What distinguishes a “Zero Trust” security model as promoted by Microsoft security solutions?

The “Zero Trust” security model emphasizes the principle of "never trust, always verify." This approach means that every user and device attempting to access resources, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter, must go through strict verification processes. By applying security policies uniformly to users and endpoints, Zero Trust ensures that no individual or device is automatically trusted based on past behavior or location. This mindset helps to mitigate risks associated with both external threats and insider threats, as every connection is validated and monitored.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the Zero Trust philosophy. Trusting all users automatically creates vulnerabilities, as it does not account for potential changes in threat levels or user behavior. Eliminating authentication altogether fundamentally undermines security protocols, allowing unauthorized access. Lastly, relying solely on traditional perimeter defenses ignores the reality that threats can originate from within the organization, thereby failing to protect sensitive data effectively. Thus, the emphasis on stringent verification for all access attempts is what clearly defines the Zero Trust model.