Best Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Solutions
Discover the best Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions with features like app micro-segmentation, user and device authentication, and access policy configuration.
Written by
Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Quick Summary
NordLayer is the top pick for teams that want fast, low-friction ZTNA deployment without heavy infrastructure investment. For organizations running globally distributed workloads, Akamai Enterprise Application Access delivers edge-based access with strong latency performance. Check Point SASE stands out if you need a unified security console that consolidates ZTNA, firewall, and threat prevention into one policy engine.
For Microsoft-first environments, Entra ID integrates conditional access directly into your existing identity stack. Zscaler Private Access and Netskope One Private Access are strong choices for large enterprises standardizing on a full SSE platform. Twingate ZTNA appeals to engineering teams that want infrastructure-as-code control over their access policies.
Zero trust network access is now the de facto standard for remote work security. The perimeter is dead. Your users work from home, coffee shops, and airport lounges. Your applications span cloud and on-premises, plus hybrid infrastructure. Traditional VPN architecture can’t keep up.
ZTNA solutions deliver identity-driven access that verifies every user and device before granting connection to any resource. Done right, they simplify your security posture and improve user experience. Done wrong, they introduce more friction than the VPN they replaced. The market splits between lightweight VPN replacements and enterprise-scale platforms bundling ZTNA with web security, CASB, and firewall services.
We evaluated 11 ZTNA solutions across distributed teams, hybrid environments, and cloud-native deployments, evaluating ease of deployment, device trust verification, policy granularity, alongside performance and integration with broader security stacks. We reviewed customer feedback to separate platforms that work smoothly at scale from those introducing operational complexity. What we found: implementation complexity and support quality, plus long-term maintainability vary dramatically.
Whether you need simple VPN replacement or consolidated SASE architecture, these are the platforms that deliver.
Our Recommendations
We evaluated each solution’s strengths and trade-offs across Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Solutions. Here’s how to pick the right fit:
- Best For Fast Zero Trust Deployment: NordLayer deploys quickly with minimal IT overhead, making it ideal for teams that need ZTNA up and running fast. NordLayer offers quick deployment with minimal IT overhead.
- Best For Edge-Based Zero Trust: Akamai Enterprise Application Access edge-based delivery provides low-latency access across globally distributed infrastructure.
- Best For Unified Multi-Cloud Networking: Aviatrix Cloud Network Security Platform copilot dashboard provides real-time visibility that significantly reduces troubleshooting time.
- Best For Unified Cloud Security Console: Check Point SASE centralized console manages policies across users, devices, and locations with automated enforcement.
NordLayer is a cloud-based ZTNA solution replacing traditional VPNs for remote access security. It targets organizations wanting zero-trust architecture without complex deployment. The NordLynx protocol delivers fast, encrypted connections.
Simplified Zero Trust Managament
We found the unified console handles user management, permissions, and policies cleanly from one place. Identity provider integrations with Azure AD, Google Workspace, alongside Okta and OneLogin make authentication straightforward.
The device posture module monitors endpoints and blocks non-compliant devices automatically. We saw the cloud firewall combines stateful inspection, intrusion prevention, and threat intelligence effectively. A Kill Switch cuts traffic if connections drop, preventing data leaks.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise the quick setup and intuitive interface. Adding users takes minutes. Connection stability gets consistently high marks across deployments.
Some users flag admin role limitations though.
Where NordLayer Fits
We think NordLayer works well for mid-sized organizations wanting zero-trust without a heavy lift. If you need quick deployment, IdP integrations, and device posture checks, this delivers.
Strengths
- Quick deployment with minimal IT overhead saves significant onboarding time
- IdP integrations with Azure AD, Okta, and Google Workspace simplify authentication workflows
- Device posture monitoring blocks non-compliant endpoints automatically before network access
- Unified console centralizes user management, permissions, and security policies effectively
Cautions
- Some users report that admin role permissions are restrictive; team admins can't reset MFA or access key settings
Akamai Enterprise Application Access
Akamai Enterprise Application Access is a cloud-delivered ZTNA solution running on Akamai’s Intelligent Edge Platform. It provides secure access to AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and SaaS applications without managing physical or virtual appliances. Best suited for mid-sized to large enterprises prioritizing performance and scale.
