Zero-trust network security checks every request before allowing access. A zero-trust security example shows how teams control risk using dynamic rules. The model supports adaptive network security by adjusting access based on changing conditions.

TL;DR: What to know about zero trust

• Zero trust removes automatic trust and requires the system to verify every access request.
• It always checks identities, device health, and behaviors.
• Google, Microsoft, and the U.S. Department of Defense all use zero trust.
• Meter supports zero trust with identity-based network design and secure leased line integration.

What is zero trust?

Zero trust is a security model. It treats every user, device, and network as untrusted until proven otherwise.

A system using zero trust checks every request before allowing access. It looks at who is asking, what device they are using, how that device behaves, and what kind of data they want to reach.

The network never assumes anything is safe. Even users inside the office must pass the same checks as someone outside.

Why zero trust exists

Old network security models focused on building a strong perimeter. Firewalls blocked outside threats, and anyone inside the network got automatic trust.

Modern work broke that setup. Cloud apps, remote logins, and personal devices made it easy for attackers to bypass the perimeter. Once inside, they could move through systems without much resistance.

Zero trust fixes the problem. It checks every action, no matter where it starts, and it stops threats from spreading.

How zero trust works

Zero trust checks every access request before it grants permission. The system uses several factors to decide what gets through and what gets blocked.

The system confirms identity first

Every request starts with identity verification. The user must prove who they are using approved credentials or secure login tools.

The device must meet security rules

Zero trust checks the health and status of the device. It looks for things like operating system updates, security settings, and device ownership.

The login location adds context

Location helps the system decide if a request is risky. If someone logs in from an unusual place, the system can ask for more verification or block access.

The system watches for unusual behavior

Zero trust checks how the user behaves during the session. If the person tries to access tools they do not normally use, the system can deny the request.

The data type sets the access level

Sensitive data comes with stricter rules. Even approved users must meet higher standards to get access to critical systems or files.

One failed check blocks access

The system reviews all checks to make a decision. If any part of the request breaks a rule, the system blocks access.

Every action goes into the logs

Zero trust keeps a record of each access attempt. IT teams use those logs to see who made the request, when it happened, and what the system allowed or blocked.

Zero-trust security examples in real business environments

Zero trust sounds like a concept, but real-world use cases show how it works. Many companies and agencies use it every day to protect sensitive systems and reduce risk.

1. Google’s BeyondCorp implementation

BeyondCorp shows how zero trust removes the need for network-based trust.

Google moved to zero trust after facing major cyberattacks in 2009. The company launched BeyondCorp to fix the problem of over-trusted internal networks.

Google stopped using VPNs to guard internal tools. Employees now access apps based on their identity and device, and not their physical location. The model checks who is logging in and what hardware they are using before it grants access.

2. Microsoft’s conditional access policies

Conditional access is one of the most common ways companies implement zero trust without replacing every tool.

Microsoft applies zero-trust rules to protect its internal tools and customer data. Azure Active Directory (now Entra ID) uses conditional access policies to manage requests.

Users must meet several conditions to gain entry. The system checks if they are using a managed device, if they pass multi-factor login, and if they connect from an approved location. The platform blocks access if any condition fails.

3. Zscaler and leased circuits

Zero trust works with traditional leased circuit infrastructure using software-based controls.

Zscaler helps businesses apply zero trust across wide-area networks. Its software inspects traffic that moves between offices and data centers using leased lines.

Even when companies use leased lines for business, Zscaler treats each flow as untrusted. It applies policies based on who is sending the data, which app they are using, and what they are trying to reach.

4. Okta’s identity-first access

Identity is the anchor for modern zero-trust enforcement.

Okta gives businesses tools to enforce zero trust at the identity layer. Its system checks who the user is, what device they are on, and how they behave during login.

Role-based access, device posture, and usage patterns work together to verify requests. Many teams deploy Okta alongside leased line broadband networks to secure cloud apps, especially in hybrid setups.

5. Department of Defense zero-trust strategy

National agencies use zero trust to stop internal threats and harden access points.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) uses zero trust to lock down sensitive networks. Its security model focuses on strict access validation across all systems.

The agency organizes its strategy around seven pillars. Each pillar addresses a specific risk area. Every system must meet the required standards before it can connect.

What are the 3 main concepts of zero trust?

The three main concepts of zero trust come from Microsoft’s security model and reflect core ideas found in the NIST SP 800-207 framework. These concepts explain why the model works and guide how teams should control access.

1. Verify explicitly

Teams must confirm identity and device health before they grant access. The system checks login credentials, device setup, and the user’s current network location.

Every request goes through this process. No session gets trusted just because it worked once before. The system treats each new action as a separate decision.

2. Use least-privilege access

Users should only get access to the tools and data they need. A marketing employee should not have the same access as a database admin.

