What Is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

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.

ZTNA Vs. VPN: What’s The Difference?

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.

What Features Should You Look For In A ZTNA Solution?

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.

What Are The Benefits Of ZTNA?

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.

The Top 10 Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Solutions

NordLayer

Get 22% Off Request A Demo

Akamai Technologies Enterprise Application Access

Akamai Enterprise Application Access is a cloud-delivered Zero Trust Network Access solution running on Akamai’s Intelligent Edge Platform, providing secure, high-performance access to AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, web, and SaaS applications. It eliminates the need for physical or virtual hardware management.

Why We Picked Akamai Enterprise Application Access: We picked Akamai Enterprise Application Access for its scalability and real-time security insights, suitable for both SMBs and larger organizations.

Best Features: Admins configure per-application access policies based on role and privilege via a single portal, analyzing user identity, device posture, and endpoint status to block risky access. It offers built-in MFA and SSO, integrating with leading identity providers, LDAP, and Active Directory. The solution includes SIEM log integration via Unified Log Streamer (ULS), API/SDK support for security architecture integration, and ensures low-latency performance across distributed infrastructure.

Strengths:

Enhances security with real-time threat detection
Reduces complexity with centralized policy management
Improves performance with edge-based delivery
Supports growth with seamless scalability
Integrates easily with existing systems

Pricing: Contact the Akamai team for pricing details.

Who It’s For: Akamai Enterprise Application Access is ideal for small to large businesses needing a scalable ZTNA solution with strong integration and performance for cloud applications.

Twingate ZTNA

Get Started Get A Demo

Check Point SASE

Check Point SASE is a cloud-based Zero Trust Network Access platform that secures user access to resources globally, enhanced by the acquisition of Perimeter 81 in 2023. It combines ZTNA with a Secure Web Gateway for advanced malware protection.

Why We Picked Check Point SASE: We picked Check Point SASE for its fast deployment and granular controls, making it a reliable choice for businesses of all sizes.

Best Features: Check Point SASE offers granular policies based on users, devices, roles, and location, managed via a cloud console with automated enforcement. It supports all major OS (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) with agentless options for unmanaged devices, leveraging a high-performance global backbone. The platform integrates with existing infrastructure and includes a Secure Web Gateway for malware protection, with comprehensive reporting on user activity.

Strengths:

Speeds up access with global network performance
Protects against malware with added security layers
Simplifies management with one console
Supports all device types easily
Scales quickly with cloud deployment

Pricing: Contact the Check Point team for pricing details.

Who It’s For: Check Point SASE is ideal for organizations of any size seeking a fast, secure ZTNA solution with enhanced malware protection.

Cisco Software-Defined Access

Cisco SD-Access is a Zero Trust Network Access solution that enables secure access policy enforcement for remote and hybrid workforces, supporting cloud, on-premise, and hybrid deployments. It integrates with Cisco’s broader security suite.

Why We Picked Cisco SD-Access: We picked Cisco SD-Access for its strong device verification and analytics, best suited for mid-size to large enterprises already using Cisco tools.

Best Features: SD-Access allows admins to set role-based policies for users and IoT devices from a central dashboard, segmenting connections with least privilege access. It continuously verifies device security posture, alerting IT to high-risk devices for containment. The solution offers analytics and reporting on endpoint activity, with deployment flexibility across cloud, on-prem, or hybrid setups. SMBs may prefer Duo Remote Access for simpler needs within the Cisco ecosystem.

Strengths:

Increases security with device monitoring
Saves time with centralized policy control
Protects networks with segmented access
Offers detailed insights for admins
Fits various deployment needs

Pricing: Contact the Cisco team for pricing details.

Who It’s For: Cisco SD-Access is ideal for mid-size to large enterprises, especially those using Cisco security tools, needing robust ZTNA with device authentication.

Citrix Secure Private Access

Citrix Secure Private Access is a cloud-delivered Zero Trust Network Access solution that secures access to web, SaaS, and client-server applications across on-premise and cloud environments for managed and unmanaged devices. It enhances productivity for hybrid workers.

Why We Picked Citrix Secure Private Access: We picked Citrix Secure Private Access for its adaptive security and support for BYOD, making it ideal for larger enterprises with diverse device fleets.

Best Features: Citrix applies adaptive policies based on device posture, location, and risk score, disabling screen capture, copying, and using browser isolation to mitigate web threats. It supports SSO with third-party providers like Cisco Duo and Okta, offering secure access to all application types. The cloud-based deployment is highly scalable, with sandboxing for harmful content and continuous verification of users and devices.