Edge-Based Zero Trust
We found the per-application access policies work well. Admins configure role-based controls through a single portal, with decisions based on user identity, device posture, and endpoint status. Built-in MFA and SSO integrate with major identity providers and LDAP, plus Active Directory.
The edge-based delivery keeps latency low across distributed infrastructure. SIEM integration through Unified Log Streamer handles log management cleanly. API and SDK support lets you connect it into your broader security architecture.
Real-World Performance
Customers praise the network performance and DDoS protection capabilities. Microsegmentation and API protection features get positive feedback from security teams using it as a primary ZTNA.
Pricing comes up frequently though. This is enterprise-level cost, which limits accessibility for smaller organizations. Some users note implementation requires a learning curve, and support response times vary.
Who It’s For
We think Akamai EAA fits organizations needing reliable, low-latency ZTNA across complex cloud environments. If you already use Akamai services or need edge-optimized performance globally, this integrates naturally.
Strengths
- Edge-based delivery provides low-latency access across globally distributed infrastructure
- Single portal manages per-application policies based on identity and device posture
- SIEM integration via Unified Log Streamer simplifies centralized logging and monitoring
- Built-in MFA and SSO integrate with major identity providers and Active Directory
Cautions
- Enterprise-level pricing limits accessibility for smaller organizations with tight budgets
Aviatrix Cloud Network Security Platform
Aviatrix is a cloud network security platform built for multi-cloud and hybrid environments. It provides a zero-trust firewall, encrypted connectivity up to 100 Gbps, and unified management across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud. Best for enterprises managing complex cloud infrastructure.
Unified Multi-Cloud Networking
We found the CoPilot dashboard delivers strong real-time visibility across cloud environments. It brings back the kind of network insight you had on-prem but applies it to distributed cloud workloads. SmartGroups enable identity-driven zero-trust policies that adapt to dynamic environments.
The platform handles east-west and egress traffic with embedded firewalling, micro-segmentation, and Network Detection and Response. Kubernetes networking gets native support. High-performance encryption maintains throughput without bottlenecks.
What Operations Teams Experience
Customers consistently highlight reduced troubleshooting time and simplified management. One team noted five-plus years of use with fast support resolution. The platform makes multi-cloud networking accessible even for teams without deep network engineering expertise.
Documentation gets praise for clarity. GitOps integration fits modern deployment workflows. Some users note feature parity varies across cloud providers, with certain capabilities stronger on some CSPs than others. Initial setup requires coordination with your cloud teams.
Where Aviatrix Makes Sense
We think Aviatrix fits enterprises running workloads across multiple cloud providers who need consistent security and visibility. If your environment spans AWS, Azure, and GCP with hybrid connectivity requirements, this centralizes management effectively.
Strengths
- CoPilot dashboard provides real-time visibility that significantly reduces troubleshooting time
- Consistent networking and security experience across all major cloud providers
- SmartGroups enable identity-driven zero-trust policies for dynamic workloads
- High-performance encryption up to 100 Gbps maintains throughput without bottlenecks
Cautions
- Some users mention that feature parity varies across cloud providers with some CSPs better supported than others
- Initial setup requires coordination between security and cloud infrastructure teams
Check Point SASE
Check Point SASE is a cloud-based zero-trust platform combining ZTNA with a Secure Web Gateway. Following the Perimeter 81 acquisition in 2023, it delivers unified security and networking for distributed workforces. Works across organizations of any size needing fast, global access controls.
Unified Cloud Security Console
We found the centralized dashboard handles policy management well across users, devices, roles, and locations. Automated enforcement keeps configurations consistent without manual intervention. The platform supports Windows, Mac, Linux, alongside iOS and Android with agentless options for unmanaged devices.
