Build Zero-Trust Architecture Without Ripping Out Your Existing Infrastructure
Microsoft-native zero-trust implementation leveraging your existing Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and Azure investments. Experienced CISOs deliver identity-centric security programs designed for faster timelines and lower cost than traditional consulting.
Zero-trust isn't about replacing your entire security stack. It's about architecting identity-centric security that assumes breach, verifies explicitly, and enforces least privilege—using the tools you already own. Newf Advisory specializes in Microsoft-native zero-trust implementations that integrate with existing enterprise environments. No vendor lock-in. No rip-and-replace. Just pragmatic architecture designed to deliver measurable risk reduction.
Experienced CISOs who've implemented zero-trust at scale
Microsoft Advanced Specialization in Identity and Access Management
NIST SP 800-207 (Zero Trust Architecture) expertise
Deep enterprise security architecture experience
Three Forces Driving Zero-Trust Adoption
Zero-trust architecture has evolved from "nice to have" to regulatory and insurance requirement. Three converging forces make this the inflection point for zero-trust implementation.
Regulatory Mandates
Executive Order 14028 required federal agencies to adopt zero-trust architecture—triggering cascading requirements for contractors, cloud providers, and regulated industries.
- FedRAMP now requires zero-trust principles for Moderate and High baselines
- CMMC Level 2/3 for defense contractors emphasize zero-trust controls
- Financial services regulators expect zero-trust in cyber risk assessments
Cyber Insurance Requirements
Cyber insurance underwriters now scrutinize identity and access management as top risk factors. Industry breach data consistently shows that the majority of incidents involve compromised credentials.
- Enterprise MFA required across all critical systems
- Conditional Access policies expected for risk-based authentication
- Organizations may qualify for premium reductions post-implementation
Threat Landscape Evolution
Traditional perimeter-based security assumes trust inside the network. Modern threats—ransomware, supply chain attacks, insider threats—exploit this assumption.
- Ransomware payments continue to increase year over year
- Zero-trust architectures can significantly reduce ransomware impact
- Zero-trust can significantly reduce breach detection time
Five-Phase Zero-Trust Implementation
Our methodology follows NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture framework with Microsoft-native implementation. Each phase delivers incremental risk reduction—no "big bang" required.
Identity & Access Foundation
Establish identity-centric security foundation using Microsoft Entra ID as policy decision point.
Deliverables:
- Identity architecture design document
- Entra ID Conditional Access policy library (15-30 policies)
- PIM implementation guide
- MFA deployment plan and user training materials
Success Metrics:
- 100% of users enrolled in MFA within 60 days
- 95%+ authentication requests evaluated by Conditional Access
- 100% of privileged access via PIM (no standing admin)
- Significant reduction in identity-related security incidents
Device Security & Compliance
Establish device trust as second factor in access decisions—trusted devices receive enhanced access, untrusted devices limited.
Deliverables:
- Intune configuration baseline documentation
- Device compliance policy library (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
- Conditional Access + Intune integration guide
- Defender for Endpoint deployment runbook
Success Metrics:
- 95%+ corporate devices enrolled in Intune
- 90%+ devices meet compliance baselines
- Significant reduction in malware incidents
- Zero access from non-compliant devices to sensitive resources
Network Segmentation & Micro-Segmentation
Eliminate lateral movement through network segmentation and application-level access controls—contain breaches to isolated segments.
Deliverables:
- Network segmentation architecture design
- Azure Network Security Group policy templates
- Azure Firewall Premium configuration guide
- Micro-segmentation implementation plan
Success Metrics:
- Zero east-west traffic between segments without explicit allow rules
- Significant reduction in attack surface through eliminated public endpoints
- Faster incident containment through limited lateral movement
- 100% of PaaS services accessed via Private Link
Data Protection & Classification
Apply zero-trust principles to data—encrypt, classify, and control access at data level regardless of network location.
Deliverables:
- Data classification schema and policy framework
- Microsoft Purview deployment guide
- Sensitivity label library with protection templates
- DLP policy library (30-50 policies covering common exfiltration vectors)
Success Metrics:
- 80%+ of enterprise data auto-classified within 90 days
- 95%+ of confidential documents protected with sensitivity labels
- Significant reduction in data exfiltration incidents
- 100% of sensitive data encrypted at-rest and in-transit
Continuous Monitoring & Threat Detection
Implement continuous verification through security monitoring, threat detection, and automated response—"never trust, always verify."
Deliverables:
- Microsoft Sentinel architecture design
- Analytics rule library (custom + Microsoft-provided)
- Automated response playbook library
- SOC runbook and escalation procedures
Success Metrics:
- 100% of critical systems generating security telemetry
- 80% of security alerts auto-triaged (reduce analyst burden)
- Common threats auto-remediated without human intervention
- Faster incident detection and response (improved MTTD + MTTR)
Zero-Trust Implementation ROI Analysis
Designed for Faster Implementation and Strong Long-Term Returns
Traditional Consulting Approach
Newf AI-Native Approach
3-Year Value Drivers
Zero-trust can significantly reduce breach likelihood and impact based on industry research
Premium reductions vary by carrier and organization risk profile
Security operations hours saved annually through automation
ROI varies by organization size, risk profile, and implementation scope. Contact us for a customized analysis.
Engagement Models & Pricing
Flexible options to match your organization's timeline and budget
Phased Implementation
Most Common
6-12 months
Complete Phases 1-5 with flexibility to pause between phases. Pay as you go based on actual phase completion.
- Pause between phases to digest change
- Complete Phases 1-2 for immediate security
- Defer Phases 3-5 if budget constrained
- Scale investment over time
Rapid Deployment
Accelerated
4-6 months
Compressed timeline for urgent drivers: regulatory deadline, cyber insurance requirement, or M&A transaction.
- Overlapping phase execution
- Dedicated resource allocation
- Expedited vendor coordination
- Ideal for urgent compliance needs
Assessment + Roadmap
Start Small
2-4 weeks
Zero-trust maturity assessment, gap analysis, and implementation roadmap with cost estimates.
- Current state across 5 pillars
- Gap analysis vs. NIST SP 800-207
- Prioritized roadmap with costs
- Microsoft licensing optimization
Fractional CISO + Implementation
Strategic Leadership
12-24 months
Fractional CISO provides ongoing leadership while leading zero-trust implementation.
- Strategic executive oversight
- Board-level reporting
- Vendor management
- Team mentorship
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about zero-trust architecture implementation
Start Your Zero-Trust Journey in 2 Weeks
Most organizations spend 6-12 months evaluating zero-trust vendors and architectures before starting implementation. Our AI-powered assessment delivers actionable roadmap in 2-4 weeks—compressing evaluation from months to weeks.
Zero-Trust Assessment Includes:
- Current state evaluation across 5 pillars (Identity, Device, Network, Data, Applications)
- Maturity scoring vs. NIST SP 800-207 framework (Traditional → Advanced → Optimal)
- Gap analysis with prioritized remediation roadmap
- 3-year implementation timeline with phase-based approach
- Cost estimates and ROI analysis
- Microsoft licensing optimization recommendations
Option 1: Assessment
2-4 week engagement delivering maturity assessment, gap analysis, and implementation roadmap.
Book Zero-Trust AssessmentOption 2: ROI Calculator
Calculate your organization's 3-year ROI from zero-trust implementation with our interactive tool.
Calculate Your ROIOption 3: Download Roadmap
Self-guided roadmap template based on NIST SP 800-207 framework with phase-based timeline.
Download Zero-Trust RoadmapAssessment fee credited toward Phase 1 implementation if contracted within 90 days