Work Securely from Anywhere with Zero Trust

Zero Trust is a new way of thinking about security. Instead of trusting anyone just because they're inside the company network, Zero Trust says everyone must prove who they are every time they want access, no matter where they are or what device they use. It means "never trust, always verify."

Devices & Mobility

Zero Trust isn't a single product or a magic switch to flip. It's a collection of principles and technologies that work together to keep your data safe. Here are the main building blocks, with special attention to devices and mobile use:

• Verify every user, every time: Before anyone can access any system, application, or data, they must authenticate themselves—often through strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, or biometrics.
• Verify and assess every device: It's not just about who you are, but also what you're using. Zero Trust continuously checks the health, compliance, and location of your device—laptop, smartphone, or tablet—before granting or maintaining access. This includes checking for up-to-date security patches, encrypted storage, and the presence of security apps.
• Empowering mobile users: With Zero Trust, mobile users are not limited by the traditional boundaries of corporate networks. Instead, they benefit from security policies that follow them wherever they go, allowing secure access to resources from any location or device—while keeping threats at bay.
• Conditional access: Access is granted or restricted based on real-time signals like user location, device health, type of network, time of day, and the sensitivity of the data being accessed. For example, if you try to download sensitive files from a public hotspot on an out-of-date phone, access can be automatically limited or blocked.
• Mobile Device Management (MDM): Zero Trust frameworks often leverage MDM solutions to enforce security policies on mobile devices. This includes ensuring device encryption, remote wipe capabilities, security app compliance, and separation between work and personal data on employee-owned devices (BYOD).
• Least privilege access: You should only have access to the information and systems you need to do your job—no more, no less. If you change roles or projects, your access rights are updated accordingly.
• Continuous monitoring: Zero Trust doesn't stop verifying after you log in. It keeps an eye on user activity and device health, watching for unusual activity or changes in device status, like jailbreaking or rooting.

Real-World Examples for Mobile Users

• Logging in from a New Location: You're traveling and decide to log into your work email from a hotel Wi-Fi on your phone. With Zero Trust, the system recognizes the change in location and device. It might ask for additional verification, check if your device is encrypted, and ensure it's not compromised before allowing access.
• Using a Personal Device (BYOD): Suppose your work laptop is being repaired, so you use your personal tablet to join a video meeting. Zero Trust, through MDM and conditional access, checks if your tablet meets security standards—like having up-to-date software, enabled passcode, and the company's security app installed. If it doesn't, you may be allowed limited access (e.g., to meetings but not confidential documents).
• Switching between networks: When you move from your home Wi-Fi to a public network, Zero Trust and conditional access policies reassess your risk level in real time. If any risk indicators rise, your access can be adjusted or re-authenticated on the spot.

Benefits of Zero Trust for Remote and Mobile Work

• Security from anywhere, on any device: Whether on a corporate laptop, personal smartphone, or newly issued tablet—Zero Trust ensures every login and device is checked, reducing breach risk.
• Protection against lost or stolen devices: If a device is lost, MDM allows IT to remotely lock or wipe it, keeping company data safe.
• Adaptive access: Conditional access policies mean rights are adjusted instantly based on risk, making it both secure and convenient for users on the go.
• Supports BYOD securely: Personal and work data are kept separate, and only devices that meet standards get access to sensitive company systems.
• Limits attack impact: Tight control over device access means that even if a device or account is compromised, attackers can't move freely through the organization.

How Does It All Connect?

Zero Trust works like airport security: every device and user is checked, every time, no matter where you are. If something changes—like a new location or device—it gets checked again. This way, only trusted people using safe devices can access what they need, wherever they work.

Simple Steps to Get Started with Zero Trust

If you're new to Zero Trust, here are some easy ways companies begin to put its ideas into practice:

• Have a clear security strategy—define goals and use Zero Trust tools to reach them.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)—especially for mobile and remote users.
• Deploy MDM solutions—enforce device compliance, updates, and remote management.
• Implement conditional access—dynamically assess risk and adjust access in real time.
• Keep devices updated—ensure all endpoints have the latest security patches.
• Regularly review and adjust permissions—only grant access as needed.
• Educate employees—train everyone on safe device use, password hygiene, and device security best practices.
• Monitor for anomalies—use security tools that spot risky device behavior and respond quickly.

Conclusion

Zero Trust isn't about distrusting people—it's about building digital workplaces where trust is earned every time, for every access request, from every device and location. As our work lives become more mobile and flexible, Zero Trust enables us to work confidently from anywhere, knowing our data and systems are protected—whether you're using a laptop at home, a tablet on the road, or a phone between meetings.

By embracing Zero Trust and focusing on strong device and mobile security, organizations can empower teams to collaborate securely and flexibly—no matter how or where they work.