Trust is never assumed. Every access request must be authenticated and authorized using multiple signals—identity, device health, location, and risk context. This ensures that only the right person, on the right device, under the right conditions, gains access. Continuous verification reduces the chance of compromised credentials or unsafe devices slipping through.

Access should always be limited to what is strictly necessary. By applying just‑in‑time and just‑enough‑access controls, users and workloads only receive permissions for the exact task at hand, and only for the time required. This minimizes exposure, prevents privilege creep, and reduces opportunities for attackers to exploit excessive rights.

Operate with the mindset that a breach has already occurred. Segment networks and workloads to minimize the blast radius, and use monitoring, analytics, and automation to detect and contain threats quickly. By planning for compromise, organizations can reduce impact and maintain continuity even under attack.