Vulnerability Scanning: Definition & Types
Both organizations and cybercriminals use vulnerability scanning to detect potential network vulnerabilities.
As the rate of cybercrime is increasing, cyber security remains at the forefront for many businesses. To stay ahead of the cybercriminals, companies are changing their cybersecurity strategies and employ some cybersecurity measures, such as Zero Trust, Least Privilege Access.
“Zero Trust” and “Least Privilege Access” sound so similar that they can easily be confused for one another. But is there a difference between the two terms?
The answer is Yes.
If yes, then what is Zero Trust, and how does it compare with Least Privilege Access? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both cybersecurity measures? Which is preferable between Zero Trust and Least Privilege Access?
As the name implies, no one is trusted without adequate verification. Zero Trust ensures that everyone must be verified before granting access by eradicating the idea of trust in its architecture. Aside from verification, there must be proper authentication every time a user wants to access a system, irrespective of their position in an organization Zero Trust network access utilizes multiple-factor authentication to verify users. If you are logging into a Zero Trust protected system, you may be required to provide a password and a One Time Password (OTP) or text code via SMS to your phone number.
Zero Trust authentication may also involve swiping your keycard and providing a password. Zero Trust may use credential vaulting to protect systems and networks. With credential vaulting, password leaks can be avoided because you will not be able to know the password that was generated for you.
While Zero Trust restricts everyone, Least Privilege Access limits its restriction to a select few that needs access to do their job. To better explain this concept, let’s imagine you have a master key that allows you to open any door you choose. Sounds great, right? But not so fast because your master key has been restricted to opening a specific door that houses your belongings.
It does not sound great again, right? Anyway, that is precisely what Least Privilege Access is all about. Organizations use it to create role-based access for staff. For example, a receptionist in a hospital should not have access to patients' case files in the ICU.
You may be familiar with both cyber security terms. Both let us compare them to see their similarities and differences.
Both measures are highly efficient in providing adequate security for your systems. You can follow the least privilege access rules and ensure Zero Trust technology is in place to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks on your systems.
Cybercrime is increasing, and cybercriminals are finding new ways to attack companies and steal sensitive data. Improving your organization’s cyber security measures should be paramount in minimizing the risk of cyber-attacks.