Zero Trust Security

What Is Zero Trust Security?

Zero Trust Security is a cybersecurity paradigm based on the idea that no entity, inside or outside the network, should be trusted by default. Instead, it operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This represents a fundamental shift from traditional perimeter-based security models, which assumed that users and devices within the network could be trusted.

Why Does Zero Trust Device Security Matter?

Zero Trust Devices are a critical component of implementing Zero Trust principles. These devices must be continuously verified, actively managed, and securely monitored, particularly at the hardware level—to prevent unauthorized access and defend against advanced cyber threats.

Federal agencies and critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, transportation, communications, and financial services, rely heavily on IT systems to conduct operations and process sensitive data. However, the risks to these systems are escalating. These include:

• Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental
• Sophisticated global cyberattacks
• The emergence of highly destructive threat vectors

As part of a robust cybersecurity strategy, organizations must secure all Zero Trust Devices. This includes achieving comprehensive visibility and control over each device to enforce Zero Trust principles effectively and protect against today’s dynamic threat landscape.

Supply Chain Risks and Hardware Security

As per GAO’s recommendation, establishing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and performing effective oversight with regards to mitigation of global supply chain risks and possible malicious hardware is of the utmost importance, further emphasized by section 889(b) directive. Tackling this challenge requires complete visibility into Zero Trust Devices and hardware assets, regardless of their characteristics and the interface used for connection. Attackers take advantage of security “blind” spots, often through Human Interface Device (HID) bad USB devices or physical-layer network implants. These challenges are also addressed by the Comply-to-Connect framework and various Zero Trust Devices security guidelines.

Security with Hardware-Based Zero Trust Devices

Implementing Zero Trust Security and securing your network assets at the hardware layer by using a field-proven solution developed by Sepio will be the first step in strengthening your cybersecurity posture. A Zero Trust Security Platform ensures that only authorized Zero Trust Devices operate within your infrastructure, mitigating supply chain risks and preventing hardware-based cyber threats.

Key Challenges in Zero Trust Security

Total visibility is required to account for all of the agencies’ IT/OT/IoT assets – Knowing what you have, verifying what you own and only then trusting it. Spoofed devices, physical layer implants, “hiding” in the physical layer, or impersonating as legitimate devices while sharing the same logical identification are hard to identify using existing technology. Rogue wireless access points, which can be exploited for attacks both in enterprise environments and remote work setups, further highlight the importance of securing Zero Trust Devices at the hardware level.

Zero Trust Hardware Access

Sepio’s Zero Trust Security Platform uses a unique algorithm based on physical-layer fingerprinting, augmented by Machine Learning techniques. This approach allows Sepio to discover and report all devices—including rogue and unauthorized Zero Trust Devices—enforce usage policies, deliver Zero Trust Risk Insights, and provide device scoring, all within the framework of Zero Trust Security.

By enabling organizations to gain full visibility into their Zero Trust Devices, a stronger cybersecurity posture and true Zero Trust Hardware Access (ZTHA) methodology can be achieved, with key highlights such as:

• Asset visibility
• Policy management
• Device risk scoring
• Risk insights & actionable playbook
• Embedded Device Threat intelligence database
• Extensive device hunting, IR & Forensic features
• Fully integrated with popular orchestration & automation products

Sepio’s Zero Trust Security Platform

Complete Visibility of All Devices

With all devices and anomalies detected, enterprises benefit from an improved overall cybersecurity posture. Gaining full visibility into all Zero Trust Devices, from endpoint peripherals to connected IT/OT/IoT devices, Sepio leverages unique physical-layer visibility and hardware fingerprinting technology to enhance security in line with Zero Trust Security principles.

Full Control Through Predefined Policies

Enterprise-wide policies ensure compliance with regulations and industry best practices. With predefined templates, no baselining or whitelisting requirements, and no need for a clean environment start, Sepio provides fast and easy implementation for securing Zero Trust Devices.

Rogue Device Mitigation (RDM)

Threat mitigation upon the discovery of rogue or threatening devices is a critical aspect of Zero Trust Security. Integrations with existing security platforms such as NACs and SOARs for mitigation and remediation enhancements.

Gain Control Over Your Zero Trust Devices and Mitigate Risks

Take control of your hardware security with Sepio’s patented technology. Gain full visibility, enforce Zero Trust Security Platform policies, and prevent rogue device threats before they compromise your organization.

Schedule a Demo today and see how Sepio can safeguard your IT network.