Strengths:

Enhances security with isolated browsing
Supports diverse devices including BYOD
Improves user experience with seamless access
Scales easily for large organizations
Reduces risks with adaptive policies

Pricing: Contact the Citrix team for pricing details.

Who It’s For: Citrix Secure Private Access is ideal for larger enterprises with a mix of managed and BYOD devices seeking a secure, scalable ZTNA solution.

Cloudflare Access

Cloudflare Access is a ZTNA solution that secures access to on-premise, public cloud, and SaaS applications. Delivered via Cloudflare’s global edge network, it ensures scalable, high-performance connections for remote users.

Why We Picked Cloudflare Access: We picked Cloudflare Access for its strong identity integrations and device verification, making it a solid choice for tech-savvy teams handling complex deployments. Cloudflare secures much of the modern internet with its hosting and DDoS protection solutions.

Best Features: Cloudflare Access provides granular role-based access controls for segmented apps, integrating with multiple identity providers to verify users. It assesses device health using posture indicators like serial numbers and mTLS certificates, with added endpoint security via Crowdstrike and SentinelOne integrations. The platform logs all application requests for detailed monitoring, ensuring admins track user activity throughout sessions. Deployment leverages Cloudflare’s edge network for fast, global access.

Strengths:

Improves security with detailed activity logs
Saves time with broad identity provider support
Scales globally with edge network delivery
Protects devices with health checks
Enhances visibility for admins

Pricing: Contact the Cloudflare team for pricing details.

Who It’s For: Cloudflare Access is ideal for organizations of any size with experienced IT teams needing a scalable ZTNA solution for diverse application environments.

Google BeyondCorp

Google BeyondCorp is a cloud-centric Zero Trust Network Access solution that secures access to cloud and on-premise applications using an agentless, proxy-less approach integrated with Chrome. It is delivered through Google’s global network on a subscription basis.

Why We Picked Google BeyondCorp: We picked Google BeyondCorp for its seamless Chrome integration and intuitive policy management, suiting businesses of all sizes familiar with Google tools.

Best Features: BeyondCorp’s Access Context Manager allows admins to set granular, contextual access policies per user and device, enforcing MFA with push notifications, one-time passcodes, and 2SV keys, plus SSO. Endpoint Verification monitors device activity, adjusting policies for high-risk users. It encrypts access, gathers threat intelligence to remediate breaches, and blocks malicious websites, enhancing security.

Strengths:

Simplifies access with familiar Chrome use
Strengthens security with threat intelligence
Reduces setup time with agentless design
Supports growth with scalable policies
Protects data with encryption

Pricing: Contact the Google team for pricing details.

Who It’s For: Google BeyondCorp is ideal for businesses of any size, especially Google ecosystem users, needing an intuitive ZTNA solution with strong compliance features.

Palo Alto Prisma Access

Palo Alto Prisma Access is a ZTNA solution that enforces secure access to corporate applications with continuous authentication and least privilege. It supports as-a-Service, self-hosted, or hybrid deployments.

Why We Picked Palo Alto Prisma Access: We picked Palo Alto Prisma Access for its advanced security features and scalability, fitting larger organizations with diverse environments.

Best Features: Prisma Access provides granular access controls at app and sub-app levels, monitoring user and device activity to detect anomalies and troubleshoot performance. It includes URL filtering, machine learning-powered firewalls, and centralized management. The solution supports managed and unmanaged devices, including IoT, with flexible deployment options.

Strengths:

Boosts security with machine learning firewalls
Improves visibility with continuous monitoring
Supports diverse device types
Scales for complex environments
Simplifies troubleshooting

Pricing: Contact the Palo Alto team for pricing details.

Who It’s For: Palo Alto Prisma Access is ideal for larger organizations needing a robust ZTNA solution for mixed on-premise, SaaS, and IoT environments.

10.

Zscaler Private Access

Zscaler Private Access is a cloud-based Zero Trust Network Access solution within the Zscaler Security Service Edge platform, securing access to private applications and OT/IoT devices without external hardware. It focuses on scalability and web threat protection.

Why We Picked Zscaler Private Access: We picked Zscaler Private Access for its scalable architecture and added security features, making it suitable for large enterprises with diverse device needs.

Best Features: Zscaler hides application IP addresses, creating direct user-to-resource connections with access based on admin-defined policies. It uses machine learning to detect anomalous activity, offers digital experience monitoring, and includes content inspection and browser isolation to block web threats. The platform supports managed and unmanaged devices, with APIs for custom integrations.

Strengths:

Prevents attacks with hidden app addresses
Protects against web threats with isolation
Supports BYOD and third-party devices
Scales easily with cloud delivery
Enhances performance monitoring

Pricing: Contact the Zscaler team for pricing details.

