Topic starter
08/06/2026 4:13 pm
TL;DR: Zero Trust differs from Defense in Depth by requiring continuous verification of every user and device, while layered controls in DiD can leave organizations with a broader attack surface and false confidence, according to Axiad. For IAM teams, the real issue is whether identity governance still assumes trust can be inferred from network position, perimeter layers, or a one-time check.
Editorial analysis by NHI Mgmt Group, based on content published by Axiad: “Zero Trust vs. Defense-In-Depth: What's the Difference?”.
Key questions
Q: How should IAM teams implement Zero Trust without just adding more controls?
A: Start by defining which identity decisions must be re-evaluated after login, then tie them to context such as device posture, session risk, and resource sensitivity.
Q: Why do layered security controls still leave identity risk behind?
A: Layered controls reduce exposure by forcing attackers to bypass several barriers, but they do not automatically remove durable trust from identity sessions or privileged accounts.
Q: What are the signs that an identity programme still depends on perimeter trust?
A: Look for access approvals that never expire, internal systems that trust location over context, and service accounts that are assumed safe because they are inside the environment.
Practitioner guidance
- Map inherited trust points Identify where access remains valid after the initial authentication event, especially across sessions, devices, service accounts, and delegated credentials.
- Separate layered controls from trust decisions Document which controls slow an attacker and which controls actually re-evaluate identity before access is allowed.
- Review access paths that rely on network position Find accounts and workflows that are still trusted because they sit inside a perimeter, on a managed subnet, or behind an internal control plane.
Bottom line: Zero Trust and defense in depth are not interchangeable, because only Zero Trust makes continuous re-verification part of the identity decision.
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This topic was modified 4 days ago by NHI Mgmt Group
08/06/2026 5:44 pm
Zero Trust is the stronger identity governance model because it forces trust to be re-earned. The article is right to separate continuous verification from layered defence, because identity risk is not solved by stacking controls that still inherit prior trust. For IAM and NHI programmes, the practical conclusion is that trust must be evaluated at the point of use, not assumed from the point of entry.
A few things that frame the scale:
- 90% of IT leaders say properly managing NHIs is essential for a successful zero-trust implementation, according to the Ultimate Guide to NHIs.
A question worth separating out:
Q: What should teams do when Zero Trust is harder to run than defense in depth?
A: Prioritise the identity paths that create the largest blast radius first, such as privileged users, service accounts, and high-value applications. Then reduce the places where trust is inherited from prior checks. A slower rollout is acceptable if it results in decisions that are actually contextual rather than merely layered.
👉 Read our full editorial: Zero trust vs defence in depth for identity governance
This post was modified 4 days ago by NHI Mgmt Group