Zero trust is a security architecture and set of principles, not a single product. Instead of assuming that anything inside your network is safe, zero trust operates on a “never trust, always verify” approach. In a traditional perimeter model, your network is like a castle: once someone crosses the drawbridge, they can often move around with limited checks. Zero trust rethinks this model by continuously verifying users, devices, applications, and data access, even if they are already on a permissioned network or have been verified before. Key points about zero trust: - It is an architectural approach, not a standalone tool you can buy. - Users and devices are not trusted by default, regardless of location. - Access is granted based on verified identity, context, and legitimate business need. - It spans multiple pillars, including user trust, device trust, application workloads, data trust, network environment, visibility and analytics, and automation and orchestration. Dell aligns its solutions with the zero trust framework defined by NIST and adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), embedding these principles across infrastructure, data protection, and services.

Dell focuses on helping organizations advance their cybersecurity maturity by aligning to zero trust principles in a practical, staged way. Here’s how Dell supports your zero trust journey: 1. **Strategy, assessment, and roadmap** - Security maturity, zero trust, and risk assessments - Development of a zero trust roadmap tailored to your business objectives - Guidance aligned with the U.S. DoD zero trust strategy and NIST framework 2. **Built-in zero trust–enabling capabilities in Dell solutions** Dell integrates security features across its portfolio to help you harden, detect, defend, and recover: - **Data protection and cyber resilience** (e.g., PowerProtect Data Domain, Cyber Recovery vault, CyberSense, PowerProtect Data Manager) with capabilities like data isolation, immutability, secure snapshots, and transparent snapshots. - **Servers and infrastructure** (e.g., Dell PowerEdge, Dell storage, HCI/CI) with hardware and silicon root of trust, secure boot, digitally signed firmware and updates, system lockdown, drift detection, secure key management, TLS 1.3, IPv6, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access. - **Endpoints and edge** (e.g., Dell commercial PCs and edge solutions) with BIOS and firmware security, supply chain assurance, threat management software (EDR, XDR, VDR), secure onboarding, chain of trust, and secure OS and application delivery. - **Networking** (e.g., Dell network switches, SmartFabric) with VLAN segmentation, micro-segmentation, SD-WAN, access control lists, RADIUS/TACACS, cryptography, and switch hardening. 3. **Services and ecosystem** - Professional, managed, and security advisory services - Ongoing management of key zero trust capabilities - Integration support across an extensive partner ecosystem of more than 30 technology and security companies 4. **Accelerated adoption with Project Fort Zero** - A validated, integrated zero trust architecture designed to speed adoption, reduce disruption, and manage costs - Dell is building what it positions as the first fully integrated Zero Trust Architecture designed, tested, and validated by the U.S. Department of Defense - Dell’s approach is mapped to all **152 activities** defined by the U.S. DoD for an advanced level of zero trust maturity Whether you want to go “all-in” with a fully integrated architecture or focus on targeted improvements, Dell helps you implement zero trust in a way that fits your existing security ecosystem and industry requirements.

Adopting zero trust with Dell is about improving cybersecurity in a structured, measurable way rather than making a one-time purchase. You can expect benefits across risk reduction, detection and response, and recovery. Key outcomes include: 1. **Reduced attack surface** - Granular access controls for users, devices, applications, and data - Network macro- and micro-segmentation to limit lateral movement - Strong identity and device management (including MFA, role-based access, and device compliance checks) 2. **Stronger detection and faster response** - Integrated analytics and visibility across users, devices, applications, and data - Use of tools such as EDR, XDR, vulnerability and patch management, and UEBA (user and entity behavior analytics) - Automation and orchestration capabilities (e.g., SOAR tools, standardized APIs, automated workflows and playbooks) to streamline incident response 3. **Improved resilience and recovery** - Cyber recovery vaults, immutable backups, and secure snapshots to support recovery from ransomware and other attacks - Data isolation and encryption to protect sensitive information in transit and at rest - Architectures designed to support continuous authorization and ongoing validation of systems and applications 4. **Alignment with recognized frameworks and regulations** - Architecture aligned with NIST zero trust guidance and the U.S. DoD Zero Trust Strategy (including the **152 advanced-level activities**) - Applicability across regulated and critical sectors such as financial services, healthcare, energy, government, manufacturing, and more 5. **Operational efficiency and long-term partnership** - Expert assessment of your current security maturity and risk - A clear roadmap for advancing zero trust over time - Ongoing management and advisory support from Dell Security Services Overall, working with Dell helps you reimagine your security architecture so that zero trust becomes an integrated, long-term approach to protecting your data, infrastructure, and operations across on-premises, data center, remote, and edge environments.