On-device inspection reduces backhauling, which keeps browsing fast and latency low. The global backbone delivers solid performance for geographically dispersed teams. Secure Web Gateway adds malware protection and web content analysis in the same package.
Deployment Realities
Customers praise the cloud-native architecture and quick deployment. Policy updates propagate instantly. The threat prevention capabilities get strong marks, and the UI stays clean and navigable.
Initial setup requires effort though.
Who Should Consider Check Point SASE
We think Check Point SASE fits organizations wanting ZTNA and web security consolidated in one platform. If you have a hybrid workforce spread across locations and need consistent policy enforcement, this simplifies the architecture.
Strengths
- Centralized console manages policies across users, devices, and locations with automated enforcement
- On-device inspection reduces backhauling for faster browsing and lower latency
- Supports all major operating systems plus agentless access for unmanaged devices
- Secure Web Gateway adds malware protection without requiring a separate solution
Cautions
- Based on customer feedback, Initial setup complexity increases in hybrid environments with on-prem components
- Web content analysis limited to 10MB file sizes which restricts some use cases
Cisco Software-Defined Access
Cisco SD-Access is a zero-trust solution for securing remote and hybrid workforces with policy enforcement across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid deployments. It integrates tightly with Cisco’s broader security suite. Best suited for mid-size to large enterprises already invested in Cisco infrastructure.
Centralized Policy and Segmentation
We found the central dashboard handles role-based policies well for users and IoT devices. Network segmentation enforces least privilege access, keeping lateral movement contained. Continuous device posture verification flags high-risk endpoints for IT to investigate or quarantine.
Analytics and reporting give visibility into endpoint activity across your environment. The deployment flexibility lets you match your existing infrastructure. If you run Cisco gear already, the integration path is straightforward.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers with years of Cisco deployments praise the account team relationships and support access. The platform helps standardize configurations to meet security requirements consistently. Teams report faster site deployments and simplified code upgrades through automation.
Some users flag documentation gaps that make unlocking advanced functionality harder than it should be.
Fit for Your Environment
We think Cisco SD-Access works best if you already run Cisco infrastructure and want unified policy control. The ecosystem integration adds value that standalone solutions cannot match.
Strengths
- Central dashboard manages role-based policies for users and IoT devices effectively
- Network segmentation enforces least privilege and limits lateral movement risks
- Continuous device posture verification identifies and contains high-risk endpoints automatically
- Flexible deployment across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments matches existing infrastructure
Cautions
- Some users have noted that official documentation gaps make advanced functionality harder to unlock without support
- According to some user reviews, TAC support quality varies and training gaps can slow resolution times
Cloudflare Access
Cloudflare Access is a ZTNA solution securing access to on-premise, cloud, and SaaS applications through Cloudflare’s global edge network. It targets organizations with technical IT teams needing scalable zero-trust controls. The same infrastructure that handles DDoS protection for much of the internet powers your access layer.
Edge-Delivered Zero Trust
We found the identity provider integrations work smoothly across multiple providers. Device posture checks verify health using serial numbers, mTLS certificates, and integrations with CrowdStrike and SentinelOne. Granular role-based controls segment application access effectively.
Cloudflare Tunnel stands out.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise the platform once running. Teams describe it as something that “just works” after deployment. Organizations consolidating from multiple open-source tools appreciate the simplified management. The Cloudflare team gets high marks for responsiveness when issues arise.
Setup complexity surfaces in larger environments though.
Where Cloudflare Access Fits
We think Cloudflare Access suits organizations with capable IT teams who want VPN replacement backed by global infrastructure. If you already use Cloudflare services, the integration is natural.
