← VCE Cyber Security

Zero Trust Architecture

A security model that trusts no user or device by default and verifies every request, even from inside the network.

Part of: VCE Applied Computing - U2O2 - Cyber Security — Module 3, VCE Data Analytics - U4O2 - Cyber Security: Data Security — Module 133, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Cyber Security — Module 132

Understanding Zero Trust Architecture in VCE Cyber Security

What it does: This shows the practical effect of denying default trust to insiders. Zero Trust contrasts directly with perimeter security's assumption that inside is automatically safe. Location inside the network never grants automatic trust. Access is checked repeatedly, not just once at login. Trust must be re-earned continuously, never assumed permanently. Both users and devices must be verified under Zero Trust.

Common mistakes: Zero Trust never grants trust by default - every request must be verified. Zero Trust checks internal traffic too - nothing is automatically skipped.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 1–10) and word search (Modules 1–20).

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Learning
Duo
Does Zero Trust trust users by default?
NoYes
Matches
Once verified, a device is trusted forever
↓
Wrong - Zero Trust requires ongoing re-verification
Applying
Meanings
Term
Zero Trust Architecture
Meaning
A security model that trusts no user or device by default and verifies every request, even from inside the network.
Practice
Zero Trust never trusts by default.
Testing
Gaps
Zero Trust never trusts by
Check Answer
Spots
1Trust is given by default
2Every request is checked

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Quick Questions

1. Does Zero Trust trust users by default?
A. No ✓
B. Yes
Zero Trust denies default trust to everyone, including insiders.
2. Are internal network users automatically trusted?
A. Yes, always trusted
B. No, they're still checked ✓
Location inside the network never grants automatic trust.
3. Does Zero Trust rely mainly on a strong perimeter?
A. Yes
B. No ✓
Zero Trust assumes the perimeter can be breached, so it verifies every request.
4. Is verification a one-time event in Zero Trust?
A. No, it's continuous ✓
B. Yes, it's one-time
Access is checked repeatedly, not just once at login.
5. Can a device be trusted forever once verified?
A. No ✓
B. Yes
Trust must be re-earned continuously, never assumed permanently.

Match the Pairs

Zero Trust Architecture → A model that verifies every request, trusting nothing by default
Continuous verification → Checking access again and again, not just once
No default trust for insiders → Internal traffic is still checked
Perimeter security assumes inside is safe → Zero Trust rejects this assumption
Once verified, a device is trusted forever → Wrong - Zero Trust requires ongoing re-verification
Being inside the network grants automatic access → Wrong - location never grants trust in Zero Trust

Key Term

Zero Trust Architecture
A security model that trusts no user or device by default and verifies every request, even from inside the network.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Zero Trust never trusts by default
Hint: Type the word for what trust is never given by.
2. Every request is verified before access
Hint: Type the word meaning checked to confirm identity.
3. Trust is never granted by default
Hint: Type the word for what trust is never granted by.
4. Inside the network is not automatically safe
Hint: Type the word meaning without any extra checking.
5. Access is checked continuously over time
Hint: Type the word meaning again and again without stopping.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Trust is given by default
B Every request is checked
C Users are verified always
D No one is trusted blindly
Line A — Zero Trust never grants trust by default - every request must be verified.
Question 2
A Zero Trust checks requests
B Internal traffic is skipped
C Access needs verification
D Trust is continuously earned
Line B — Zero Trust checks internal traffic too - nothing is automatically skipped.
Question 3
A No device is trusted first
B Every access needs a check
C A firewall alone is enough
D Verification happens always
Line C — Zero Trust holds that a firewall alone is not enough - every request still needs verification.
Question 4
A Zero Trust verifies identity
B Devices are checked each time
C Access is granted continuously
D Internal users skip all checks
Line D — Internal users are not exempt - Zero Trust checks them just like everyone else.
Question 5
A Zero Trust assumes no trust
B Every request needs a check
C Devices are verified always
D Access is granted case by case
E Trust never needs checking
Line E — Zero Trust requires constant checking - trust is never assumed without verification.

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