Source URL: https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/articles/zero-standing-privileges-zsp-vendor-myths-vs-reality
Source: CSA
Title: Zero Standing Privileges: Vendor Myths vs. Reality
Feedly Summary:
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the emerging trends and misconceptions surrounding Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP) in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) market. It identifies critical myths about ZSP, highlighting their implications for effective identity security in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It emphasizes that while ZSP is essential, traditional credential management and comprehensive security controls remain necessary.
Detailed Description:
The content addresses the evolving concept of Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP) within Privileged Access Management (PAM) and presents several important points for professionals in cybersecurity:
– **Market Overview**: New vendors in the PAM market are making bold claims about offering access with ZSP, but these claims may overlook the limitations of the technology.
– **Critical Importance of ZSP**: ZSP is considered vital for future identity security, especially given the complexities of modern hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
– **Myth-Busting**:
– **Myth 1**: ZSP replaces the need for credential vaulting and rotation.
– **Reality**: While ZSP can reduce risk, organizations still need to secure privileged accounts and manage credentials. Events like the July 2024 CrowdStrike outage underline the necessity of these controls.
– **Myth 2**: JIT (Just-in-Time) elevation is equivalent to ZSP.
– **Reality**: Many vendors’ JIT solutions only elevate access to existing roles that still possess standing privileges, leaving organizations vulnerable to attacks.
– **Myth 3**: ZSP eliminates the need for other PAM controls.
– **Reality**: Organizations must continue implementing layered security measures such as session isolation and command filtering to mitigate insider threats and lateral movement.
– **Zero Trust Principles**: The piece advocates for a Zero Trust approach, emphasizing verification and additional controls beyond just access management. Organizations need adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and other post-authentication measures to bolster security.
– **Evaluating Vendors**: Security professionals should carefully assess PAM solutions against their organization’s specific requirements, considering the myths and realities discussed.
Overall, the text sheds light on the importance of nuanced, comprehensive controls alongside the adoption of ZSP in PAM, guiding organizations towards better practices in identity security across complex IT landscapes.