Device Trust: Trust in times of cyber threats
Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly creative. Attackers often take control of other people’s devices. The trust concept is therefore becoming increasingly important for companies.
In times of constant technological advancement, we also face increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats. Device trust – trust in devices that have access to sensitive corporate resources – is becoming a key issue.
What is Device Trust?
Incidents where devices are taken over by attackers are one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity. Whether it’s malware-infected devices, stolen credentials or attacker intrusion, compromised devices can cause significant damage.
The Device Trust concept states that before a device can gain access to sensitive corporate resources, it must be deemed secure and trusted. This applies to devices used by employees, contractors or partners, such as laptops, desktops and mobile devices.
The basics
There are two main points that make up the Device Trust concept:
1. It must be known: Even if the user has valid credentials, not just any device should have access to sensitive resources. Therefore, devices must be verified, even if they are not monitored by the company’s mobile device management (MDM).
2. It must be in a safe state: After confirming the identity of a device, it is equally important to ensure that it meets the organization’s security standards. This includes aspects such as an updated operating system, properly configured security controls, anti-virus software, and the absence of malicious software.
Device Trust vs. Zero Trust
Device Trust is closely related to the Zero Trust concept, where trust is not automatically granted, but access controls are constantly monitored and validated. Originally, it was assumed that secure devices would be an integral part of the latter. But in recent years, many organizations have focused on user identity verification and role-based access control.
Challenges of Device Trust
Implementing this strategy is more complex than verifying user identities. It can change constantly – be it due to updates or threats from inside or outside. There is also the question of who in the organization is responsible for implementing Device Trust, as it involves both IT and security aspects.
The role of Device Trust solutions
There are various solutions for this – both standalone products and those that are part of existing security solutions. Companies such as software vendor Kolide, for example, specialize in this and offer solutions that can monitor properties and block access to insecure devices.
Conclusion: The Key to Cybersecurity
At a time when digital threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the concept is critical to protecting sensitive corporate assets. By verifying devices and ensuring their security, the risk of cyberattacks is significantly reduced. Enterprises should be aware of the importance and take appropriate measures to ensure a trusted and secure IT environment. Learn more.
Source: Elaine Atwell (Kolide)
