Project 19: Building Zero Trust Architecture with Open Tools
Explore the principles of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and implement a simulated environment using open-source tools to model identity-based access and microsegmentation.
Project 19: Building Zero Trust Architecture with Open Tools
Explore the principles of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) and implement a simulated environment using open-source tools to model identity-based access and microsegmentation.
Building Zero Trust Architecture with Open Tools
Overview
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a modern security model that assumes no implicit trust—whether inside or outside the network perimeter. This project guides students through the principles of Zero Trust and helps them simulate a secure, identity-driven environment using open tools like pfSense, Docker, and OpenVPN.
What You Will Learn
- Core principles of Zero Trust (least privilege, explicit verification, segmentation)
- Design patterns for ZTA and common implementation models
- Hands-on setup of segmented networks and identity-aware policies
- Integration of access control, monitoring, and secure tunneling in a Zero Trust lab
Hands-On Learning
Students will gain experience using:
- pfSense for traffic segmentation and access control
- Docker to simulate multiple internal services and endpoints
- OpenVPN or WireGuard to secure connections and enforce identity checks
- Firewall policies and IDS/IPS to monitor East-West traffic
- Real-world scenarios (e.g., lateral movement prevention, just-in-time access)
đź”— Continue to the hands-on lab for full instructions!
Zero Trust Architecture Lab
Zero Trust Architecture Lab Overview This hands-on lab will help you implement a small-scale Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) using open-source tools. You’ll simulate secure access control, segmentation, and monitoring between multiple internal services. Lab Instructions 1. Lab Setup: Tools and Environment You will need: pfSense (in a VM or installed on Proxmox/VirtualBox) Docker and Docker Compose OpenVPN or WireGuard for identity-based remote access Optional: Suricata or Snort for traffic monitoring Network Design: Segment A: Trusted Users (e.g., Admin Workstation) Segment B: Internal Web App (Docker container) Segment C: Sensitive Service (Database container) All traffic flows controlled via pfSense firewall rules 2. Build the Network Segments in Docker Create an isolated Docker network and simulate services: ...