Zero-trust methodology is a fundamentally new way of approaching telecom cybersecurity. Its basic principle is to verify each user and device, assuming that every entity accessing the network is unauthorized. A zero-trust approach treats each access as potentially hostile, requiring additional verification.
As we’ve learned over the years, the shift is not only welcome but also necessary. Given that telecom networks include numerous IoT devices, cloud services, legacy systems, and infrastructure, it’s really hard to monitor each component. The large number of participants also increases the number of vulnerabilities, which further highlights the problem.
Zero-trust architecture reduces some of these inherent risks by introducing strict verification, device compliance, location detection, and least-privileged access controls. Among other things, this approach segments network resources into smaller, more manageable parts. The technology is powered by machine learning, relying on predictive analytics and continuous monitoring.
6 Key Components of Zero-Trust Architecture
A complex zero-trust architecture used by telecommunication operators relies on several main components that work in unison:
1. Identity and Access Management
This is the main component responsible for authorizing and authenticating users. Without it, anyone could access the network’s resources at whim, exponentially increasing security risks. It relies on biometric verification, multi-factor authentication, and behavioral analytics to detect potentially dangerous activities.
2. Subscriber Data Management
Although not a subset of identity and access management, subscriber data management (SDM) has a very similar role. These systems oversee all the user data, including their credentials and service entitlements. Among other things, SDM helps in microsegmentation, reduces the attack surface, and supports continuous monitoring.
3. Device Security and Compliance
Every modern network validates devices before granting them access. With device security and compliance, networks can examine devices for malware, check for software updates, and ensure compliance with policies. An integral part of this system is the endpoint detection and response technology, which allows us to flag anomalies.
4. Analytics and Monitoring
For zero trust to be effective, it requires proactive, AI-driven analytics and monitoring. The system must have complete insight into the network’s activity, gathering data about devices and users and predicting incoming threats by analyzing historical patterns. Real-time solutions are vital as they can prevent access and help teams react quickly.
5. Segmentation and Policy Enforcement
Modern networks stave off numerous threats by dividing their resources into smaller segments. This way, operators can significantly reduce the impact of potential breaches while customizing partitions for different use cases. Policy enforcement relies on security access service edge (SASE) and software-defined perimeter (SDP) technologies.
6. Data Protection and Encryption
Through encryption and protection, telcos ensure sensitive information isn’t tampered with during transit. Given the sheer amount of daily traffic, this technology is vital for protecting users.
Biggest Challenges with Zero-Trust
Although zero-trust architecture represents a major step forward in securing telecom networks, it also comes with its fair share of challenges.
Legacy Architecture
Many providers still rely on 2G and 3G architecture, especially in less developed countries. Although this type of infrastructure does offer certain advantages, it isn’t compatible with modern cybersecurity tech. Introducing zero-trust solutions overnight would require a massive investment and a complete infrastructure overhaul.
Scalability
Modern telcos have millions of users, many of whom have dozens of smart devices in their homes. This poses a lot of issues when introducing granular access controls and performing verification. Operators must acquire solutions that will handle high traffic loads without negatively affecting user experience.
Cultural Resistance
People are generally resistant to any type of change, including tech-oriented business users. Adopting zero-trust technology on a company level requires a change in mindset, where organizations treat every access as a potential danger.
Zero-trust methodology often faces pushback across different types of organizations, from administrators to employees accustomed to traditional security solutions. Retraining your staff is a good way to gain their support and showcase the technology’s advantages.
Interoperability
An effective network relies on numerous components, which are often procured from different vendors. It is an amalgamation of technologies and protocols that don’t always work with each other.
Making sure that zero-trust solutions and policies are applied consistently across environments may help solve some of these issues. Companies must introduce a standardized framework and improve stakeholder cooperation to ensure smooth system operation.
Expenses
Overall expenses tend to ramp up when introducing modern zero-trust solutions. Companies must pay substantial sums for endpoint security software, IAM systems, and monitoring platforms. On top of that, they must invest large sums in new employees or, alternatively, in retraining their current staff.
In fact, this is one of the main reasons smaller telcos continue to use legacy technology. Nevertheless, investing in zero-trust solutions will eventually pay off by staving off an increasing number of cyber threats.
Zero-Trust Benefits
Given all the challenges modern telecommunications companies face, adopting zero-trust solutions is a no-brainer. These are the main advantages of using this technology:
- Enhanced Security: The main reason companies switch to a zero-trust architecture is to fend off modern cybersecurity threats. This is especially important for telcos, given the large amount of money in this business.
- Regulatory Compliance: With zero-trust, you don’t have to worry whether you’ll stay compliant. The technology adheres to CCPA, GDPR, and other relevant regulations.
- Privacy and Trust: Subscribers have greater trust in providers that use zero-trust technology. As such, these solutions increase satisfaction and retention rates.
- Resilience and Agility: Zero-trust allows networks to quickly adapt to changing user behavior, new configurations, and upcoming threats. Its flexibility enables remote work, digital transformation, and cloud computing.
- Innovation: By introducing zero-trust, operators have more leeway for introducing new microservices. They can implement different IoT applications into their workflow, simplifying daily operations.
The Future of Telecommunication Networks
Zero-trust architecture is a major step forward for most operators. Although this technology requires a sizable initial investment, it will pay off by preventing costly incursions. Furthermore, by implementing this technology, carriers will significantly increase subscribers’ trust and overall reputation.
