ISC Zero Trust · Updated November 2026
Zero Trust: Does It Mean Trust Nobody Ever?
Zero trust avoids granting broad trust merely because a user or device is already inside the network.
Verify explicitly
Access decisions use relevant information about identity, device, location, risk, resource, and other context.
Least privilege
Give users only the access required, limiting scope and duration when appropriate.
Assume breach
Design as though an attacker may already be inside, encouraging segmentation, monitoring, and limited lateral movement.
Not one product
Zero trust is an architectural and security approach, not a single piece of software.
The takeaway
Network location alone should not create broad trust.
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FAQ
Is zero trust the same as MFA?
No. MFA can be one component.
Does zero trust eliminate all trust decisions?
No.
Does being inside the network establish trust?
No.