What security model operates on the principle of not trusting anyone by default?

The principle of not trusting anyone by default is central to the Zero Trust security model. This approach assumes that threats could be both external and internal, and therefore no user or device is inherently trusted. Instead, every access request must be verified, regardless of whether it originates from inside or outside the organization's network perimeter.

In a Zero Trust model, various strategies like continuous authentication, least privilege access, and segmentation are employed to enhance security. This means that even after a user has been authenticated, their access to resources is limited and closely monitored, ensuring that any potential misconfigurations or compromises do not lead to extensive breaches.

While Multi-Factor Authentication enhances security by adding layers to the authentication process, it does not encompass the broader framework of continuous verification that Zero Trust embodies. Defense in Depth involves using multiple layers of security controls, but it does not specifically address the trust assumptions that Zero Trust directly challenges. Risk Assessment involves identifying and analyzing risks but does not provide a comprehensive security model or strategy like Zero Trust does.