Zero trust security operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring authentication and authorization for every access request regardless of whether it originates inside or outside your network. Contrary to common perception, this approach is not just for large enterprises - North Carolina small businesses can implement zero trust using affordable, widely-available tools.
Key takeaway: NIST Special Publication 1800-35, released in June 2025, provides 19 example zero trust architectures built using commercial off-the-shelf technologies. This practical guidance makes zero trust implementation accessible to organizations of all sizes, including small manufacturers and construction companies in the Piedmont Triad.
Ready to implement zero trust for your NC business? Preferred Data Corporation helps manufacturers and industrial companies build security architectures based on NIST frameworks. BBB A+ rated with 37+ years of experience. Call (336) 886-3282 or schedule a security assessment.
Why Small Businesses Need Zero Trust
Traditional perimeter-based security (the "castle and moat" model) assumes everything inside your network is trustworthy. This assumption fails when:
- Employees work remotely from homes across North Carolina
- Cloud applications sit outside the traditional network perimeter
- Contractors and vendors access internal systems
- IoT and OT devices on manufacturing floors create new entry points
- Phishing compromises credentials, giving attackers "trusted" access
According to the FBI IC3 2024 Annual Report, cybercrime losses reached $16.6 billion nationally, with small businesses increasingly targeted. For NC manufacturers handling proprietary designs and construction companies managing financial data, perimeter security alone is insufficient.
The Five Pillars of Zero Trust
Based on NIST SP 800-207 and the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model, zero trust is built on five core pillars:
1. Identity
Every access request must be thoroughly authenticated:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users without exception
- Conditional access policies based on risk signals
- Privileged access management for admin accounts
- Regular access reviews and certification
- Single sign-on (SSO) to reduce credential sprawl
For NC small businesses: Start with Microsoft Entra ID (included in M365 Business Premium) for identity management. Enable MFA for every user, including shop floor workers in your High Point or Greensboro manufacturing plant.
2. Devices
Monitor and manage all devices accessing your resources:
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) on all devices
- Device compliance requirements (updated OS, active antivirus)
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) for phones and tablets
- Hardware health attestation before granting access
- Guest device isolation from production resources
For NC small businesses: Microsoft Intune (included in M365 Business Premium at $22/user/month) provides device management without additional investment.
3. Networks
Implement microsegmentation and least-privilege network access:
- Network segmentation between business and operational technology
- VPN or ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) for remote connectivity
- DNS filtering and web content controls
- East-west traffic inspection (not just north-south)
- IoT device isolation on separate VLANs
For NC manufacturers: Segment your IT network from OT/SCADA systems. A compromised office workstation should not be able to reach production controllers on your Winston-Salem or Charlotte factory floor.
4. Applications and Workloads
Secure applications with contextual access controls:
- Application-level authentication and authorization
- API security for integrations between systems
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) for SaaS applications
- Web Application Firewall (WAF) for internet-facing services
- Runtime application protection
5. Data
Protect data with classification and encryption:
- Data classification (public, internal, confidential, restricted)
- Encryption at rest and in transit
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies
- Rights management for sensitive documents
- Backup isolation from production networks
Affordable Zero Trust Tools for NC Small Businesses
Zero trust does not require a massive budget. Many capabilities are available in tools your business may already own:
Microsoft 365 Business Premium ($22/user/month)
Includes significant zero trust capabilities:
- Microsoft Entra ID: Identity management with conditional access
- Intune: Device management and compliance
- Defender for Business: EDR and threat protection
- DLP: Data loss prevention policies
- Conditional Access: Risk-based access decisions
- MFA: Multi-factor authentication for all users
For a 25-person Greensboro manufacturer, this provides enterprise-grade zero trust for $550/month.
Free or Low-Cost Additions
- Cloudflare Zero Trust: Free tier for up to 50 users (replaces VPN with ZTNA)
- Google Chrome Enterprise: Browser-based zero trust access
- Duo Security: MFA starting at $3/user/month
- Tailscale: Zero trust networking starting at $5/user/month
Network Security (One-Time Investment)
- Managed firewall with microsegmentation: $2,000-$10,000
- VLAN configuration: Included in managed IT services
- DNS filtering (Cisco Umbrella): $2.50-$5/user/month
- Network access control (NAC): $5-$15/user/month
Key takeaway: According to NIST's implementation guidance, zero trust is not a single product you can purchase - it is a strategic framework requiring a combination of policies, processes, and integrated technologies. Start with what you have and build incrementally.
Phased Implementation for Small Businesses
Rather than attempting an overnight transformation, NC small businesses should implement zero trust in manageable phases:
Phase 1: Identity Foundation (Month 1-2)
Cost: Minimal (uses existing M365 licenses)
- [ ] Enable MFA for all users (including manufacturing floor accounts)
- [ ] Implement conditional access policies (block risky sign-ins)
- [ ] Deploy SSO for cloud applications
- [ ] Remove shared accounts and generic credentials
- [ ] Implement password policies aligned with NIST 800-63B
- [ ] Create break-glass emergency access accounts
Quick wins: MFA alone blocks 99.9% of automated attacks. This single step dramatically improves your security posture.
Phase 2: Device Trust (Month 2-3)
Cost: $0-$5/user/month additional
- [ ] Deploy EDR/antivirus on all endpoints
- [ ] Require device compliance for network access
- [ ] Enable BitLocker/FileVault encryption on all devices
- [ ] Implement MDM for mobile devices
- [ ] Create guest network for personal/visitor devices
- [ ] Establish baseline device health requirements
Phase 3: Network Segmentation (Month 3-4)
Cost: $2,000-$10,000 depending on infrastructure
- [ ] Segment OT from IT networks (critical for manufacturers)
- [ ] Create VLANs for different security zones
- [ ] Implement DNS filtering for malware prevention
- [ ] Deploy next-generation firewall with application awareness
- [ ] Enable east-west traffic inspection
- [ ] Isolate IoT devices on separate network segments
For manufacturing plants in High Point, Greensboro, or the broader Piedmont Triad, this phase is particularly critical. Your production PLCs and SCADA systems should never be on the same network as employee email.
