Never Trust, Always Verify
NIS2, DORA, and the BSI Situation Report 2024 make it unambiguous: perimeter security has failed.
The classic security model — hard shell, soft core — fails against modern attack patterns. SolarWinds (2020) and MOVEit (2023) have demonstrated this: attackers who gain a foothold in the network move laterally undetected for weeks or months. Zero Trust eliminates implicit trust entirely. Instead, every access request is authorized in real time based on identity, device context, location, and risk assessment.
Our expert consultants provide comprehensive zero trust framework services tailored to your organization's specific needs. We combine deep regulatory expertise with practical implementation experience to deliver measurable results.
5 service modules
Bookable individually or as an end-to-end programme.
We analyze your current security architecture against the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model and NIST SP 800-207. The result: a detailed maturity model across all seven pillars, a prioritized roadmap with quick wins (typically 3–6 months for initial results), and a business case with ROI calculation. Existing investments, cloud strategy, and regulatory requirements (NIS2, DORA, ISO 27001) are all taken into account.
Identity is the new perimeter boundary. As a BeyondTrust partner, we implement Privileged Access Management, just-in-time access, and least-privilege concepts at enterprise level. The solution encompasses: Privileged Remote Access, Password Safe, Endpoint Privilege Management, and Identity Security Insights. 80% of all breaches involve compromised credentials — PAM is the single most effective lever.
We eliminate flat networks through granular microsegmentation. Each application and workload receives its own security zones with dynamic policies. Lateral movement — the core of modern attacks (SolarWinds, NotPetya) — becomes structurally impossible. Implementation proceeds in phases: visibility phase, policy design, enforcement, and continuous optimization.
Traditional VPNs grant overly broad network access and represent a primary attack vector. ZTNA replaces VPN with application-specific tunnels that verify identity and context at every access request. We design and implement ZTNA architectures for remote work, cloud workloads, and third-party access — vendor-agnostic and integrated into your existing security infrastructure.
Zero Trust does not end at access control — continuous monitoring is the nervous system of the architecture. We implement SIEM/SOAR integration, User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA), and automated policy adjustment based on real-time risk assessments. Anomalous access patterns are detected and contained within seconds.
6 phases
Our Zero Trust implementation follows the CISA Maturity Model and moves your organization systematically from Traditional through Advanced to Optimal.
Zero Trust Readiness Assessment — Analysis of the current architecture across all 7 pillars, maturity level determination according to the CISA Maturity Model, gap analysis against NIS2/DORA requirements
Strategy Development & Roadmap — Prioritization by risk and quick-win potential, definition of the target architecture (NIST SP 800-207), business case with ROI calculation
Identity Foundation — Implementation of IAM/PAM as the foundation (BeyondTrust), MFA rollout, least-privilege enforcement, just-in-time access for privileged accounts
Network & Access — Microsegmentation of critical assets, ZTNA introduction as VPN replacement, software-defined perimeter for cloud workloads
Monitoring & Automation — SIEM/SOAR integration, UEBA for anomaly detection, automated policy adjustment, security orchestration across all pillars
Continuous Improvement — Regular maturity assessments, adaptation to new threats and regulatory requirements, advancement toward the Optimal level per CISA
Your contact
Sarah Richter
Head of Information Security, Cyber Security
10+ years of experience, CISA, CISM, Lead Auditor, DORA, NIS2, BCM, Cyber and Information Security
Contact our specialists today for a personalized assessment of your requirements.
14 QUESTIONS, BRIEFLY ANSWERED
Traditional security trusts everything within the network perimeter. Zero Trust eliminates this implicit trust entirely: every access request is verified in real time based on identity, device context, and risk assessment — regardless of whether the user is working in the office, from home, or in the cloud. The principle 'Never Trust, Always Verify' has been standardized through NIST SP 800‑207 and is today the de facto standard for modern security architectures.
A full Zero Trust transformation is a multi-year program (typically 2–4 years). However, first quick wins can be realized within 3–6 months — e.g., MFA rollout, Privileged Access Management with BeyondTrust, or ZTNA for critical applications. We work with a phased approach that delivers immediate security gains while simultaneously building the long-term architecture.
Costs vary significantly depending on the starting point, company size, and target vision. An initial assessment workshop with roadmap typically falls in the five-figure range. The total investment pays off through reduced breach costs (average: USD 4.45 million according to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023), lower compliance overhead, and consolidated security tools. We prepare a detailed business case with ROI calculation.
Especially for cloud environments. In multi-cloud and hybrid scenarios, there is no longer a traditional perimeter. Zero Trust is the native security model for the cloud. NIST SP 800‑207A explicitly addresses Zero Trust for cloud-based applications. All major cloud providers (Azure, AWS, GCP) offer Zero Trust services that must be integrated into an overall architecture.
