Zero trust has been a hot term in cybersecurity for years, but in 2025, it’s more than just a buzzword for businesses of all sizes across industries. With cyberthreats becoming increasingly sophisticated, the “trust but verify” approach is now a business necessity.
Making the leap from a traditional cybersecurity posture to a zero trust environment is a complex but necessary undertaking. The good news is that the technology is more accessible than ever, so it’s easier than ever for business to get started. Here, we’ve provided some practical tips on how to start implementing zero trust in your IT network and protect your business from the latest and most dangerous cyberattacks.
What is zero trust cybersecurity architecture?
Zero trust architecture is not a tool, but an approach to cybersecurity built on the principle that no one should be trusted automatically. Every request for access, whether it comes from an employee at the office, a contractor working remotely, or a device connecting from the cloud, must be verified before being allowed into the system.
The zero trust security model operates on a few key pillars:
- Least-privilege access: Employees and systems only get access to what they need, reducing the risk of impersonation.
- Continuous verification: Access isn’t permanent, so users and devices must be validated repeatedly to ensure attackers can’t sneak in.
- Segmentation: Networks are divided into smaller zones to stop the spread of malware and prevent attackers from moving freely if they gain access.
Unlike traditional perimeter-based security, which assumes threats exist only outside of your network, zero trust assumes attackers may already be inside. And with the proliferation of phishing attacks and insider threats, that’s likely true.
Practical tips for SMBs implementing zero trust
If you’re managing a small or midsize business (SMB), adopting zero trust may sound complex, but there are straightforward steps to help you get started:
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Identify and classify data
Know where your most sensitive data lives and who should have access. Doing so makes it easier to set permissions and protect valuable assets. -
Strengthen authentication
Introduce multifactor authentication (MFA) across all accounts. This single step dramatically reduces the risk of credential-based attacks. -
Enforce role-based access
Give employees access only to the tools and files they need for their roles. This minimizes the damage a compromised account could cause and significantly reduces the risk of insider threats. -
Monitor and log activity
Implement tools that track logins, device activity, and data transfers. Automated solutions can provide visibility into your systems without constant oversight. -
Regularly update policies
Zero trust is not a “set it and forget it” approach. Review and update your policies frequently as roles, technology, and threats evolve, and bring in external IT consultants when possible for a different perspective.
It’s okay if you don’t have the time and expertise to implement all of these at once; each of them alone helps reduce your risk. By starting small, you can gradually build toward a full zero trust framework without overwhelming your resources.
How MSPs improve the value and effectiveness of zero trust systems
Partnering with a managed IT services provider (MSP) can make implementing zero trust more efficient, affordable, and sustainable. They bring expertise, tools, and ongoing support that many SMBs simply don’t have in house, as zero trust architectures are relatively new and complex.
MSPs add value to zero trust systems by:
- Customizing your zero trust environment to your industry and business needs to improve effectiveness and reduce wasteful spending
- Taking over the monitoring of your network, assigning it to cybersecurity professionals instead of just hoping the software catches an attack in time
- Assisting with the development of your zero trust policies and educating your workforce on how to do their part
- Aligning your zero trust architecture with any data security regulations you are subject to, such as HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, etc.
- Scaling your cybersecurity posture as your workforce grows or contracts to ensure you stay secure through staffing changes or restructuring
Want to see how a tailored zero trust architecture can safeguard your operations against evolving cyberthreats? Contact XBASE for a consultation, and our cybersecurity experts will assess your current systems and make targeted recommendations to secure your business against evolving cyberattacks.