Benefits of Integrating Zero Trust Security with HPE Aruba Networking 

Enterprise cybersecurity strategies need to address a reality in which users, applications, and devices access corporate resources from different locations and through different types of connections. In this environment, assuming that everything inside the network can be trusted may create security gaps that attackers can exploit. 

The Zero Trust model takes a different approach: no user, device, or network segment should be automatically considered trustworthy. Every access request must be validated based on identity, device, context, and required permissions, while access conditions can be continuously reviewed. HPE Aruba Networking incorporates these principles across different components of its connectivity and security infrastructure. 

How to implement Zero Trust security in enterprise networks 

Implementing this model is not simply a matter of adding a security tool to an existing infrastructure. It requires policies that determine who can connect, which device they can use, which resources they can access, and under what conditions. 

The first step is gaining visibility into the users and devices attempting to access the network. This is particularly important for organizations managing corporate computers, personal devices, IoT endpoints, video surveillance systems, printers, and other equipment that may present different levels of risk. 

HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass Policy Manager enables organizations to authenticate and authorize users and devices through role-based policies. Based on identity and device characteristics, organizations can determine which resources are available and apply access controls according to each profile’s requirements. 

This approach moves away from policies based solely on a device’s physical network location toward a strategy in which access depends on identity and context. As a result, an employee, contractor, visitor, or IoT device can receive different permissions even when connecting to the same infrastructure. 

How to enforce least privilege access for users and devices 

One of the core principles of Zero Trust is least privilege access. Instead of providing users with broad network access and relying on controls later in the process, access is initially limited to the resources required to perform their specific tasks. 

HPE Aruba Networking Dynamic Segmentation applies this principle through policies associated with users and devices. Traffic can be dynamically segmented according to roles defined by the organization, reducing reliance on manual VLAN and ACL configurations while enabling consistent policy enforcement across wired and wireless networks. 

This capability can also help reduce the potential impact of a security breach. If a compromised device can access only the resources required for its function, an attacker has fewer opportunities to move toward other systems within the organization than they would have under a broad-access model. 

Segmentation can be supported by HPE Aruba Networking Central NetConductor, which uses technologies such as EVPN/VXLAN to distribute policies across the infrastructure. This allows roles and permissions to remain associated with users and devices as they move between different areas of the network. 

Protecting enterprise networks from compromised devices 

Connected devices are another important element of an effective security strategy. A device that previously complied with corporate policies can change its security status following an infection, misconfiguration, or the detection of suspicious activity. 

For this reason, a Zero Trust architecture needs to consider device posture rather than relying solely on the credentials used to log in. HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass OnGuard can evaluate endpoint posture and help quarantine devices that fail to meet specific security or compliance requirements. 

The infrastructure can also adjust access conditions when the context of a connection changes. Policies can consider attributes related to identity, device, location, time, or behavior to determine the appropriate level of access. 

This is particularly relevant in hybrid work, BYOD, and IoT environments, where devices may differ significantly in terms of administrative control and security capabilities. 

How network microsegmentation can reduce lateral movement 

Once an attacker compromises a device, one potential risk is that they may use that entry point to attempt to access other systems. Segmentation and role-based policies can help limit this type of lateral movement. 

HPE Aruba Networking enables segmentation policies to be applied across both wired and wireless infrastructure. With Dynamic Segmentation, for example, traffic can be classified according to the user or device and subjected to specific policies at the appropriate enforcement points.  

The Policy Enforcement Firewall also provides visibility and control over applications and traffic, while policies can be centrally managed through ClearPass. This enables more granular controls than traditional separation based solely on network segments.  

The result is an architecture in which connecting to the network does not automatically mean gaining access to all of its resources. Every connection is governed by the policies defined by the organization and by the attributes used to determine the appropriate level of trust. 

An integrated security architecture for modern enterprise networks 

The value of this approach increases when different security mechanisms can work together. Rather than managing authentication, segmentation, visibility, and policy enforcement as completely separate processes, HPE Aruba Networking integrates different capabilities into its architecture. 

ClearPass can use identity and profiling information to make access decisions, while switches, access points, and gateways act as policy enforcement points. The platform also supports integrations with third-party solutions to exchange contextual information and complement monitoring and response capabilities. 

For IT teams, this approach can facilitate a more consistent security strategy, particularly when an organization needs to protect users, IoT devices, wireless networks, wired infrastructure, and remote connections simultaneously. 

Adopting Zero Trust requires more than implementing a technology. Organizations need to identify critical resources, establish access levels, define different user and device profiles, and develop policies that can be maintained operationally. HPE Aruba Networking provides components that help bring these principles into the network infrastructure and turn them into practical security controls. 

Discover how to apply these principles to your enterprise infrastructure. At Beyond Technology, we can help you assess your organization’s requirements and design a connectivity and security strategy using HPE Aruba Networking solutions. We are HPE partners. Talk to an advisor to learn how to strengthen your network security.