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Cyber Security

Zero Trust Security Model

Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no user, device, or network should be trusted by default — whether inside or outside the organisation. Instead of the traditional castle-and-moat approach where the network perimeter protects everything inside, Zero Trust requires continuous verification of every access request, based on identity, device health, location, and risk. For UK businesses facing increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, remote work, and cloud adoption, Zero Trust provides a modern security framework that protects against the threats that perimeter security cannot. We help businesses across London and the UK understand, plan, and implement Zero Trust security — ensuring your environment is protected against modern threats without creating unnecessary friction for your users.

The short answer

Zero Trust is a security model based on the principle of 'never trust, always verify.' Instead of trusting users and devices inside the network perimeter, Zero Trust requires continuous verification of every access request — regardless of where it comes from. It is built on three core principles: verify explicitly (use all available data to authenticate and authorise), least privilege access (give users only the access they need), and assume breach (operate as if attackers are already in your environment). Zero Trust is implemented through identity verification, device compliance, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring.

Start with identity — implement MFA and conditional access for all users before moving to other pillars.
Implement least privilege access — give users only the permissions they need, and use Privileged Identity Management for admin accounts.
Require device compliance — only allow access from managed, compliant devices using Intune and conditional access.
Segment your network — don't put all devices on the same network; use micro-segmentation to limit lateral movement.
What Is It?

Understanding Zero Trust Security Model

Zero Trust is a security model based on the principle of 'never trust, always verify.' Instead of trusting users and devices inside the network perimeter, Zero Trust requires continuous verification of every access request — regardless of where it comes from. It is built on three core principles: verify explicitly (use all available data to authenticate and authorise), least privilege access (give users only the access they need), and assume breach (operate as if attackers are already in your environment). Zero Trust is implemented through identity verification, device compliance, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring.

Why It Matters

The business impact

The traditional perimeter security model is broken. With remote work, cloud applications, and BYOD, the network perimeter no longer exists — users and devices access resources from anywhere, through any network. Zero Trust provides a security model for this modern environment, protecting against threats that perimeter security cannot — insider threats, lateral movement, compromised credentials, and supply chain attacks. Microsoft, the US government, and the UK NCSC all recommend Zero Trust as the security model for modern organisations.

Who needs this?

Businesses with remote or hybrid workers. Businesses using cloud applications (Microsoft 365, Azure, SaaS). Businesses that have been breached or are concerned about sophisticated threats. Businesses with compliance requirements that mandate strong access controls. Businesses that want to modernise their security approach and move away from perimeter-based security.

Who doesn't need this?

Very small businesses (1–5 users) with simple, on-premises-only environments may not need a full Zero Trust implementation. However, the principles of Zero Trust — verify explicitly, least privilege, assume breach — are best practice for all businesses, and basic Zero Trust controls (MFA, conditional access) are recommended for everyone.

How It Works

The technical overview

Zero Trust is implemented through a combination of technologies and policies: identity verification (Entra ID, MFA, conditional access), device compliance (Intune, device health checks), network segmentation (micro-segmentation, software-defined perimeters), data protection (encryption, data loss prevention), and continuous monitoring (Sentinel, Defender). Every access request is evaluated based on identity, device, location, and risk before access is granted. We help you plan and implement Zero Trust in phases, starting with identity and device compliance.

Technologies & Entities

Related technologies

Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access Microsoft Intune Microsoft Defender Microsoft Sentinel Network Segmentation Encryption Multi-Factor Authentication Privileged Identity Management
Pricing Factors

What affects the cost?

Identity and access
Entra ID P1 (conditional access) costs approximately £5.30 per user per month. P2 (Privileged Identity Management) costs approximately £7.40 per user per month.
Device compliance
Microsoft Intune (device management) costs approximately £6.40 per user per month, or is included with Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Security monitoring
Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM) costs based on data ingestion, approximately £200–£800 per month for a typical 100-user business.
Implementation
Zero Trust implementation is typically phased over 6–18 months. Initial phase (identity and MFA) costs £2,000–£10,000. Full implementation costs £10,000–£50,000+ depending on organisation size and complexity.
Best Practices

Expert recommendations

Start with identity — implement MFA and conditional access for all users before moving to other pillars.

Implement least privilege access — give users only the permissions they need, and use Privileged Identity Management for admin accounts.

Require device compliance — only allow access from managed, compliant devices using Intune and conditional access.

Segment your network — don't put all devices on the same network; use micro-segmentation to limit lateral movement.

Encrypt everything — data at rest, data in transit, and data in use (where possible).

Monitor continuously — use Sentinel or similar SIEM to detect threats and respond quickly.

Industries

Industries that benefit

Financial servicesHealthcareProfessional servicesTechnologyManufacturingPublic sectorRetail

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FAQ

Zero Trust Security Model — your questions answered

Common questions about zero trust security model, pricing, implementation, and best practices.

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