ELI5: What is zero-trust security

Zero-trust security means you don't automatically trust anyone or anything, even if they're inside your house.

Imagine your house is like a company's computer network. In the old days, if someone got inside your house (like a friend or family member), you trusted them completely. They could go anywhere and do anything. That's like traditional security.

But with zero-trust, you're more careful. You assume anyone inside your house might try to do something bad, even by accident.

Here's how it works in your house:

• Verification: Before letting your friend into the room with your video game console, you ask, "Are you here to play video games?" You verify their reason for being there.
• Least Privilege: You only give them access to just the video game console, not your parents' bedroom or your piggy bank. This is least privilege – only giving them what they need to do their job (playing video games).
• Continuous Monitoring: You keep an eye on them while they're playing to make sure they're not trying to download anything weird or break the console. This is continuous monitoring.
• Microsegmentation: Your house is divided into smaller, safer sections. The kitchen is separate from the living room, and your bedroom is separate from both. Even if your friend messes up in the living room, it won't affect your bedroom. This is microsegmentation.