what is
ZTNA
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is an IT security solution that provides secure remote access to an organization’s applications, data, and services based on clearly defined access control policies.
Why ZTNA?
ZTNA offers the granular, context-aware access for business-critical applications, without having to expose other services to possible attackers.
VPN vs ZTNA
What is the difference?
VPNs are designed to offer network-wide access, where ZTNAs grant access to specific resources and require reauthentication frequently.
The ZTNA model was coined by Gartner to help eliminate the granting of excessive trust to employers, contractors, and other users who only need very limited access. The model expresses the concept that nothing is to be trusted until proven trustworthy, and more importantly that trust must be reauthenticated whenever anything about the connection (location, context, IP address, etc.) changes.
Benefits Of ZTNA
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) offers several benefits over traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when it comes to securing network access. Here are some key advantages of ZTNA:
Enhanced Security
ZTNA follows the Zero Trust security model, which assumes that no user or device should be trusted by default, even if they are inside the network perimeter. It provides granular access control, verifying and authenticating users and devices before granting access to specific applications or resources. This approach significantly reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and lateral movement within the network.
Application-Centric Access
ZTNA focuses on providing access to specific applications rather than granting full network access as VPNs do. By implementing fine-grained access policies, ZTNA ensures that users can only access the applications and resources they need to perform their tasks. This approach improves security and reduces the risk of lateral movement between applications.
User-Centric Authentication
ZTNA employs strong user authentication mechanisms, such as multifactor authentication (MFA), to verify the user's identity before granting access. This prevents unauthorized users from gaining entry, even if they possess valid credentials. VPNs, on the other hand, typically rely solely on username and password combinations, which can be more vulnerable to credential theft or brute-force attacks.
Dynamic Perimeter
ZTNA creates a dynamic perimeter around each user and device, regardless of their location. It allows organizations to enforce access policies based on user context, such as device health, location, time of access, and other relevant factors. This adaptive approach ensures that access privileges can be adjusted in real-time based on the changing security posture and user behavior.
Improved Performance
ZTNA enables direct and secure access to specific applications, bypassing the need to route all traffic through a centralized network gateway like VPNs. This approach can improve performance by reducing latency and network congestion. Users can access applications directly, benefiting from optimized paths and performance-enhancing technologies, resulting in a better user experience.
Simplified Management
Compared to VPNs, which often require complex network configurations and management, ZTNA provides a more streamlined and centralized approach. ZTNA solutions typically offer centralized policy management, visibility, and control, making it easier for administrators to define and enforce access policies, monitor user activity, and respond to security events.