OVERVIEW
What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?
ZTNA is a cybersecurity solution based on multiple technologies creating a security model that isn’t based on the presence or protection of a perimeter. The solution heavily relies on implementing the Zero Trust model, stating that you shouldn’t trust any connection no matter its source. This model’s motto is no assumptions, only verification, enforced by strict checks at each access step.
The access provided by ZTNA is limited only to applications and data files. Therefore, this solution can control the user’s journey much more easily and doesn’t allow roaming the corporate network freely once the user has been authenticated. It’s also useful for cases when access to third-party hosted applications needs to be granted — the data doesn’t have to be backhauled to the headquarters server. This is especially relevant to businesses that heavily rely on SaaS applications.
BENEFITS
ZTNA benefits for business
Organizations can apply a zero trust security approach within their network ecosystems as a way of controlling access to applications regardless of where the user or the application resides. This enhances the security posture of the organization and adds a number of benefits.
When implementing ZTNA, companies can restrict access to their cloud environments and applications in accordance with their operational requirements. Within the ZTNA model, each user and application can be given a role with the proper rights and permissions to connect to the company's cloud infrastructure.
Network segmentation lends itself well to a Zero Trust approach as each part of the network requires access verification, tightening the security around each individual resource. Zero Trust allows you to enforce segmentation all the way up to layer 7, at the app level. It’s imperative to segment all the way up to the top of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model to protect against hacking attempts.
Traditional security solutions cannot identify or protect against malicious insiders like rogue employees. The zero trust model restricts the damage caused by insider threats by ensuring each user has the least privilege access required. ZTNA also provides visibility to help track malicious insiders.
ZTNA makes applications unavailable and restricts access over the public Internet. This can help protect companies from data leaks, ransomware, and other Internet-based threats.
The zero trust framework keeps each user isolated in their micro-perimeter. This security perimeter protects the company data at large, as the access is granted only on a need-to-know basis. The reduced lateral movement of users results in fewer opportunities that could endanger your organization’s safety.
The principle of least privilege enhances compliance with company and industry standards. The organization can verify that all usage is authorized as controls how employees use applications and data.
ZTNA USE CASES
Zero Trust Network Access Use Case
VPN alternative to meet your workforce's needs
Implement Zero Trust policies easily, verifying the remote users and giving them access to only the private apps they need – not all apps in internal data centers and private cloud. Protect internal apps against potentially compromised remote devices and data theft.
Sign up
Follow the quick and easy steps to sign up for a NordLayer account and start safeguarding your network.
Configure
Once sign up is completed, you can begin configuring security & access policies in the Control Panel through your Web Browser.
Start using
Invite team members, securing your remote teams and using other features in the Control Panel.
FEATURES
Build your own ZTNA solution with our features
NordLayer’s range of adaptive security tools will help you assemble a custom network security solution for your organization’s needs.
SSO
2FA
Biometric authentication
Virtual Private Gateways
Network segmentation
Smart Remote Access
Jailbroken device detection
Security Service Edge
SSE - unified security solution
Secure business data, resources, and all users in your network by adopting the SSE framework. SSE is a blueprint for better business security, combining user-centric authentication, access control and seamless integration across the cloud.
Additional info
FAQ
Both Zero Trust and SASE are security-targeted network infrastructure frameworks that were defined to fulfill the same objectives — to better secure and protect organizations from cyber threats. Zero Trust and SASE complement each other and are prominent takes on the cybersecurity future.
SASE as infrastructure is a security model giant that takes time and resources to be properly integrated. Hence, implemented elements work like a well-oiled machine, establishing advanced security measures throughout a company.
Meanwhile, the Zero Trust approach is relatively simpler to establish but requires more engagement from organization members day-to-day. Improving security levels and protection is why Zero Trust-based tools are often seen as essential parts of SASE.
While ZTNA and VPN technologies are used in similar contexts, they offer different routes to achieving the same goals. ZTNA is much more precise, giving only specific application permissions after authentication. It can also be customized to allow only secure devices, with much more detailed monitoring of what users are doing when connected to the network. These benefits are topped off with a cloud delivery model, which frees the users from on-premises hardware and increases flexibility.
VPNs don’t address network security as deeply as zero trust network access (ZTNA), relying mostly on broad network-based protection. A traditional VPN blindly trusts authorized users and gives them broad access to the entire corporate network. Therefore, zero trust is a great addition to a VPN, making it even more secure.