Strengths
- Cloudflare Tunnel exposes internal apps securely without traditional VPN infrastructure overhead
- Global edge network delivers fast, low-latency connections regardless of user location
- Multiple identity provider integrations support flexible authentication workflows
- Device posture checks integrate with CrowdStrike and SentinelOne for endpoint verification
Cautions
- According to some customer reviews, setup complexity increases significantly in wide or distributed infrastructure environments
- Requires experienced IT teams to configure and deploy effectively
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID is an enterprise identity and access management platform delivering SSO, MFA, and privileged access management. It serves organizations needing centralized identity governance across cloud and on-premises applications. If you run Microsoft infrastructure, this is the natural IAM choice.
Adaptive Access and Centralized Control
We found the admin center provides solid visibility across users, applications, and access activity. Risk-based adaptive policies balance security with usability, adjusting authentication requirements based on context. Time-limited privileged access adds governance controls when elevated permissions are needed.
SSO eliminates multiple logins for end users. MFA implementation works well across both cloud and on-prem apps. The Microsoft ecosystem integration keeps everything connected, which matters if you already run Azure, Office 365, or other Microsoft services.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers report strong reliability and stability in production. Teams managing user authentication and access control describe the experience as successful. The integration with other Microsoft tools gets consistent praise for keeping workflows organized.
Configuration complexity surfaces repeatedly though.
Right Fit Assessment
We think Microsoft Entra ID works best for organizations already invested in Microsoft infrastructure. The integration benefits compound when you run Azure AD, Office 365, and related services together.
Strengths
- Risk-based adaptive access balances security requirements with end-user experience effectively
- SSO and MFA simplify authentication across cloud and on-premises applications
- Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration keeps identity management connected to existing tools
- Admin center provides centralized visibility across users, apps, and access activity
Cautions
- Some users have reported that initial setup and configuration complexity requires careful planning and expertise
- According to customer feedback, Managing settings can feel overwhelming especially for teams new to enterprise IAM
Netskope One Private Access
Netskope One Platform is a CASB and cloud security solution providing visibility and control across SaaS, IaaS, and web environments. It combines ZTNA, DLP, and threat protection in a unified console. Best suited for organizations heavily reliant on cloud applications needing compliance alignment and data protection.
Unified Cloud Visibility
We found the single console delivers strong visibility across cloud, web, and private app traffic. Threat protection draws from 40 intelligence feeds to detect malicious behavior and anomalous activity, plus cloud-based malware. The dashboard makes monitoring straightforward for SOC operations.
Granular DLP policies let you enforce data protection rules tailored to different roles. Encryption and tokenization add protection for sensitive data. Native API integrations with major IT vendors keep the platform connected to your existing stack.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise the unified approach for simplifying operations. Real-time threat protection and DLP work effectively in hybrid environments. Support teams get consistently high marks for responsiveness and availability.
Initial deployment takes time and expertise though.
Our Take
We think Netskope fits organizations with mature security teams managing complex cloud environments. If you need unified visibility, strong DLP, and threat detection across SaaS and web traffic, this consolidates multiple functions well.
Strengths
- Unified console provides visibility and control across cloud, web, and private applications
- Threat protection uses 40 intelligence feeds for malware and anomaly detection
- Granular DLP policies support role-based data protection across the organization
- Native API integrations connect smoothly with major IT vendor ecosystems
Cautions
- Some customer reviews highlight that initial deployment and policy configuration requires significant time and expertise
- Based on customer reviews, The client agent occasionally disconnects or enters fail-closed states without admin changes
Palo Alto Prisma Access
Palo Alto Prisma Access is a cloud-delivered SASE solution combining ZTNA, secure web gateway, and CASB capabilities. It enforces continuous authentication and least privilege access across SaaS, alongside private apps and branch connectivity. Best suited for larger organizations already invested in Palo Alto infrastructure.
Cloud-Native Security at Scale
We found the granular access controls work well at both app and sub-app levels. User and device monitoring detects anomalies and aids troubleshooting. Machine learning-powered firewalls and URL filtering extend the same security policies you use on-prem into the cloud.
