For most of my career, the standard cybersecurity stack was made up of the usual suspects: firewalls, antivirus, VPNs, and (more recently) multi-factor authentication (MFA).
And for a while, that worked.
But the reality is this: the way we’ve always done cybersecurity is no longer enough to keep businesses safe.
The threats have changed. The technology landscape has changed. And so must our approach.
That’s where Zero Trust Security comes in.
In this blog, I’ll break down, in plain language, the difference between traditional cybersecurity services and Zero Trust. I’ll also explain why I believe Zero Trust is the future for every business, no matter the size.
Traditional Cybersecurity: A Quick Recap
Traditional cybersecurity operates on what we call a perimeter-based model.
Here’s how it works:
- You set up a firewall at the “edge” of your network to keep the bad guys out.
- You install antivirus software on company computers to catch malware.
- You give employees usernames and passwords (maybe even MFA).
- If someone gets inside the network, they’re mostly trusted.
That model made sense in a world where:
- People worked in a single office building
- All data lived on a server in the back room
- Devices were issued and controlled by IT
- The biggest threats were viruses from sketchy emails
But that world doesn’t exist anymore.
Why Traditional Cybersecurity Fails Today
Here’s the problem: the perimeter is gone.
Employees work from home, hotels, airports, and coffee shops. Your data lives in the cloud. People access your network from personal phones, laptops, and tablets. And attackers don’t care where your firewall is; they just need one weak link.
And let’s be honest, even with MFA and antivirus in place, here’s what I still see all the time:
- Compromised credentials from phishing attacks
- Malware is getting past outdated antivirus engines
- Ransomware spreads internally once one user is compromised
- VPNs give attackers a front-row seat to your network
In today’s threat landscape, the old “trust but verify” model is a liability.
Cyber threats are evolving faster than traditional defenses can keep up. From ransomware to insider attacks, relying on perimeter-based security is like locking your front door but leaving the windows wide open. That’s why more businesses, especially small and midsize companies, are adopting Zero Trust Security as the backbone of their cybersecurity strategy.
At Succurri, our Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) team partners with organizations in Seattle, Everett, Phoenix, and Kalispell to help them modernize IT defenses and align with the latest compliance standards. With Zero Trust, the assumption is simple: never trust, always verify. Every device, user, and application must prove it belongs before accessing sensitive data.
What Is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust isn’t just a new security product, it’s a strategic framework. Instead of assuming users inside a network are safe, Zero Trust requires strict identity verification, continuous monitoring, and minimal access privileges.
Core principles include:
- Verify explicitly: Always authenticate and authorize users and devices.
- Least privilege access: Give people only the access they need, nothing more.
- Assume breach: Plan as if attackers are already inside, and build layered defenses.
This approach significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and downtime, protecting not just IT systems but the reputation and bottom line of your business.
Many SMB leaders believe cybercriminals only target large corporations. The truth is, 43% of cyberattacks target small and midsize businesses. Traditional antivirus and outdated systems aren’t enough to stop modern ransomware, phishing, and AI-driven threats.
Zero Trust directly supports:
- Protection against ransomware that can shut down operations.
- Safeguarding customer trust by preventing sensitive data exposure.
- Operational continuity with faster detection and response.
For businesses in Seattle and Everett, where hybrid and remote work are the norm, Zero Trust ensures employees access systems securely whether they’re in the office or on the go.
In Phoenix and Kalispell, industries like healthcare, construction, and engineering rely on Zero Trust to meet compliance and client security demands.
What Makes Zero Trust Different?
Let me break it down with a side-by-side comparison:
| Traditional Cybersecurity | Zero Trust Security |
|---|---|
| Trusts users once inside the network | Treats every user and device as untrusted |
| Relies on perimeter defenses | Enforces access policies at every entry point |
| One-time authentication (login only) | Continuous verification based on behavior |
| Broad access once logged in | Least privilege access—only what’s needed |
| Minimal internal segmentation | Network and app segmentation everywhere |
| Focus on endpoints | Focus on identity, device, and context |
Zero Trust & Compliance Alignment
Beyond security, Zero Trust also helps meet compliance frameworks that many industries must follow:
- CMMC & NIST: Required for defense contractors and manufacturers.
