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ChecklistCybersecurity

Zero Trust Implementation Checklist

Zero trust is not a product. NIST SP 800-207 (August 2020) describes it as a set of principles in which no user, device or network location is trusted by default, and every access request is evaluated based on identity, device state and context. CISA's Zero Trust Maturity Model, Version 2.0 (April 2023), organizes the work into five pillars — Identity, Devices, Networks, Applications & Workloads, and Data — plus three cross-cutting capabilities: Visibility & Analytics, Automation & Orchestration, and Governance. Use this checklist to see where you are and pick the next realistic step.

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January 20258 min read Free Download

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CybersecurityZero TrustComplianceIdentity

Based on NIST SP 800-207 and the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model 2.0

About this guide

Zero trust is not a product. NIST SP 800-207 (August 2020) describes it as a set of principles in which no user, device or network location is trusted by default, and every access request is evaluated based on identity, device state and context. CISA's Zero Trust Maturity Model, Version 2.0 (April 2023), organizes the work into five pillars — Identity, Devices, Networks, Applications & Workloads, and Data — plus three cross-cutting capabilities: Visibility & Analytics, Automation & Orchestration, and Governance. It describes four maturity stages: Traditional, Initial, Advanced and Optimal. Use this checklist to see where you are and pick the next realistic step; most organizations progress pillar by pillar over several budget cycles. Check cisa.gov for the latest version of the maturity model before formal planning.

Before you start

Executive sponsor and a named program owner.
Inventory of users, devices, applications and data stores (you cannot protect what you cannot see).
Top business services and their dependencies mapped.

Pillar 1 — Identity

Single identity provider for workforce access, with single sign-on to major apps.
Phishing-resistant MFA (FIDO2/passkeys or certificate-based) for administrators first, then all users.
Legacy authentication protocols disabled.

Pillar 2 — Devices

All devices that access organizational resources are inventoried and managed.
Device compliance (encryption, patch level, EDR running) is checked before access is granted.
Endpoint detection and response on servers and workstations.

Pillar 3 — Networks

Network segmented so that critical systems (for example ERP, public safety, SCADA/OT) are isolated.
Remote access moves from broad VPN access toward per-application access.
Internal traffic to sensitive systems is encrypted.

Pillar 4 — Applications & Workloads

Every application authenticates through the identity provider; no local shared accounts.
Access is granted per application, based on role and context, not network location.
Secure development and vulnerability scanning for in-house and customized apps (including ERP extensions).

Pillar 5 — Data

Sensitive and regulated data is classified and labeled.
Data is encrypted at rest and in transit.
Data loss prevention rules cover email, cloud storage and endpoints for the most sensitive categories.

Cross-cutting capabilities

Visibility & Analytics: logs from identity, devices, network, applications and data controls are centralized.
Automation & Orchestration: common responses are automated and access provisioning is automated from the HR system of record.
Governance: zero trust policies are written, owned and reviewed, and progress is reported to leadership.

A practical first 90 days

Enforce MFA everywhere, phishing-resistant for admins.
Disable legacy authentication.
Get every device into management and require compliance for access to email and core apps.

This page shows a summary. The complete checklist is in the branded PDF — download it above, it is free.

Sources

• NIST SP 800-207, Zero Trust Architecture (August 2020) — csrc.nist.gov
• CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model, Version 2.0 (April 2023) — cisa.gov
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 (February 2024) — nist.gov/cyberframework

How Cendien helps

Cendien helps public-sector and mid-market organizations assess their current state, build a phased roadmap, and operate identity, endpoint and monitoring controls as part of managed IT services. Contact us at (214) 245-4580 or cendien.com/contact.

Topics Covered

CybersecurityZero TrustComplianceIdentityNetwork Security