NIST invites comments on Draft Special Publication (SP) 800-207, Zero Trust Architecture, which discusses the core logical components that make up a zero trust architecture (ZTA) network strategy. Zero trust refers to an evolving set of network security paradigms that narrows defenses from wide network perimeters to individuals or small groups of resources. Its focus on protecting resources rather than network segments is a response to enterprise trends that include remote users and cloud-based assets that are not located within an enterprise-owned network boundary. ZTA strategies are already present in current federal cybersecurity policies and programs, though the document includes a gap analysis of areas where more research and standardization are needed to aid agencies in developing and implementing ZTA strategies. Additionally, this document establishes an abstract definition of ZTA as well as general deployment models, use cases where ZTA could improve an enterprise’s overall IT security posture, and a high-level roadmap to implementing a ZTA approach for an enterprise.

A public comment period for this document is open until November 22, 2019. Please see the document details for a copy of the draft and instructions for submitting comments.

NOTE: A call for patent claims is included on page iv of this draft. For additional information, see the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) Patent Policy--Inclusion of Patents in ITL Publications.