What is a characteristic of zero trust architecture?

A key characteristic of zero trust architecture is the enforcement of strict identity verification for all users, regardless of their location within or outside the network. This approach operates under the principle that no user or device should be trusted by default, even if they are within the organization's perimeter. In a zero trust model, continuous authentication and authorization are essential to verify user identities and ensure that they have the necessary permissions to access specific resources.

This is particularly important in today's cybersecurity landscape, where threats can originate from both external and internal sources. By requiring strict identity verification of every user, every device, and every request, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The zero trust philosophy emphasizes that security should be applied uniformly across all access attempts, effectively minimizing trust and enhancing protection.

In contrast, options that imply granting trust by default, requiring minimal verification for internal users, or basing access solely on location do not align with zero trust principles, as they could introduce vulnerabilities by assuming inherent trust based on position or prior verification.