Smaller permission sets lower the risk of exposure. If someone takes over an account, they cannot do much damage if access stays limited to one role.

3. Assume breach

Zero trust prepares for failure. Each system treats itself as if a breach has already happened.

Teams segment traffic between users, devices, and apps. Security tools monitor internal activity to catch anything suspicious before it spreads. That mindset helps limit the scope of any attack.

The 7 pillars of zero trust

We’ve covered why zero trust works. Now we’ll look at where to apply those principles. These areas turn strategy into action. The DoD and other organizations use them to build real-world security controls.

1. Users must prove who they are

Zero trust begins with identity. Each user must prove their identity before the system allows access. The system decides access based on who the user is and how they typically behave.

2. Devices must meet security standards

The system checks the device used to make the request. It checks if the organization manages the device and confirms the device meets security requirements. Devices that fail checks get blocked.

3. Networks must limit lateral movement

Zero trust breaks networks into smaller segments. Users and devices only interact with what they need. Segmenting the network reduces the risk of internal spread during an attack.

4. Applications must restrict what users can do

Apps must control actions based on the user’s role. A person who can view data should not be able to edit or delete it unless their job requires it. Application-layer controls stop misuse inside approved sessions.

5. Data remains under protection at all times

Zero trust treats data as sensitive by default. Security teams classify, encrypt, and monitor data whether it’s in use, in transit, or at rest. Only approved users can interact with high-risk assets.

6. Visibility must cover every access point

Zero trust gives IT full visibility into activity across the environment. Logs capture key details about user activity across the system. Analytics help teams find threats early.

7. Automation must speed up response and enforcement

Teams use automation to act on risk without manual steps. Automated tools respond to risk in real time by enforcing rules immediately.

Zero-trust use cases by industry

Zero trust works across many industries. Each one faces different risks, but the core principles stay the same.

Healthcare

Hospitals and clinics use zero trust to protect patient records. Access only works if the user passes identity checks and the device meets policy. Centralized logs help meet HIPAA requirements and support audits.

Finance

Banks apply zero trust to separate high-risk systems. Employees log in with separate credentials based on the system they need to access. MFA and secure devices help enforce policy at every login.

Manufacturing

Factories separate operational systems from business networks. Zero trust makes sure only approved devices can talk to machines. Attackers lose the ability to move across systems once access gets segmented.

Education

Universities protect online tools using identity-based access. Zero trust gives students, faculty, and contractors different access levels based on their role. The system blocks risky devices and limits lateral movement.

Use cases that show zero trust in action

Zero trust is not a single product. It’s a way to control access across systems, apps, and devices. The examples below show how teams apply the model in real environments.

Hybrid work

Remote employees use many networks to get online. Some work from home, others connect from public spaces.

Zero trust checks identity, device health, and location before it allows access. The system blocks risky logins without relying on a VPN.

SaaS access control

Cloud apps hold sensitive business data. Most live outside traditional network protections.

Zero trust allows only approved users on secure devices to log in. Identity tools and endpoint checks work together to enforce access rules.

Office-to-office traffic

Teams often need to send data between branches. Zero trust treats every flow as untrusted until proven safe.

Access depends on who is sending the request, what device they are using, and which resource they want to reach.

Branch-to-cloud traffic

More companies run core services in the cloud. That shift moves traffic off private circuits and onto the open internet.

Zero trust protects that flow by checking each request. Meter supports this setup with private infrastructure and secure access paths.

Zero-trust model in the cloud

The zero-trust model in the cloud protects everything that connects outside a fixed network. Cloud services introduce new risks because they run outside the traditional perimeter.

Each request to a cloud app gets treated as untrusted. The system checks the user's identity, the device used, and the location of the request. Access only moves forward if the request matches the allowed resources. A history of risky behavior can trigger additional blocks.

Cloud providers offer tools that enforce policy and log user behavior. Teams use those tools to restrict access, monitor activity, and catch threats early.

Zero trust works across multiple regions and services. It includes cloud services in the attack surface and applies consistent policies across all environments.

Compliance and regulatory mapping

Zero trust supports compliance by controlling access and tracking behavior:

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient data with device validation and access logs.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) limits data access to authorized users only.
• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) validates identity and encrypts data access.
• NIST SP 800-207 provides the U.S. government’s zero-trust framework.
• Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls recommends zero trust principles for secure operations.

Zero-trust challenges and how to avoid them

Many teams run into problems when they start building a zero-trust strategy. Small mistakes can create big gaps in coverage or slow down adoption. Clear goals and phased rollouts help avoid most of the issues listed here.

Trying to do everything at once

Teams that rush to cover everything often lose focus. Start with systems that carry the most risk and expand from there.

Relying too much on VPNs

VPNs only protect the perimeter. Replace them with identity-based tools that control access no matter where users connect.

Skipping the user experience

Poor login flows slow people down and create frustration. Use simple SSO and fast multi-factor options to keep access secure and smooth.

