As organizations face growing security challenges with modern and complex networks, Zero Trust has become a key solution. The “protect surface” approach offers a focused and effective way to apply Zero Trust. This allows organizations to concentrate their security resources on what matters most.
What is a Protect Surface?
A “protect surface” approach is an essential part of Zero Trust architecture. The approach involves identifying and securing the most important parts of a business’s network—such as sensitive data, critical applications, and vital systems.
Instead of building security around a big perimeter, this approach zooms in on what really matters and makes sure those critical areas are well protected. By concentrating security on these assets, businesses reduce their risks and make sure the sensitive parts of their network are safe from cyberattacks.
Protect surfaces are the opposite of attack surfaces. Instead of asking, “What do we keep out?” ask, “What do we want to protect?”
Why Use a Protect Surface Approach?
There are several reasons why a “protect surface” approach is so effective. The benefits are:
- A smaller attack surface: Reducing the number of potential points an attacker can target makes it harder for hackers to access sensitive data.
- Focused resources: Concentrated resources that protect the most important parts ensure businesses use time, money, and technology more efficiently.
- Stronger access control: Precise control over what people can access makes sure only the right people and devices are allowed in.
- Less complexity: It is easier to keep track of, manage, and implement security measures when you are protecting specific things.
- Faster detection of threats: A better understanding of who should have access and their use cases makes spotting unusual behavior and security breaches faster. Security teams can respond quicker to threats.
This all aligns with the Zero Trust principle of minimizing risk by limiting access and continuously verifying identity and context.
How are we using this approach?
One of our service principles is Growth Through Measurable Impact. We prioritize the application of zero-trust security based on risk, focusing first on high-risk data and critical services, then we expand appropriate controls to other data and services.
We use a risk-based approach: high-risk systems need the strictest security policies, while low-risk systems follow baseline (lower-level) policies.
Currently, we are identifying assets that need protection, selecting a few departmental “protect surfaces,” and creating testing plans to guide us. This will help us improve our process.
As we collaborate with different departments, we’ll ask them to identify what they need to secure and what makes it unique.
With each area we focus on, we’ll learn new ways to apply security, try out different strategies, and develop methods for protecting various types of assets. Each department will have their own requirements, and we’ll provide the right technology and support to meet their specific needs.
