Employees work remotely, systems span multiple environments, and the line between digital and physical spaces continues to blur. The emergence of the Zero Trust model takes on this challenge with a “never trust, always verify” mindset, offering a modern framework for protecting people, assets, and infrastructure across both cyber and physical domains.

What Zero Trust Means

Zero Trust is not a single technology, but rather a philosophy. One where every user, device, and system must be authenticated, authorized, and continuously verified before access is granted. While this approach is most associated with cybersecurity, the foundational principles deeply support the growing convergence with physical security as well.

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a Zero Trust Architecture enforces three principles:

• Explicit verification: Every access request must be authenticated and authorized using multiple data points.

• Least privilege access: Users should only have access to the resources necessary for their role and only for as long as they need it.

• Assuming breach: Operate under the assumption that a breach has already occurred to implement segmented environments, continuous monitoring, and rapid response capabilities.

What makes Zero Trust so powerful is its ability to create a shared security language across IT and physical security teams. And, when implemented effectively, it can eliminate silos between the two domains and provide a holistic view of identity, access, and events.

Beyond the Traditional Perimeter

Traditional physical security models were built on the idea that anything inside a facility or network could be trusted. But as systems like cloud-based access control, IP cameras, and IoT sensors become more interconnected, the traditional perimeter has expanded to include both the seen and the unseen. A compromised device, unsecured network segment, or stolen credential can provide attackers with a direct path deeper into the system.

A Zero Trust approach removes the assumption of safety and instead runs on the understanding that every user, device, and system interaction must be verified before access is granted, no matter where it originates from. Following Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency 2025 guidance, implementing microsegmentation within networks helps limit lateral movement and contain breaches, ensuring that an issue in one area doesn’t compromise the entire environment.

Applying Zero Trust to Physical Security

Zero Trust goes beyond the network perimeter, extending to doors, cameras, sensors, and all access control systems.

In practice, this means:

• Verifying devices before they connect to the network.

• Re-authenticating users such as system administrators via SSO or reauthenticating network devices periodically.

• Segmenting networks to separate physical security devices from corporate or guest traffic.

• Logging and auditing every event, from door activity to firmware changes.

With the addition of a physical layer such as access control, biometrics, or a pin, it allows for coordinated responses to hybrid threats to scenarios where cyber and physical risks intersect.

For example, if a bad actor gains unauthorized building access to tamper with servers, integrated monitoring between the physical access control system and cybersecurity tools can quickly identify the anomaly and initiate containment protocols .

How to Get Started

Building a Zero Trust framework requires alignment between multiple stakeholders, processes, and technology. But once implemented, it is one that strengthens both your systems and operational resilience. Start with these foundational steps:

• Evaluate your current environment.
  Review what controls are currently in place where implicit trust still exists. Use frameworks like CISA’s Zero Trust Maturity Model to guide your assessment.

• Strengthen identity and access verification.
  Focus on strengthening identity and access management (IAM), implementing continuous monitoring for cyber and physical devices, and segmenting networks based on user roles in both cyber and physical environments. Integrating systems like Active Directory can support this process.

• Segment and secure device networks.
  Isolate systems from corporate and guest networks. Use network segmentation or microsegmentation to contain potential threats and prevent lateral movement between systems like cameras, controllers, and servers.

• Continuous monitoring and log activity.
  Track access events, configuration changes, and implement updates across all devices. Integrate logs into a central monitoring platform for real-time detection and rapid response to anomalies.

Navigating Obstacles to Achieve Zero Trust

Implementing Zero Trust into your security framework can be complex. Many organizations face challenges such as legacy access to control hardware, siloed systems, and operational resistance to change. And while adopting this type of methodology often requires both planning and cultural shift, the results are well worth the effort.

Organizations that adopt a Zero Trust framework gain:

• Greater visibility into every device, user, and access event

• Reduced risk by minimizing the impact of compromised credentials or devices

• Stronger alignment between physical and cybersecurity programs

• More resilient, auditable operations that can quickly detect and respond to anomalies

Zero Trust is not a tool you can buy but a philosophy that guides organizations to think about trust, identity, and access. By extending its principles beyond IT and into the physical environment, businesses can close the gaps that attackers exploit and create a seamless, secure experience for all users.

If you’re looking to implement Zero Trust principles into your security program, we’re here to help! Contact us at info@northlandcontrols.com.