Leaving the network flat

Firewall rules are not enough. Segment users, devices, and apps so attackers cannot move freely inside the network.

How to implement a zero-trust network

Teams implement zero-trust network strategies in phases. The goal is to shift from implicit trust to policy-based control without disrupting operations.

1. Set goals and scope

Choose a starting point based on business risk. Focus on one system or workflow rather than trying to secure everything at once.

2. Build an inventory

Create a complete inventory of everything that connects to the network. You need full visibility before you apply access controls.

3. Analyze user behavior

Understand how employees and contractors interact with tools. Map out what normal access looks like so you can spot problems later.

4. Choose supporting tools

Select platforms that enforce access decisions at every level. Use access tools that support identity, device health, and session control.

5. Define your policy model

Create rules that limit access based on role, device trust, and context. Start with a narrow scope and expand over time.

6. Test access paths

Review how users reach sensitive apps or data. Block unused paths and apply conditional access where possible.

7. Monitor, refine, repeat

Use logs and alerts to track how policies perform. Tune the rules based on real-world behavior and known risks.

ROI and business benefits

Zero trust improves control over access, risk, and system behavior. Each benefit ties directly to cost savings and better control.

Reduced breach impact

Access limits stop attackers from reaching other systems. Smaller blast radius means less damage and faster recovery.

Stronger visibility

Teams get clear records of who accessed what and when. That data supports faster investigations and better decision-making.

Lower compliance risk

Audits move faster when logs and controls are already in place. Zero trust helps prove that access stays limited and monitored.

Fewer support tickets

Users handle common login issues on their own. Device checks and self-service tools reduce the need for IT intervention.

How Meter helps businesses adopt zero trust

Meter gives IT teams the tools to apply zero trust without starting from scratch. Our network design supports identity-based access across offices and branches.

We deploy cloud-managed routing, switching, and wireless as a single, private network. Each layer works with zero trust controls and avoids the need for complex firewall rules.

Teams can plug in access tools like SSO and MFA without worrying about hardware limits. Meter removes friction so security teams can focus on policy, not infrastructure.

FAQs

What technology do you use in zero trust security?

Zero trust security uses tools like:

• Identity and access management (IAM) platforms
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
• Secure web gateways (SWG)
• Micro-segmentation platforms
• Security information and event management (SIEM)

Most setups combine software from vendors like Okta, Zscaler, CrowdStrike, and Microsoft. Meter’s infrastructure supports integration with all major platforms.

What is zero trust in simple terms?

Zero trust is a setup that gives no one automatic access, not even employees. The system checks who makes the request, what device they use, and which resource they want.

It blocks the request if anything breaks policy.

What are the disadvantages of zero trust?

The main disadvantages of zero trust involve complexity and user friction. Teams need to set up tools that check identity, device health, access policies, and user behavior.

Zero-trust can also take time to yield the biggest results. These policies focus on flagging if something looks off to help you catch it faster. 

Users may also resist the change. Extra steps like multi-factor login can slow people down if the rollout feels too rigid.

How many companies use zero trust?

According to Forrester and Gartner, over 60% of enterprises have adopted at least part of the zero trust model. Full implementation is rare but growing.

Large tech companies and government agencies lead adoption.

What is zero trust vs. endpoint security?

Zero trust is a broader security model than endpoint security. Zero trust checks identity, device status, and user behavior before it allows access to apps or data.

Endpoint security focuses on protecting the device itself using tools like antivirus, firewalls, and EDR. Zero trust often uses data from those tools but applies it across the full network.

For example, tools like Meter’s security appliance can help stop threats from moving around inside your network.

Does zero trust mean zero access?

No, zero trust does not block all access. It checks identity, device, and behavior before allowing any connection.

Is zero trust only for large companies?

Zero trust works for smaller businesses too. Teams can roll it out in phases using tools they already have.

Why zero trust needs the right foundation

Every zero-trust security example shows that access should never be automatic. Meter builds networks that enforce identity-based access. Teams get clear visibility into activity and can plug in tools like SSO and MFA without extra complexity.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Complete integration: Meter-built access points, switches, security appliances, and power distribution units work together to create a cohesive, stress-free network management experience.
• Managed experience: Meter provides proactive user support and done-with-you network management to reduce the burden on in-house networking teams.
• Hassle-free installation: Simply provide an address and floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Software: Use Meter’s purpose-built dashboard for deep visibility and granular control of your network, or create custom dashboards with a prompt using Meter Command.
• OpEx pricing: Instead of investing upfront in equipment, Meter charges a simple monthly subscription fee based on your square footage. When it’s time to upgrade your network, Meter provides complimentary new equipment and installation.
• Easy migration and expansion: As you grow, Meter will expand your network with new hardware or entirely relocate your network to a new location free of charge.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.