NSA’s New Zero Trust Playbook: Why the ‘Discovery Phase’ is Your New Best Friend
The NSA just dropped the ultimate cheat sheet for Zero Trust, and it’s not just for the military.
Access NSA-level security without the need for a Pentagon-sized budget. On January 14, 2026, the National Security Agency (NSA) released its first Zero Trust Implementation Guidelines (ZIGs). While these documents are designed for the Department of Defense, the 'Discovery Phase' guide offers a practical framework that SMB leaders can use to strengthen network security.
The main takeaway is simple: you can’t protect what you can’t see.
Before purchasing new security tools, complete a thorough inventory of your assets and map your data flows. Start with simple, cost-effective solutions like spreadsheets or free, open-source asset trackers. Reputable options include Snipe-IT, GLPI, OCS Inventory, and NetBox, which allow SMBs to begin inventory and mapping without additional costs.