NIS2 does not mention Zero Trust by name, but Article 21 requires measures that effectively amount to Zero Trust: access control policies, least privilege, multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring. DORA also requires a solid identity and access management framework under Article 9. Organizations that implement Zero Trust structurally fulfill these regulatory requirements.
Zero Trust is not a rip-and-replace approach. Legacy systems are integrated incrementally: via upstream proxy architectures, microsegmentation, and identity-aware proxies. Critical legacy systems that do not support modern authentication are secured and isolated through Privileged Access Management (BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access). Protection increases immediately, without needing to rebuild the systems themselves.
Forrester estimates the 3-year ROI of Zero Trust at 92% for a typical enterprise. The drivers: 50% lower probability of a data breach, 50% reduction in compliance audit effort, consolidation of security tools (average 30% cost savings), and drastically reduced Mean Time to Contain (MTTC) for security incidents. Added to this is the strategic value: organizations with Zero Trust can execute cloud migration and remote work significantly faster and more securely.
A complete Zero Trust architecture consists of various technological components that work together to consistently implement the "Never Trust, Always Verify" principle. The integration of these technologies enables a coherent security architecture that equally addresses identities, devices, networks, and applications.
Implementing a Zero Trust framework confronts organizations with various technical, organizational, and cultural challenges. Recognizing and proactively addressing these obstacles is critical to a successful transformation to a Zero Trust security model.
The principle of least privilege is a fundamental building block of every Zero Trust architecture and ensures that users, systems, and processes receive only the minimum necessary rights required to fulfill their legitimate tasks. The consistent application of this principle significantly minimizes the attack surface and limits potential damage in the event of successful compromises. Core Implementation Strategies: Developing a comprehensive permissions matrix for all resources and roles Implementing temporary and purpose-bound access instead of permanent rights Consistent application of Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-Enough-Access (JEA) models Regular review and cleanup of no longer needed permissions Standardized processes for requesting, approving, and revoking rights User Access Management: Risk- and attribute-based authentication depending on access context Role-based access rights with regular recertification Privileged Access Management (PAM) for administrative accounts Segregation of Duties (SoD) to prevent conflicts of interest Multi-stage approval procedures for critical access requests System and Application Hardening: Reducing the attack surface by disabling unnecessary services.
Zero Trust is not a one-size-fits-all model — it must be adapted to the specific requirements, risk profiles, and regulatory circumstances of different industries and company sizes. A tailored implementation takes into account the respective business requirements, resource availability, and compliance obligations to achieve a balanced relationship between security, usability, and effort. Industry-Specific Adaptations: Financial sector: Focus on strict compliance (PCI-DSS, BAIT), protection of critical transactions and customer data Healthcare: Special requirements for the protection of patient data (GDPR, KRITIS) and medical devices Manufacturing: Integration of OT security and protection of intellectual property into Zero Trust strategies Public sector: Implementation in accordance with BSI requirements and specific security levels for government agencies Retail: Balancing customer experience with strict security controls in omnichannel environments Adaptations by Company Size: Large enterprises: Comprehensive, multi-year transformation programs with dedicated teams Mid-sized companies: Prioritized, phased implementation with a focus on critical business processes Small businesses: Cloud-based solutions with low administrative.
Contrary to the widespread assumption that a Zero Trust approach inevitably compromises usability, a well-designed implementation can actually increase employee productivity and improve the user experience. The key lies in an intelligent balance between security and usability through context-aware, risk-adaptive controls and smooth technology integration. Changes to User Interaction: Transition from VPN-based to application-specific access methods Reduction of friction through intelligent, context-based authentication Uniform and consistent user experience across different access scenarios Transparent security controls through integration into existing workflows Prevention of security workarounds through user-friendly security processes Modern Authentication Methods: Implementation of user-friendly multi-factor authentication (MFA) such as biometrics Use of Single Sign-On (SSO) for smooth access to multiple resources Risk-adaptive authentication with step-up only for unusual access patterns Passwordless authentication methods for an improved user experience Integration with existing identity systems and end-user devices Productivity Benefits: Location-independent, secure access without complex VPN configurations Faster onboarding process for new employees and partner access More.
Securing Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments presents particular challenges, as these systems often operate with limited resources, use proprietary protocols, and control critical processes. However, Zero Trust principles can be specifically adapted to effectively secure these heterogeneous environments and address the specific security requirements of IoT and OT systems.
Measuring and communicating the success of a Zero Trust initiative is critical for sustaining leadership support, justifying investments, and enabling the ongoing development of the security architecture. A well-thought-out approach to measuring success combines quantitative security metrics with business value contributions and communicates these in a targeted manner to various stakeholders.
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