Explain the concept of "zero trust" security.

The concept of "zero trust" security is based on the principle of "never trust, always verify." This approach means that organizations do not automatically trust any user or device, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter. Instead, zero trust assumes that threats can originate from both external sources—like hackers trying to breach the system—and from internal sources, such as compromised user accounts or malicious insiders.

This shift in perspective requires a more robust security framework that emphasizes continuous verification and access controls throughout the enterprise, ensuring that every user and device is authenticated and authorized before being granted access to sensitive data or resources. By utilizing this approach, organizations can better defend against sophisticated attacks and minimize the risk of data breaches.

In contrast, the other options project a more traditional view of network security. For example, trusting users by default undermines the core tenets of zero trust and can lead to vulnerabilities. Focusing solely on external threats overlooks the significant risks posed by internal actors and compromised accounts, while employing a traditional firewall approach does not take into account the need for identity verification and the complexities of modern cybersecurity threats.