Pass the Cloud Security Alliance Zero Trust CCZT Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

Data and asset classification is a prerequisite action to understand the organization’s protect surface clearly because it helps to identify the most critical and sensitive data and assets that need to be protected by Zero Trust principles. Data and asset classification also helps to define the appropriate policies and controls for different levels of data and asset sensitivity.

References = Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT) - Cloud Security Alliance, Zero Trust Training (ZTT) - Module 2: Data and Asset Classification

A key architectural consideration that needs to be taken into account while deploying SDP is how SDP deployment fits into existing network topologies and technologies. This is because SDP deployment may require changes or adaptations to the existing network infrastructure, such as routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, etc. SDP deployment may also affect the network performance, availability, scalability, and resilience. Therefore, it is important to assess the impact and compatibility of SDP deployment with the existing network topologies and technologies, and to plan and design the SDP deployment accordingly.

References = Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT) - Cloud Security Alliance, Zero Trust Training (ZTT) - Module 7: Network Infrastructure and SDP

To ensure that only legitimate users can access Software as a Service (SaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS) in a Zero Trust framework, implementing robust authentication mechanisms is crucial. Enforcing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) are effective strategies. MFA adds layers of security by requiring users to provide multiple pieces of evidence to verify their identity, making unauthorized access significantly more challenging. SSO simplifies the user experience by allowing users to access multiple services with one set of credentials while maintaining high security standards, particularly when combined with MFA. These measures align with the Zero Trust principle of "never trust, always verify," ensuring that access is granted only after thorough verification of the user's identity.

In the context of a Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) that incorporates Single Packet Authorization (SPA), after successful authentication and authorization, the client typically generates an SPA packet and sends it to the accepting host. This process involves the client creating a specially crafted packet that is designed to be recognized by the accepting host's SDP gateway. Upon receiving and validating the SPA packet, the gateway allows the client to establish a connection to the designated services or resources. This mechanism ensures that only authorized clients can initiate connections, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access.

Different SDP deployment models have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the organization’s use case, such as the type of resources to be protected, the location of the clients and servers, the network topology, the scalability, the performance, and the security requirements. Network architects should consider their use case before selecting an SDP model that best suits their needs and goals.

References =

Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT) prepkit, page 21, section 3.1.2

6 SDP Deployment Models to Achieve Zero Trust | CSA, section “Deployment Models Explained”

Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) and Zero Trust | CSA, page 7, section 3.1

Why SDP Matters in Zero Trust | SonicWall, section “SDP Deployment Models”

Network access control (NAC) typically operates at layer 2, the data link layer, of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model. The data link layer is responsible for transferring data between adjacent nodes on a network, such as switches and endpoints. NAC operates at this layer by inspecting and controlling the access of devices to the network based on their MAC addresses, device profiles, security posture, and compliance status.

References = Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT) - Cloud Security Alliance, Zero Trust Training (ZTT) - Module 6: Micro-segmentation

One of the core principles of Zero Trust (ZT) is to “never trust, always verify” every request for access to a resource, regardless of where it originates or what resource it accesses1. This means that ZT does not rely on implicit trust based on network perimeters, device types, or user roles, but rather on explicit verification based on multiple data points, such as user identity, device health, location, service, data classification, and anomalies1.

References =

Zero Trust Architecture | NIST

Zero Trust Model - Modern Security Architecture | Microsoft Security

How To Implement Zero Trust: 5-steps Approach & its challenges - Fortinet

Data sources are the ZT element that provide information that providers can use to keep policies dynamically updated. Data sources are the inputs that feed the policy engine and the policy administrator with the relevant data and context about the entities, resources, transactions, and environment in the ZTA. Data sources help to inform the policy decisions and actions based on the current state and conditions of the ZTA. Data sources can include identity providers, device management systems, threat intelligence feeds, network monitoring tools, etc.

References = Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT) - Cloud Security Alliance, Zero Trust Training (ZTT) - Module 3: ZTA Architecture and Components

Policy is the element of ZT that focuses on the governance rules that define the “who, what, when, how, and why” aspects of accessing target resources. Policy is the core component of a ZTA that determines the access decisions and controls for each request based on various attributes and factors, such as user identity, device posture, network location, resource sensitivity, and environmental context. Policy is also the element that enables the ZT principles of “never trust, always verify” and “scrutinize explicitly” by enforcing granular, dynamic, and data-driven rules for each access request.

References =

Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT) prepkit, page 14, section 2.2.2

What Is Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)? - F5, section “Policy Engine”

Zero Trust Architecture Project - NIST Computer Security Resource Center, slide 9

[Zero Trust Frameworks Architecture Guide - Cisco], page 4, section “Policy Decision Point”

Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) features such as server isolation, single packet authorization (SPA), and dynamic drop-all firewalls are designed to protect against a range of threats, including Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These SDP capabilities help to shield servers from unwanted or malicious traffic by ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users can establish connections. By minimizing the server's exposure to the internet and reducing its attack surface, SDP effectively mitigates the risk of DoS/DDoS attacks, which aim to overwhelm servers with excessive traffic, thereby ensuring the availability and reliability of critical services within a Zero Trust framework.