CSA: Zero Standing Privileges: The Essentials

Source URL: https://www.cyberark.com/resources/blog/zero-standing-privileges-the-essentials
Source: CSA
Title: Zero Standing Privileges: The Essentials

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AI Summary and Description: Yes

**Summary:** The text details the concept of Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP) and its implementation as a crucial security mechanism for enhancing privileged access management (PAM). It posits ZSP as a more effective alternative to traditional Just-In-Time (JIT) controls, emphasizing its unique attributes and practical implications for security professionals.

**Detailed Description:**
The provided text serves as a comprehensive discourse on the principle of Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP), a security approach designed to enhance identity security within organizations. Here are the major points discussed:

– **Background on ZSP:**
– ZSP is introduced as a security principle that advocates for the elimination of all persistent user privileges.
– Access is provisioned Just-In-Time (JIT), meaning entitlements are only granted when required by a user and approved through established policies.

– **Importance of ZSP:**
– The author emphasizes the growing demand for scalable identity security controls and how ZSP aligns with this need.
– ZSP enhances the foundational PAM concept of ‘vault, isolate, and rotate’ by adding an extra layer of risk reduction, operating outside the standard PAM accounts.

– **Common Misconceptions:**
– The text addresses the misconception that ZSP is merely an iteration of JIT controls, illustrating that ZSP incorporates additional controls such as Time, Entitlements, and Approval-based controls (TEA) for finer management of user access.

– **Best Use Cases for ZSP:**
– It is suggested that ZSP-based controls can streamline user experiences and improve PAM program effectiveness.
– Emphasis on the proactive steps needed to embrace ZSP, including the exploration of alternative control implementations if ZSP is not applicable.

– **Conclusion and Call to Action:**
– The author advocates for the adoption of ZSP controls to elevate security measures, encouraging security professionals to consider ZSP as a significant part of their strategy.
– Recommendations for selecting solutions that encompass a range of controls beyond ZSP to address all privilege management needs.

**Key Insights for Security and Compliance Professionals:**
– ZSP represents a shift towards a more dynamic and risk-aware approach to privilege management, supporting the broader movement towards proactive security measures.
– Utilizing ZSP can help organizations reduce their attack surface by limiting unnecessary access privileges, aligning access granting with actual usage needs.
– Professionals should explore educational resources and webinars on ZSP for practical implementation strategies and awareness of industry best practices.

Overall, the text provides meaningful information for professionals focused on enhancing security frameworks through innovative access control practices, specifically relating to identity management and privilege access strategies.