Zero Trust is More Than Endpoint Protection

Recent events have once again demonstrated the fragility of an internet connected world and
fragmented cybersecurity solutions. The Crowdstrike debacle has challenged IT industry leaders
front line workers and channel partners to secure network and user data by redesigning network
management practices and architectures. Protecting endpoint devices is important in the race to stay
ahead of hackers, thieves and nation state bad actors, but end point security is just one tool in a
larger solution toolbox.

The cybersecurity industry is crowded with vendors promising application, web, messaging, mobile
and/or cloud security protection. Adhoc acquisitions by consumers of security software has created
new challenges such as too much data to process manually and a need for aggregation, monitoring,
alerting and performance tools. Each security vendor solution is costly, requiring user training,
maintenance contracts, constant software updates and integration with end user support objectives
and goals.

Data networks are organic, ever changing, and consist of many logical, software and hardware
components. Today’s data networks are a conglomeration, sometimes decades in the making, of demand
for connectivity due to growth, merger, expansion, pedagogy evolution and most importantly the
ability to communicate with each other anywhere, anytime. Most CIO’s and IT directors rely on
endpoint security software to identify and block malware, viruses, identify misuse, and protect the
network from cyberattacks. Because data networks are difficult to design, redesign, manage and
secure, the IT industry prioritizes endpoint protection as the first line of defense.
As we said there are other tools in the toolbox, including network segmentation, network fabrics,
data decryption and security platforms. Combining AI enabled, endpoint and gateway security
software with a Zero trust network architecture offers greater cyberattack protection than endpoint
protection alone.

Security industry leaders and managed service providers (MSP) like Digital BackOffice are
deepening their commitment to Zero Trust to reduce asset risk, simplify operations and strengthen
network security. MSP’s can assist with the challenges of implementing a Zero Trust strategy and
will allow IT administrators to immediately access experienced Zero Trust resources and skilled
cybersecurity talent.

Addressing these challenges requires a fundamental shift in managing security services and network
architecture. It is time for next generation cyber defense platforms, focused on prevention, based on
Zero Trust, which are consumable and affordable. The building blocks of authentic Zero Trust
architecture have matured and may now be contracted as a service with a trusted MSP partner, like
Digital BackOffice.

Dale Bruckhart
Digital BackOffice
daleb@digitalbackoffice.com