Who It’s For: Zscaler Private Access is ideal for larger enterprises needing a scalable ZTNA solution with enhanced web security for managed, unmanaged, and IoT devices.

Other Zero Trust Services

Microsoft Entra Private Access

Secure access to apps with identity-driven, zero trust policies.

Broadcom Zero Trust Network Access

Cloud-delivered ZTNA with granular access controls.

Forcepoint ZTNA

Zero trust access with threat protection for private applications.

Appgate SDP

Software-defined perimeter for dynamic, secure remote access.

Cato Networks SASE Cloud

Integrated ZTNA as part of a secure access service edge platform.

Barracuda Zero Trust Access

Simplifies secure access with user- and device-based policies.

The Top 10 Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Solutions

How to Choose the Right ZTNA Solution?

Selecting the right Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution involves aligning the platform with your organization’s network architecture, security priorities, and user requirements. Consider these key steps to make an informed choice:

Assess Your Network Environment: Evaluate your applications (e.g., cloud, on-premises, SaaS), user types (e.g., employees, contractors), and devices (e.g., laptops, mobiles) to ensure the solution supports your ecosystem and enforces secure access.
Define Security and Compliance Goals: Identify critical threats (e.g., unauthorized access, data leaks) and regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, NIST 800-207) to prioritize identity-based access and compliance reporting.
Prioritize Scalability and Performance: Choose a solution that scales with your workforce or cloud adoption, delivering low-latency access to applications while maintaining security across global or hybrid networks.

Focus on critical features to ensure secure and efficient access:

Identity-Based Access Controls: Look for platforms with adaptive multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and continuous user verification to enforce least-privilege access based on identity and context.
Application-Centric Connectivity: Prioritize solutions that hide applications from the public internet, providing direct, encrypted access to specific resources without exposing the entire network, unlike traditional VPNs.
Device Posture and Monitoring: Ensure real-time device health checks, endpoint compliance validation, and behavioral analytics to detect anomalies and block risky access attempts.
Seamless Integration and Management: Verify integrations with IAM, SIEM, and cloud platforms, plus centralized consoles with policy management and usage analytics to simplify administration and compliance.

Balance functionality with usability to maximize adoption and efficiency:

User-Friendly Interface: Avoid complex platforms that frustrate users, opting for intuitive portals and mobile apps to ensure seamless access for employees and third parties with minimal training.
Vendor Support Quality: Select providers with 24/7 support, comprehensive documentation, and resources like training or forums to assist with deployment, optimization, and troubleshooting.
Testing and Trials: Use demos, free trials, or independent user reviews to validate access performance, integration ease, and security effectiveness before committing.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Our guide to the leading Zero Trust Network Access solutions provides a comprehensive overview of platforms designed to secure application access by enforcing identity-based, least-privilege policies. The article evaluates tools based on features like adaptive access controls, application-centric connectivity, device monitoring, and seamless integrations, catering to organizations of all sizes. It emphasizes balancing robust security, scalability, and usability to protect cloud, on-premises, or hybrid environments, reduce attack surfaces, and ensure compliance in a landscape where perimeter-based security is insufficient.

Key Takeaways:

Secure Application Access: Top ZTNA solutions use identity-driven MFA and encrypted connections to hide applications and prevent unauthorized access.
Zero Trust Simplicity: Choose platforms that replace legacy VPNs with direct, application-specific access to improve security and user experience.
Compliant and Scalable: Prioritize tools with real-time monitoring and compliance reporting to meet GDPR or NIST standards while scaling with organizational growth.

What Do You Think?

We’ve explored the leading ZTNA solutions, highlighting how these tools secure access with identity-based controls, application isolation, and continuous monitoring. Now, we’d love to hear your perspective—what’s your experience with ZTNA platforms? Are features like adaptive MFA, application-centric access, or cloud integrations critical for your organization’s security strategy?

Selecting the right ZTNA solution can transform how you secure your network, but challenges like user friction or integration complexity can arise. Have you found a standout platform that’s strengthened your access controls, or encountered hurdles with scalability or usability? Share your insights to help other organizations navigate the ZTNA landscape and choose the best tool for their needs.

Let us know which solution you recommend to help us improve our list!

FAQs

Everything You Need To Know About ZTNA (FAQs)

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.

Explore More

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Buyers’ Guide 2025

How to choose the right Zero Trust Network Access software.

Alex Zawalnyski, Laura Iannini Last updated on Apr 2, 2025

Read Now

Written By

Caitlin Harris Deputy Head Of Content

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 CEO and Founder

Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO and founder 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.

The Top 10 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.