The platform supports managed devices, unmanaged endpoints, and IoT. Deployment flexibility spans as-a-service, self-hosted, or hybrid models. If you run Palo Alto firewalls already, the policy consistency between on-prem and cloud simplifies operations significantly.
Real-World Deployment Feedback
Customers describe the solution as stable, secure, and scalable with minimal operational overhead. Teams consolidating legacy SWG and VPN services appreciate the unified approach. Direct outbound internet access eliminates backhauling traffic through datacenters, speeding up data flows.
Where Prisma Access Fits
We think Prisma Access works best for organizations with existing Palo Alto investments wanting consistent cloud-delivered security. If you need ZTNA, SWG, and CASB in one platform with familiar policy management, this consolidates well.
Strengths
- Consistent security policies between on-prem Palo Alto firewalls and cloud-delivered access
- Granular app and sub-app level controls with continuous authentication enforcement
- ML-powered firewalls and URL filtering extend threat protection to remote users
- Consolidates legacy SWG and VPN into a unified SASE platform
Cautions
- Some users report that the platform requires design effort and tuning to achieve optimal performance
- Some users mention that limited command line access restricts advanced troubleshooting options
Twingate ZTNA
Twingate is a cloud-based ZTNA solution replacing traditional VPNs without requiring hardware changes or infrastructure overhauls. It delivers a software-defined perimeter with centralized access management. Best suited for small to mid-sized teams wanting straightforward remote access security.
Software-First Simplicity
We found the admin experience refreshingly simple. Adding resources and managing policies takes minimal effort. Terraform support fits infrastructure-as-code workflows for managing users, groups, connectors, and resources. The client apps get positive feedback across all operating systems.
Split tunneling keeps connections fast. ViPR technology automates authorization and routing decisions. App-level policies based on device posture, location, and time limit attack spread. IdP integrations with Okta and OneLogin handle SSO cleanly.
Where Teams Hit Friction
Customers praise the fast connectivity and easy MFA integration. The alias feature handles multiple networks with overlapping IP schemes well. Support responsiveness gets good marks, though formal support requires higher tiers.
Enterprise deployment tells a different story though. MDM integration with Intune, Jamf, and NinjaRMM frustrates larger teams. macOS deployments particularly struggle with updating issues and orphaned system extensions, plus no proper uninstall script. Documentation for enterprise rollouts needs work. Policy management lacks Terraform support, forcing click-ops. Bulk resource creation and editing are missing from the admin portal.
Our Take
We think Twingate works well for small to mid-sized teams wanting VPN replacement without infrastructure complexity. If your environment fits the software-only model and you value simplicity, this delivers.
Strengths
- Software-only deployment requires no hardware changes or infrastructure modifications
- Terraform support enables infrastructure-as-code management for users, groups, and connectors
- Split tunneling and automated routing keep connections fast without full tunnel overhead
- Simple admin experience makes adding resources and managing policies straightforward
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that policy management lacks Terraform support, forcing manual configuration through the console
Zscaler Private Access
Zscaler Private Access is a cloud-delivered ZTNA solution within the Zscaler Security Service Edge platform. It secures access to private applications and OT/IoT devices without exposing the network. Built for larger enterprises needing scalable zero-trust architecture with strong web threat protection.
Hidden Infrastructure, Direct Connections
We found the architecture hides application IP addresses effectively, creating direct user-to-resource connections. Admin-defined policies control access without exposing the broader network. Machine learning detects anomalous activity, while content inspection and browser isolation block web threats.
The platform supports managed devices, BYOD, and third-party endpoints.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise the VPN replacement benefits. Connections run fast with noticeably reduced latency compared to traditional tunnels. The admin console provides solid visibility, and Azure AD integration works smoothly. Documentation and community support help teams get running.
Enterprise Fit Assessment
We think Zscaler Private Access fits large enterprises wanting VPN replacement with enhanced web security. If you need scalable zero-trust access across managed and unmanaged devices, this handles diverse environments well.
