Trust flips the traditional model on its head by eliminating implicit trust and requiring continuous verification at every stage. It operates on three key principles:

1. Verify explicitly – Authenticate and authorise every user, device, and application based on multiple factors, such as identity, location, and device health.
2. Least privilege access – Limit access to only what is necessary for users to perform their roles, reducing the blast radius of potential breaches.
3. Assume breach – Continuously monitor and inspect all network activity, detecting and responding to anomalies in real time.

By implementing Zero Trust, organisations move from a reactive to a proactive security posture, reducing the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.

How Zero Trust strengthens security

Zero Trust doesn’t mean distrusting employees or partners — it means enforcing security policies that protect the organisation from threats, whether internal or external. With solutions like multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint detection and response (EDR), identity and access management (IAM), and network segmentation, Zero Trust ensures that every access request is scrutinised before being granted.

This approach is especially crucial in today’s hybrid work environment, where employees connect from various locations and devices. Every login, every access request, and every data transfer is a potential entry point for attackers. Zero Trust ensures that no action goes unchecked, minimising risks in real-time.

The role of Generative AI

In the age of GenAI, Generative AI (GenAI) Security solutions, like Copilot Security, play a pivotal role in enhancing security measures. GenAI can help identify patterns and predict potential threats by analysing vast amounts of data. For example, Security Copilot, an AI-driven assistant, can provide real-time insights and recommendations, helping security teams to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.

These AI-driven tools complement the Zero Trust framework by providing advanced threat detection and response capabilities. They enable organisations to stay ahead of cyber threats by continuously learning and adapting to new attack vectors.