Real-World Setup with Raspberry Pi, MikroTik, Tailscale and Mullvad
Author: Ruben Galindo
Date: July 2025
Secure access architecture designed with real tools and validated in production environments.
🔎 Introduction
The Zero Trust model is no longer a futuristic aspiration — it has become a necessity. However, for many solo professionals or small businesses, the question remains:
How far am I from a real Zero Trust model?
This article shares a functional architecture I implemented using affordable resources like Raspberry Pi, MikroTik, Tailscale, and Mullvad. The system was tested in real-world conditions and follows key Zero Trust principles: identity control, segmentation, continuous monitoring, and least privilege access.
📊 How This Setup Aligns with Zero Trust Principles
| Element | Zero Trust (Tailscale 2025) | My Real Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Access Model | Identity-based (user/device) | Hybrid: IP + DNS validation (ControlD), Tailscale on Android |
| Traditional VPNs | Deprecated | Eliminated. Replaced by Tailscale and Mullvad VPN |
| Perimeter | Identity-centric | IP segmentation + MikroTik firewall + allowlists |
| Granular Access | Just-In-Time, role/session-based | Auto IP blocking/unblocking via MikroTik |
| Automation | Full, with IAM or scripting | High: Bash scripts + MikroTik + Healthchecks.io |
| Visibility | Centralized SIEM & logging | Local logs + email alerts + service health tracking |
| User Experience | Seamless access | Auto VPN via MacroDroid + Tasker + WiFi recovery |
| Mobile Security | Continuous, adaptive | Android with Tailscale and Mullvad as fallback VPNs |
| Onboarding/Offboarding | Automated by role | Manual control in personal infrastructure |
| Scalability | Cloud/Edge/IoT ready | Local control focus, low latency |
🚀 What I’ve Already Implemented
- Smart IP blocking using MikroTik firewall and
allowed-dohlists - Monitoring scripts and reaction to service failures
- Mesh VPN on Android using Tailscale + Mullvad as backup
- Automatic WiFi reconnection after WAN recovery
- Healthchecks.io for service uptime and traceability
⚡ Areas for Improvement
- Adopt true identity-based access control
- Introduce proxies or session-based control
- Implement behavior monitoring
- Scale with IAM and Just-In-Time modules if needed
📘 Conclusion
This case shows that Zero Trust is not just for big enterprises. Its principles can be applied with smart tools, automation, and the right mindset — even on a small budget.
This experience has proven that with good practices and active monitoring, you can build a network that defends itself.
“It's not about trusting less — it's about designing so you don't need blind trust.”
Want to learn how to adapt this model to your own network? Contact me and let’s explore it together.
Tags: Zero Trust, Tailscale, Mullvad, Raspberry Pi, MikroTik, Automation, VPN Mesh, ControlD, Tasker, Network Security