Strengths
- Hidden application IP addresses reduce attack surface by eliminating network exposure
- Browser isolation and content inspection block web threats before they reach endpoints
- Automatic connectivity handles location changes without manual VPN configuration
- Supports managed devices, BYOD, and third-party endpoints with consistent policies
Cautions
- According to some user reviews, network switching causes repeated connect/disconnect cycles disrupting user workflow
Other Network Security Services
Software-defined perimeter for dynamic, secure remote access.
Simplifies secure access with user- and device-based policies.
Cloud-delivered ZTNA with granular access controls.
Integrated ZTNA as part of a secure access service edge platform.
Zero trust access with threat protection for private applications.
What To Look For: ZTNA Solutions Checklist
ZTNA evaluation hinges on matching architecture complexity to your team’s operational maturity. Here are the questions that separate platforms that simplify your security posture from those creating more management overhead:
- Identity Provider Integration: Does the platform support your existing IdP, Azure AD, Okta, OneLogin, Google Workspace? Can you avoid introducing another identity management tool? Does SSO integration work smoothly without complex federation setup?
- Device Posture Verification: Can the platform evaluate device health using EDR signals, antivirus status, or OS-level telemetry? Does it support your MDM, Intune, Jamf, NinjaRMM? Can you block non-compliant endpoints from accessing resources automatically?
- Policy Granularity: Can you segment access by application, user role, device posture, location, and time? Do you need sub-application controls, or is application-level sufficient? Can you create exceptions without blanket policies that weaken security?
- Performance and User Experience: How does latency compare between the ZTNA solution and your current VPN? Does the platform support split tunneling to keep local traffic fast? Are connection handoffs smooth when users move between networks, or do they experience repeated disconnects?
- Deployment Complexity: Can you deploy ZTNA without replacing infrastructure or requiring hardware changes? How many connectors and admin portals do you need to manage? Does the vendor provide clear guidance on sizing and rollout strategy?
- Consolidation Opportunities: If you’re consolidating from legacy VPN and separate web security, does the platform bundle ZTNA with SWG and CASB? Does policy consistency between cloud and on-premises protect your hybrid environment?
- Support Quality and Scalability: When deploying to thousands of users or complex environments, does the vendor have infrastructure and expertise to match? Can support handle policy tuning and troubleshooting at your scale? Check customer references for long-term satisfaction.
Weight these based on your priorities. Teams wanting simple VPN replacement should focus on ease of deployment and user experience. Enterprises consolidating multiple security functions should prioritize policy consistency and integrated threat protection. Organizations managing diverse devices and BYOD should scrutinize device posture verification and conditional access. Teams with limited IT resources should avoid platforms requiring extensive tuning or ongoing technical expertise.
How We Compared The Best Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Solutions
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and IT solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Our Editor’s Scores are based solely on product quality. Before testing, we map the full vendor market for each category, identifying all active vendors from market leaders to emerging challengers.
We evaluated 12 ZTNA platforms across distributed teams, hybrid deployments, and cloud-native environments, covering ease of deployment, identity integration, device trust verification, policy granularity, alongside performance and operational complexity. Each solution was tested in documented vendor specifications and real-world customer feedback simulating real-world traffic, where we assessed setup workflows, policy configuration and user experience, plus long-term management overhead.
Beyond independent evaluation, we conducted thorough market research mapping the ZTNA market and reviewed customer feedback and interviews to validate vendor claims against operational reality. We spoke with product teams to understand architecture decisions, roadmap priorities, and known limitations. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products.
This guide is updated quarterly. For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
The Bottom Line
Your ZTNA choice depends on whether you need focused VPN replacement or a full SASE platform consolidating multiple security functions.
For small to mid-sized teams wanting straightforward VPN replacement, Twingate offers software-only simplicity with Terraform support for infrastructure-as-code workflows. Fast connectivity and easy MFA integration without infrastructure overhaul.
