How IANS Helped a Client Build a Zero-Trust Program
An IANS client organization wanted to evaluate zero trust and begin its journey toward implementing the cybersecurity architecture. This client needed ongoing support to create, shape, and scale its program from high-level strategy to tactical implementation best practices.
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The Pain Point—Overcome Unforeseen Zero Trust Obstacles
The client company needed to overcome communication and internal buy-in challenges. The client needed to find a way to socialize zero trust within the organization. The organization needed to explain what it is, why it matters, and how it would change its operations. The client had concerns that the lack of support from stakeholders would slow progress or result in resistance to adopting the framework.
The zero-trust rollout required careful coordination across the organization, and as the project advanced, complex edge cases emerged. Throughout the process, IANS provided new research, vendor recommendations, peer experiences, and best practices.
IANS Faculty Wolfgang Goerlich Talks Client ROI with Identity Access
The Solution—Real-time Insights and a Phased Approach
IANS Research faculty member Wolfgang Goerlich, CISO for the Oakland County, MI government, maintained a consistent cadence of advisory calls every quarter or every two quarters. The check-in advisory calls included discussions on internal communications, design choices, and edge cases. Wolf conducted several Ask-an-Expert conversations to help our client foster the collaboration and communication needed to move the zero-trust initiative forward.
The client received guidance and insight into its continually evolving zero trust program, which was designed in part by expert input and industry benchmarking data. With IANS expert input, the client was able to successfully implement a zero-trust program that ultimately received industry recognition.
READ MORE: Zero Trust Network Segmentation Best Practices
The client organization engaged in quarterly sessions with an IANS zero trust expert, and together they created a continuous feedback loop in which planning, execution, and reflection happened in cycles. The sessions focused on current phases: early-on the focus was on strategic alignment, and as the sessions progressed, they focused on tactical sessions. Toward the end of the engagement, IANS and the client worked through operational edge cases.
The IANS expert brought insights from other clients, vendor white papers, and industry research to help inform the client’s decision. We also helped the organization avoid common pitfalls and take advantage of proven best practices.
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The Impact—Zero Trust Earns the Client an Industry Award
With the guidance and engagement from IANS, the organization’s zero trust initiative became a model program. It earned industry accolades and an award for its strong execution and impact, showcasing the long-term value of expert engagement.
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