Why is user verification critical in a Zero Trust architecture?

User verification is critical in a Zero Trust architecture because it focuses on maintaining security by continuously assessing the trustworthiness of users and devices trying to access network resources. In a Zero Trust model, the core principle is "never trust, always verify." This means that user authentication is not just a one-time event; it requires continuous verification to ensure that access is granted only to legitimate users and devices, regardless of their location within or outside the network perimeter.

Since threats can come from internal and external sources, relying on static credentials or initial user verification would not suffice. Continuous authentication mechanisms, such as monitoring user behavior, evaluating the context of access requests, and assessing the security posture of devices, are essential. This proactive approach helps to detect and mitigate potential risks in real-time, ensuring that only qualified users can access sensitive resources.

The other options do not align with the fundamental principles of Zero Trust. Accessing everything is contrary to the principle of least privilege, minimizing complexity is not the primary goal of Zero Trust, and while streamlining user onboarding is beneficial, it is not the reason why user verification is emphasized in this security model.