Phase 4: Application and Data Protection (Month 4-6)
Cost: $2-$10/user/month additional
- [ ] Implement CASB for cloud application visibility
- [ ] Deploy DLP policies for sensitive data
- [ ] Enable email encryption for confidential communications
- [ ] Configure application-specific access policies
- [ ] Implement backup isolation (air-gapped or immutable)
- [ ] Regular access reviews and privilege cleanup
Phase 5: Continuous Monitoring (Ongoing)
Cost: Included in managed IT services or $5-$15/user/month
- [ ] Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- [ ] Continuous compliance monitoring
- [ ] Automated threat response playbooks
- [ ] Regular penetration testing (annual minimum)
- [ ] Security awareness training (monthly)
- [ ] Incident response plan testing (quarterly)
Zero Trust for Manufacturing Environments
North Carolina manufacturers face unique zero trust challenges:
IT/OT Convergence
Manufacturing plants in High Point, Greensboro, and Charlotte increasingly connect production systems to IT networks for monitoring, analytics, and remote management. Zero trust principles must extend to:
- Industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- IoT sensors and monitoring devices
Practical OT Zero Trust Controls
- Network segmentation with industrial DMZ between IT and OT
- One-way data diodes for critical process monitoring
- Jump servers for administrative access to OT systems
- Change management controls for PLC programming
- Physical security integration (badge access to control rooms)
- Vendor remote access via time-limited, monitored sessions
Learn more about OT/IT integration security for manufacturers.
Common Zero Trust Myths Debunked
Myth: "Zero trust is only for large enterprises." Reality: NIST's 2025 guidance specifically addresses organizations of all sizes. The tools are affordable and widely available.
Myth: "Zero trust means I cannot trust my employees." Reality: Zero trust verifies identity and context, not intent. It protects your employees from compromised credentials and insider threats - things that are not their fault.
Myth: "Implementing zero trust requires replacing all my technology." Reality: Zero trust is a framework, not a product. Most implementations leverage existing investments (M365, firewalls, VPN) with configuration changes rather than replacements.
Myth: "Zero trust eliminates the need for perimeter security." Reality: Zero trust adds layers of verification but does not remove perimeter controls. Firewalls, email filtering, and web gateways remain important components.
Myth: "We are too small to be targeted." Reality: According to the FBI IC3 2024 report, small businesses are increasingly targeted because they often lack security controls. NC manufacturers holding proprietary designs are especially attractive targets.
Measuring Zero Trust Maturity
Use the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model to assess your progress:
| Pillar | Traditional | Initial | Advanced | Optimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identity | Passwords only | MFA deployed | Conditional access | Continuous validation |
| Devices | No management | Basic AV | EDR + compliance | Health attestation |
| Networks | Flat network | Basic segmentation | Microsegmented | Software-defined |
| Applications | Open access | Role-based | Context-aware | Adaptive |
| Data | No classification | Basic encryption | DLP active | Automated protection |
Most NC small businesses starting zero trust initiatives will move from "Traditional" to "Initial" or "Advanced" within 6-12 months.
Need help assessing your zero trust maturity? Preferred Data Corporation provides security assessments aligned with NIST frameworks for North Carolina businesses. Call (336) 886-3282 or schedule your assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does zero trust cost for a small business?
For a 25-person NC business, a foundational zero trust implementation using Microsoft 365 Business Premium costs approximately $550/month ($22/user). Adding network segmentation, DNS filtering, and ZTNA tools may add $2,000-$10,000 in one-time costs plus $200-$400/month ongoing. The total investment is typically less than the cost of a single ransomware incident.
Can I implement zero trust without replacing my existing firewall?
Yes. Zero trust is a framework, not a product replacement. Your existing firewall likely supports VLANs and access control lists needed for network segmentation. Additional zero trust capabilities (identity, device management, ZTNA) layer on top of existing infrastructure rather than replacing it.
Does zero trust work for manufacturing environments with OT systems?
Absolutely. Zero trust principles are especially valuable for manufacturing, where IT/OT convergence creates new attack vectors. Network segmentation between IT and OT networks is one of the most impactful zero trust controls for NC manufacturers. The key is implementing controls that protect production systems without disrupting operations.
How long does zero trust implementation take for a small business?
A phased approach typically achieves foundational zero trust maturity in 4-6 months. Phase 1 (identity/MFA) can be implemented in 1-2 weeks. Full implementation including network segmentation, device management, and continuous monitoring takes 6-12 months depending on environment complexity and available resources.
Is zero trust required for CMMC compliance?
While CMMC does not explicitly mandate "zero trust," the controls required at Level 2 and above align closely with zero trust principles: access control, identification and authentication, configuration management, and system protection. Implementing zero trust naturally addresses many CMMC requirements for NC defense contractors.
Start Your Zero Trust Journey
Zero trust is not an all-or-nothing proposition. North Carolina small businesses can begin with MFA and conditional access policies today, then build incrementally toward a comprehensive zero trust architecture. The key is starting now - every control you implement reduces your attack surface.
Preferred Data Corporation - High Point, NC | 37+ years serving North Carolina businesses | BBB A+ rated
Call (336) 886-3282 | Begin Your Zero Trust Assessment | Explore Cybersecurity Services