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The Zero Trust myth: Why networks still need invisible armor
"Zero Trust" has likely been chanted like a mantra if you've been in the vicinity of cybersecurity circles in recent years.
"Never trust, always verify"
"Assume breach."
"Every device, user, and request must be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated."
Theoretically, it all sounds fantastic, just like a well-behaved soldier who always has his guard up, checks identification at every door, and treats even his closest buddy like a possible spy. The fallacy that nobody discusses, however, is that Zero Trust is insufficient on its own.
The reality check: Zero Trust ≠ iNVISibility
Numerous companies implement the Zero Trust principles, which include micro-segmentation, stringent identity access management (IAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and ongoing monitoring. However, they frequently overlook one important component: initially making their network assets invisible.
Consider this: Zero Trust makes the assumption that hackers will eventually breach your network. After that, it concentrates on reducing damage and restricting their movement. It would be similar to installing cameras and motion detectors inside your home while keeping all of your windows and doors open. You'll catch the burglar, of course, but wouldn't it be wiser to remove your property off the map completely?
How to make your ship a submarine with NVIS AI
NVIS AI transforms your company into a stealth submarine that is totally invisible to cybercriminals, whereas typical security tools keep you afloat. NVIS AI also makes your network assets nearly invisible to hackers in the first place rather than only responding to attacks.
Why network iNVISibility is the missing puzzle piece
Although Zero Trust is very effective at limiting access, it does not automatically shield your network's resources from hackers. That is changed by NVIS AI.The fundamental power of NVIS AI is its ability to render network assets totally invisible to unauthorized users. Here's how:
Prevents cyber reconnaissance initialization
Networks are not randomly attacked by hackers. In order to find vulnerabilities, they first look for exposed endpoints, open ports, and IP addresses. The detectability of your infrastructure provides a first point of entry for attackers, even in the case of stringent authentication restrictions. NVIS AI completely eliminates that visibility. By keeping unwanted users from ever realizing your network exists, it stops attacks before they start.
Prevents the target of credential-based attacks
Today, compromised or stolen credentials are the root cause of many breaches. A legitimate username and password are obtained by a hacker (usually via phishing or dark web breaches) and used to gain access to internal systems. The worst part, though, is that an attacker with legitimate credentials has nowhere to go if those systems are invisible. Only authorized and authenticated users can first detect the network with NVIS AI. Hackers who possess credentials that have been stolen will feel as though they have been given the incorrect address.
Prevents lateral movement
Limiting lateral movement is the main goal of zero trust frameworks, which make it challenging for attackers to switch between systems. Even yet, most networks still allow for some degree of mobility, particularly if an attacker discovers unnoticed or incorrectly configured access routes. This goes a step farther with NVIS AI. An intruder essentially has nowhere to go because all assets are rendered invisible by default. Dropping a thief into a dark, and exit-less maze. Let's examine two real-world breaches where Zero Trust failed to prevent attackers.
Case 1: The Okta Breach of 2023 (MFA was insufficient)
A hack at identity security company Okta in 2023 impacted hundreds of customers. Attackers were able to fully circumvent multi-factor authentication (MFA) by gaining access to session tokens. Because Okta's infrastructure was still visible and reachable by the attackers, the Zero Trust strategy which included MFA, robust authentication procedures, and monitoring were unable to stop the attack. How NVIS AI would have been useful:
Attackers would not have been able to see or target the exposed services in the first place if Okta's network assets had been invisible.
There would not have been any discoverable endpoints to exploit, even if they had managed to get access tokens.
Case 2: A network was brought down by a single password in a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline
The infamous 2021 Colonial Pipeline hack began with a single compromised password from an outdated VPN account without multi-factor authentication enabled. Due to the initial access that the attackers were able to obtain with that one credential, a crucial fuel pipeline was shut down by a ransomware attack. The network itself could be found despite security precautions, which gave hackers the opportunity to look for vulnerabilities and eventually get access. How NVIS AI could have been beneficial:
Assailants would not have discovered the vulnerable VPN service to target if Colonial Pipeline's network resources were invisible.
There would have been no available entry point for the hacker to take advantage of, even if the password had been valid.
Concluding remarks: Safety through iNVISibility
Despite its strength, Zero Trust is not a panacea. Attack surfaces are still left open by organizations that only use segmentation and identity verification.
The answer?
Prevent reconnaissance before attacks even begin.
Make networks iNVISible to unauthorized users.
Make sure that compromised credentials do not lead to anything.
NVIS AI's invisible network model and Zero Trust principles can help enterprises achieve real cybersecurity resilience, where attackers have no windows to peek through, no doors to knock on, and no notion where to start.
Making a system vanish is the greatest way to secure it, and that is why every organization out there needs NVIS solution.
