In a recent development, Oracle has introduced Zero Trust Packet Routing (ZPR) as a new standard in network security. This innovative approach aims to enhance data security by enforcing policies that are based on verified identities and attributes of both the data being communicated and the communicators themselves. By implementing ZPR as a virtual network on top of IP, enterprises can enjoy greater adoption and implementation ease. What sets ZPR apart is that it can be adopted using standard IP on existing software and hardware without the need for modifications to current applications and networks.
Oracle has emphasized the necessity of ZPR in light of the constantly changing network architecture of organizations. With each new application launch, instance scaling up, or addition of database servers, the network architecture undergoes modifications that can be challenging to secure and audit using traditional methods. The complexity of securing and auditing configuration points under a network architecture-based security approach is time-consuming, leading to potential vulnerabilities and human errors. As a result, Oracle saw the need for a more efficient and secure solution in the form of ZPR.
Jae Evans, Oracle’s global chief information officer and executive vice president, highlighted the importance of ZPR in addressing the evolving landscape of cloud network security. Despite advancements in cloud security over the past two decades, organizations still face risks of unauthorized access and data exfiltration due to security controls relying heavily on user credentials. OCI Zero Trust Packet Routing offers a solution by allowing organizations to define security attributes for specific resources and blocking traffic to those resources at the network level. This approach makes data security more comprehensible, manageable, and auditable, ultimately changing the security paradigm in the cloud.
Evans stressed the significance of ZPR in protecting organizations from malicious actors and the potentially devastating consequences of data breaches. By implementing ZPR, organizations can enhance their security posture and safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access and exfiltration. The seamless integration of ZPR with existing infrastructure adds to its appeal, as it minimizes disruptions and simplifies the process of enhancing data security measures.
Overall, Oracle’s introduction of ZPR as a new standard in network security marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by evolving network architectures and the need for more robust security measures in the cloud. With ZPR, organizations can establish a zero-trust approach to data security, mitigate risks, and enhance their overall security posture in an increasingly digital world.