Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security approach that is designed to protect networked resources from unauthorized access. It is based on the idea that all devices and users, whether inside or outside the organization’s network, should be treated as untrusted until proven otherwise.
In a Zero Trust environment, access to resources is granted based on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This means that every request for access is treated as potentially malicious and subjected to strict authentication and authorization checks. ZTNA typically involves the use of multi-factor authentication, access controls, and other security measures to ensure that only authorized users and devices can access sensitive resources.
ZTNA is increasingly being used as an alternative to traditional network security models, which often rely on perimeter-based defenses such as firewalls. This is because these models are no longer sufficient to protect against modern cyber threats, which can bypass perimeter defenses and gain access to networks and resources. By adopting a Zero Trust approach, organizations can more effectively protect their networks and resources from unauthorized access and ensure the security and integrity of their systems.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions provide secure network access to an organization’s applications, data, and services on an identity and context basis. This access is provided via a secure encrypted tunnel similar to a VPN. The ZTNA verifies the user’s identity and enforces a “never trust, always verify” least privilege approach, ensuring they only have access to the applications and data they need for their particular role and context of use.
Unlike VPNs, ZTNAs only grant access to the relevant part of the network, rather than allowing for broad network access. They create a “dark cloud,” similar to a software-defined perimeter (SDP). Because users only have visibility into a piece of the network and applications are hidden from public view an organization can significantly reduce their attack surface by employing a ZTNA.