Zero Trust means never assuming that a user, device, or network is safe just because it’s inside your office. Every request is verified.

The core principles

– Verify explicitly: check identity, device health, location, and risk for every access request

– Use least privilege: give people only the access they need, for as long as they need it

– Assume breach: design as if attackers are already inside, and limit how far they can move

Why it matters now

Work happens everywhere, apps live in the cloud, and attackers steal credentials rather than breaking firewalls. A perimeter-based model doesn’t fit.

A practical roadmap

Stage 1: Identity (start here)

– MFA for every user, phishing-resistant for administrators

– Single sign-on

– Block legacy authentication

– Separate admin accounts

Stage 2: Devices

– Enroll devices in management (Intune)

– Require encryption, patches, and endpoint protection

– Allow access only from compliant devices (Conditional Access)

Stage 3: Access

– Replace broad VPN access with app-specific access where practical

– Review permissions regularly and remove excess

– Use just-in-time elevation for admin tasks

Stage 4: Data

– Classify sensitive information

– Apply labels, encryption, and data loss prevention

– Limit external sharing

Stage 5: Network

– Segment networks so a compromise can’t spread freely

– Isolate guests, IoT devices, and servers

Stage 6: Visibility and response

– Centralize logs

– Monitor for unusual behavior

– Use EDR and managed detection

Don’t try to do everything at once

Each stage reduces risk by itself. Many Microsoft 365 Business Premium customers already own the tools for stages one through four.

Measure progress

Track MFA coverage, device compliance rates, number of admin accounts, and time to remove access when someone leaves.

DBR Soft can map your current position and build a staged Zero Trust plan. Contact us for more information.