Table of Contents
Moreover, the implementation of zero trust network access enhances security measures by incorporating additional layers, such as multifactor authentication, and can streamline user authentication through innovative methods like QR code verification, thereby further fortifying the overall network defense.
Security
With the rapid shift to hybrid work, businesses need a solution to ensure employees can access all their applications without risking data breaches. ZTNA does just that by providing secure connections to critical business applications on a need-to-know basis. It does so by verifying connecting users, validating their device and security posture, and enabling only the applications they need to be able to connect to. The benefits of zero trust network access go beyond ensuring that only authorized people can connect to your business’s internal systems. It also helps limit the damage caused by a breach by limiting the scope of what could be exposed to bad actors. Zero trust networking solutions help protect against insider threats, reducing the potential for employees to steal sensitive information or intellectual property and giving your business a competitive edge. A key advantage of ZTNA is that it can be implemented in a way compatible with your existing cybersecurity systems. This means you can get started with zero trust network access quickly and easily by leveraging an integrated solution from a leading cybersecurity vendor. For example, a ZTNA solution that uses a cloud-based infrastructure can be integrated with your existing security systems to provide seamless and secure connectivity. This integration can include a zero trust gateway, advanced threat protection (ATP), and a firewall to deliver comprehensive and effective cybersecurity.
Scalability
ZTNA is an ideal solution for organizations that need a zero-trust security approach but want to avoid adding the cost and complexity of deploying and managing their centralized infrastructure. A cloud-delivered approach makes it easy to scale capacity by acquiring additional user licenses. Additionally, the ability to hide the infrastructure eliminates risk to the network and reduces the attack surface by allowing only trusted users to access applications. Additionally, because ZTNA focuses on application-to-user connections, it can replace legacy remote access appliances and VPNs. This can result in faster connections for users and a superior experience.
Additionally, because ZTNA uses micro-segmentation to isolate applications, a breach in one segment won’t spread to other segments and can be quickly detected. While some IT leaders may resist switching from SSL VPNs to ZTNA, the latter’s benefits outweigh these objections. The repercussions of a data breach are costly, and it’s essential to find solutions that can prevent future attacks. Additionally, the scalability of ZTNA is ideal for organizations that need to securely connect remote users, third-party partners, OT/IoT devices, and cloud applications. This allows the business to deliver superior productivity regardless of whether employees are at headquarters, in a branch office, or working from home. The flexibility of a universal ZTNA architecture can also help organizations overcome unforeseen connection complications that arise from changing connectivity situations.
Mobility
Zero trust network access (ZTNA) eliminates the need for legacy remote access appliances like VPNs and delivers a seamless user experience. It is also more scalable and flexible than SDP solutions as users connect directly to applications and are authenticated with granular, contextual policies based on device, user, and location. ZTNA reduces third-party risk by ensuring only verified devices and users can connect to critical business applications. This helps to protect data and prevent the loss of valuable intellectual property. ZTNA also improves protection against malware by allowing organizations to build software-defined perimeters that divide the corporate network into multiple micro-segments, limiting lateral movement and reducing the attack surface in case of a breach. Cloud-native ZTNA solutions are typically delivered as a service, making them easier to deploy and manage. With a service-initiated deployment model, the organization acquires ZTNA licenses, deploys connectors before securing applications, and lets the ZTNA vendor/MSSP handle everything else — including connectivity, capacity, and infrastructure. This approach also provides a more consistent user experience for those users who need to access both SaaS and private applications. This method also makes it easy to scale as demand increases with no hardware or software upgrades required. This makes a cloud-delivered solution an excellent choice for rapidly securing the new hybrid workplace.
Deployment
Zero trust eliminates implicit trust for users and devices, granting only the precise access needed for a given task based on role or other variables. This is combined with continuous authentication that protects against lateral attacks. This approach can be delivered via a hardware or software appliance or as a managed service in the cloud. ZTNA can replace VPNs, reducing cost and complexity while increasing agility for remote or hybrid work. It can also secure applications in branch offices or data centers, delivering faster and more reliable connectivity than traditional approaches. In addition, ZTNA solutions provide granular context-aware access based on user identity, device state, and location. For organizations considering a move to zero trust, it’s essential to consider the options and benefits available. In particular, it’s worth looking at how a managed security services provider (MSSP) can help to make the transition easier. An MSSP can offer a turnkey solution that includes everything from deployment to security infrastructure and capacity, making implementing it much faster. The result is a leaner, cleaner infrastructure that’s invisible to users while offering better control and visibility. This provides more agility in rapidly changing environments, with the ability to quickly stand up new applications and easily enroll or decommission users.