- HIPAA: Protecting patient data in healthcare.
- PCI DSS & FTC Safeguards: Securing payment and financial data.
- State-specific regulations (e.g., Washington DFI, Arizona’s financial compliance).
By embedding Zero Trust, your business not only hardens its defenses but also demonstrates compliance readiness — reducing the risk of penalties during audits.
The Role of MFA, Firewalls & Antivirus in Zero Trust
Now, I’m not saying traditional tools are useless. In fact, Zero Trust uses those tools; it just uses them better.
Here’s how:
- MFA becomes one piece of a larger identity verification strategy, not the only gatekeeper.
- Firewalls are used in internal segmentation, not just at the network edge.
- Business Antivirus is layered with AI-based endpoint detection and response (EDR) to catch more advanced threats.
Zero Trust isn’t about throwing away your tools; it’s about changing your mindset and adding layers of context and verification.
So, Is Zero Trust Just for Big Companies?
Absolutely not.
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that Zero Trust is only for Fortune 500 companies. The truth? Small and mid-sized businesses are some of the most common victims of cyberattacks, and they often have the most to lose.
And here’s the good news: you don’t need a $500K security budget to get started with Zero Trust.
At Succurri, we help businesses take simple, actionable steps to adopt Zero Trust principles using tools they already have, like Microsoft 365, endpoint protection, and cloud identity platforms.
Not sure where to begin? Grab our Business Network Security Checklist
Or request a Free IT Audit to see where you stand
How SMBs Can Begin Adopting Zero Trust
You don’t need an enterprise budget to get started. Succurri recommends starting with practical steps:
- Identity & Access Management (IAM): Require MFA (multi-factor authentication) across all accounts.
- Network Segmentation: Limit what systems employees can access.
- Device Security: Verify and monitor every laptop, phone, and endpoint.
- Cloud Security Controls: Apply Zero Trust principles to Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other platforms.
- Continuous Monitoring: Use AI-driven detection tools to identify anomalies.
Succurri’s vCISO services guide SMBs through each phase — assessing current gaps, building a roadmap, and implementing scalable security policies.
Industry Examples in Local Markets
- Seattle & Everett (Construction & Engineering): Local contractors face increasing cyber risks as projects rely on digital blueprints, cloud-based collaboration, and compliance with state/federal standards. Zero Trust protects project data from unauthorized access.
- Phoenix (Healthcare & Financial Services): Hospitals, clinics, and credit unions need HIPAA and PCI DSS compliance. Zero Trust ensures staff and third-party vendors only access what they’re authorized to see.
- Kalispell (Professional Services & Manufacturing): Smaller businesses in Montana often have limited IT staff. Zero Trust provides a structured, cost-effective way to lock down sensitive client and manufacturing data.
Why Work with Succurri’s vCISO and Team?
Implementing Zero Trust requires strategy, not just tools. Succurri’s vCISO service delivers:
- Strategic leadership from certified experts (CISSP, CCSP, CompTIA Security+, ITIL v4).
- Customized roadmaps for SMB budgets and needs.
- Local expertise across Seattle, Everett, Phoenix, and Kalispell.
- Proven compliance support for CMMC, HIPAA, NIST, and more.
With Succurri, you get an executive-level cybersecurity leader without the cost of a full-time CISO.
Author Bio: Grant Eckstrom, vCISO
Grant Eckstrom is Succurri’s Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO). With deep experience in cybersecurity strategy, compliance frameworks, and business IT leadership, Grant helps companies navigate complex security challenges while aligning IT with growth goals. His certifications include CISSP, CompTIA Security+, and ITIL v4, and he has advised organizations across healthcare, financial services, construction, and professional industries.
Schedule a Cybersecurity Assessment
Is your business still relying on outdated defenses? Zero Trust isn’t optional anymore — it’s the standard for protecting your people, your clients, and your reputation.
Our teams in Seattle, Everett, Phoenix, or Kalispell today and see how Succurri can help you build a Zero Trust roadmap that fits your business.
