zero-trust-design

Designing zero trust architecture for microservices requires enforcing explicit mTLS authentication, JWT validation, and deny-by-default network policies at every layer. This approach applies NIST SP 800-207 standards to ensure workload identity and least-privilege access control.

Transport-layer mTLS establishes workload identity, while application-layer authorization uses ABAC to enforce access policies. Separating these layers in zero trust design prevents privilege escalation by ensuring network trust does not grant application permissions.

JWT-based identity propagation is needed when designing microservices that require per-tenant isolation and strict authorization. It ensures every request carries authenticated identity claims across service boundaries to enforce least-privilege access control.

Preventing lateral movement requires applying deny-by-default network policies and micro-segmentation across your architecture. This ensures that even if attackers breach the network perimeter, every subsequent request is explicitly authenticated and authorized.

Yes, zero trust design can generate a security architecture specification for new services like payment-processing. It enforces NIST SP 800-207 standards including mTLS, JWT validation, and micro-segmentation to protect sensitive transactional workloads.

Relying on network location creates vulnerabilities through implicit trust, allowing lateral movement if the perimeter is breached. Zero trust architecture addresses this by requiring explicit authentication and authorization for every request regardless of network position.