The traditional implicit trust model in cybersecurity - where users inside a network are automatically trusted - has proven vulnerable to ransomware attacks and lateral movement by threat actors. Zero trust architecture replaces this with a "never trust, always verify" framework applicable to all users regardless of position or location. This session examines the five essential pillars of zero trust: identity verification through multi-factor authentication, device security through proper inventory management, network security via microsegmentation and encryption, application security through secure coding practices, and data protection through classification and encryption.

• Data classification and encryption strategies;
• The 2020 SolarWinds Orion supply chain attack case study;
• Practical implementation steps for organizations to implement zero trust.