For organizations prioritizing global performance and edge delivery, Cloudflare Access delivers secure access across 330+ cities through Cloudflare Tunnel.
For enterprises consolidating ZTNA with web security and CASB, Palo Alto Prisma Access delivers complete SASE architecture if you’re already invested in Palo Alto infrastructure. Check Point SASE offers faster cloud-native deployment with similar consolidation benefits.
For organizations managing multi-cloud infrastructure across AWS, Azure, and GCP, Aviatrix simplifies networking and security with CoPilot visibility and identity-driven zero-trust policies. SmartGroups adapt automatically to dynamic cloud workloads.
For cloud-heavy environments needing unified visibility, Netskope One consolidates ZTNA with DLP and threat protection across SaaS, web, and private applications. Support quality is consistently strong.
If your organization has existing Microsoft infrastructure, Microsoft Entra ID integrates ZTNA with SSO and adaptive conditional access. For Cisco shops, Cisco SD-Access provides ecosystem-native zero trust with network segmentation and continuous device posture verification.
Read the individual reviews above to dig into deployment requirements, support quality, and which platform matches your infrastructure, team size, and security maturity.
FAQs
Everything You Need To Know About ZTNA (FAQs)
Zero trust network access solutions enable remote users to securely access resources on their corporate network. They do this by creating an identity- and context-based boundary around individual network assets—such as files, servers, or applications—or groups of assets. If a user wants to access an asset, the ZTNA solution must first verify their identity and the context of their access attempt in line with pre-defined policies. If the user passes these checks, they’re granted permission to access only the requested asset or asset group. If they want to access another asset, the ZTNA solution must re-verify them.
The micro-segmentation employed by ZTNA solutions also gives admins continuous, real-time visibility into which users are accessing which assets and when. This enables them to quickly identify and anomalous activity, as well as identify applications that are rarely used or redundant, to help save subscription costs.
Zero trust network access, more commonly referred to as “ZTNA”, is a security solution that secures corporate assets by creating individual identity- and context-based boundaries around them, or groups of them. With ZTNA in place, the network IP address is hidden. This means that network assets, such as applications, are hidden from public discovery. Additionally, access to network assets is restricted by the ZTNA provider; trust is conditional. Before a user is granted access, the ZTNA provider verifies that user’s identity and the context of their access attempt in line with admin-configured policies. If they pass these checks, the user is granted only enough authority to access the requested asset or asset group, based on admin-configured roles—rather than to the entire network, as with traditional network perimeters. If the user wants to access another asset or asset group, the ZTNA provider re-verifies them.
Thanks to this continuous verification, ZTNA not only helps prevent attackers from gaining access to the network in the first place, but also prevents the spread of cyberthreats laterally through the network if an attacker does manage to gain access, greatly limiting the amount of damage they’re able to do before they’re detected.
With a ZTNA solution implemented, organizations can enable their users to seamlessly and securely access all of the data and applications they need for work, without having to grant them access to the entire network or expose those assets to potentially unsecure internet connections.
Traditionally, organizations have relied on virtual private networks (VPNs) to establish a secure connection between their remote users and the corporate network. Enterprise VPNs create a private network across a public internet connection, essentially creating an encrypted tunnel between the user and the network. They anonymize the user by hiding their IP address and prevent any third parties from spying on users by encrypting data. They also usually require the user to authenticate themselves via multi-factor authentication (MFA) before establishing the connection.
However, once authenticated, the user has free access to the entire corporate network. This means that, if an attacker gains access to a remote user’s credentials and logs into their VPN, or even just intercepts a user’s VPN connection, they too can access the entire company network.
ZTNA solutions differ from this by only giving users access to the resources they need, when they need them—and nothing more. This enables ZTNA solutions to prevent attacks from spreading laterally through the network should an attacker manage to gain initial access. This greatly limits the amount of damage an attacker can do if they compromise a user’s account.
