What principle of Zero Trust emphasizes the need to assume that breaches have already occurred?

The principle that emphasizes the need to assume that breaches have already occurred is "Assume breach." This approach is a foundational element of the Zero Trust security model, which is predicated on the idea that threats can be both external and internal. By assuming that breaches are inevitable, organizations are encouraged to continuously enhance their security posture and remain vigilant.

This principle leads organizations to implement robust monitoring, auditing, and response mechanisms throughout their IT environments. It encourages a proactive stance where security measures are not solely focused on preventing initial access but are also prepared to contain, respond to, and mitigate any potential threats that may have already infiltrated the system.

Adopting the "Assume breach" mindset helps organizations shift from reactive security measures to a more proactive and comprehensive security strategy that considers the possibility of an existing vulnerability that may be exploited by attackers. This not only strengthens overall security but also prepares the organization to quickly respond to incidents as they arise.