TL;DR: if a VPN builds a wall around the castle of your network to keep out the bad guys, a ZTNA solution places a guard on every door within the castle.
There are five key features that you should look for when shopping for a ZTNA solution:
- Application micro-segmentation: users should only be able to access one asset at a time.
- Role-based access: admins should be able to define access permissions for each user based on their role within the company.
- Real-time reporting on user access activities and application usage: admins should be able to easily monitor user access and identify anomalous activity. In addition to this, users should be able to identify rarely used applications, with the help of visual reporting dashboards.
- In-built, or ability to integrate, MFA or 2FA security: all users should be made to verify their identity in two or more ways before being granted access to any network assets.
- Device and operating system health checks: the ZTNA solution should only establish a remote connection with devices that are adequately patched and running an endpoint security solution.
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to consider implementing a zero trust network access solution, or switching from your traditional VPN to ZTNA. Here are some of the top benefits of ZTNA:
- Prevent the lateral spread of attacks throughout your network. One of the key features of ZTNA is application micro-segmentation: the solution only grants user access to specific applications or groups of applications, rather than the entire network. If a user wants to access further apps, they must be re-authenticated. This means that, should an attacker manage to bypass both the user and device verification checks, they’ll only be able to access a small area of your network, and only the area that the user they’re impersonating can usually access; because ZTNA grants access based on the principle of least privilege, an attacker couldn’t use a regular user account to access critical company resources.
- Gain greater visibility into application usage. App micro-segmentation offers a second benefit: it enables admins to see which users are accessing which apps and when. This allows them to more quickly identify any suspicious activity, as well as monitor application status and save costs through capacity planning and licensing management.
- Prevent identity-related breaches. All ZTNA solutions should enable admins to configure role-based access permissions that outline which users can access which assets. The best ZTNA solutions go a step further, offering in-built two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA), which requires users to prove their identity via two or more ways before being granted access. Some solutions also offer integrations with the most popular MFA providers, such as Duo, Prove, and HID Global.
- Prevent endpoint attacks such as malware and ransomware. ZTNA solutions don’t just authenticate users; they also authenticate the endpoint a user is connecting from. This ensures that the device’s endpoint security and antivirus software are functioning properly, and that the operating system is up-to-date and patched. Over 80% of successful breaches are unknown or zero-day attacks which involve new malware or the exploitation of a vulnerability. Device authentication can help prevent these attacks from taking hold.
- Protect against insider threats. Because ZTNA authenticates all users and devices, not just the ones outside of the corporate network, it helps prevent the risk of insider threat by alerting you to any suspicious user behavior.
- Enable remote and hybrid work. ZTNA solutions enable remote workers to securely and seamlessly access the apps and data they need to do their job from anywhere, at any time. This enables you to confidently offer remote working options to attract and retain employees—and when 83% of people say they prefer a hybrid work model, this is key to unlocking the talent pool.
- Improve compliance. By authenticating users and devices and enforcing the principle of least privilege, ZTNA helps businesses ensure (and prove) compliance with data protection standards that require company data to be protected against unauthorized access.
Most businesses should consider implementing ZTNA, and there are two specific use cases where it should be a critical part of your security architecture.
The first of those is businesses with a distributed workplace. Modern networks and workplaces are incredibly distributed: they have both personal and corporate devices, they have on-premises and cloud applications, and they have remote and on-site employees. ZTNA offers protection for each of those attack surfaces, while also enabling productivity through remote and hybrid work.
The second use case is businesses with a complex supply chain or that work with lots of third parties. Third parties are often granted much higher permissions than they need to do their jobs, and they also tend to work via personal or unmanaged devices. This makes them the perfect target for an attacker trying to access company data. But with ZTNA, you can ensure that they are only granted the access they need, as well as verify the identities of any third parties that you are granting access to—and their devices.
Written By
Caitlin Harris is the Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.
Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.
Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.
Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted.
Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.