ZTNA, which stands for “zero-trust network access,” is also known as “software-defined perimeter (SDP).” It refers to a set of technologies and functionalities that allows remote users to access internal applications securely.

The tech is grounded on an adaptive trust model. The organization never implicitly trusts anyone or anything. As such, access is granted on a need-to-know, least-privileged basis defined by particular policies.

Think of it as security personnel inside a building who strictly and consistently perform additional checks on everyone who enters and exits, even those they see every day. So, apart from checking IDs, they also check bags.

Read More about ZTNA

ZTNA comes in different types and provides several benefits. Learn more about it below.

How Does ZTNA Work?

ZTNA only grants access to specific applications or resources after vetting users. Once the authentication is done, the service grants the user access to the app via a secure, encrypted tunnel. This tunnel provides an additional layer of protection by shielding the apps’ and services’ IP addresses.

This process earned ZTNAs the moniker “SDPs” since they rely on the same “dark cloud” idea, preventing users from seeing into any other app or service they cannot access. This feature also protects apps and services against lateral movement. That means that even if attackers gain access, they cannot scan network-connected apps and services to locate others.

how ZTNA works

What Are the Different ZTNA Types?

There are three ZTNA security models, depending on what they are meant to safeguard.

User Protection

This model ensures that user connections to an application are sent on a direct path, one that does not come into contact with the Internet and threats. It also ensures that users meet established authentication criteria from the onset.

Workload Protection

Organizations often forget about security when creating applications or establishing communication frameworks. But since ZTNA is built on the premise that no one and nothing is trustworthy, compromise is avoided through the security-first mindset. Apps and services are coded with security in mind.

Device Protection

While most organizations prohibit employees from using personal devices for work, they cannot stop them from bringing and using them in the office or connecting to the corporate network. ZTNA can ensure that every device is vetted for threats and that the data that flows through it is encrypted.

What Benefits Does ZTNA Provide?

Utilizing the zero-trust security model provides several advantages. We named a few of them below.

Seamless User Experience

ZTNA user traffic does not go through data centers. That way, users get fast, direct access to their desired applications or services. They access the apps and services as if they were in the office and not anywhere else.

Many compare ZTNA with virtual private networks (VPNs). Unlike the latter, however, which can be inconvenient and slow, the former provides more seamless connections.

Scalability

Cloud-based ZTNA can help organizations scale up or down easily. All they have to do, in fact, is to pay for additional licenses for new users. Decreasing licenses, meanwhile, can be achieved by just discontinuing those no longer in use.

Granular Control and Visibility

Many of today’s ZTNA solutions have a centralized administration portal with granular controls. That means admins can see all users and application or service activity in real-time. They can also create access policies for specific user groups (e.g., individuals with the same position and access level) or individual users.

Third-Party and Overall Risk Reduction

Many third-party users can have privileged access. And sadly, they access applications and services using non-organization-managed devices. Along with most threats, ZTNA significantly reduces third-party risks by ensuring external users never gain access to the company network.

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So, if you are still wondering why organizations need ZTNA, it’s because they face challenges with cloud migration, hybrid and remote working, and IT infrastructure comprising multiple environments.

Key Takeaways

  • ZTNA refers to a set of technologies and functionalities that allows remote users to access internal applications securely.
  • It typically comes in three variants, depending on what it’s meant to protect—users, workloads, and devices.
  • The tech provides seamless user experience, scalability, granular control and visibility, and third-party and overall risk reduction.

Sources

  • https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/zero-trust-network-access-ztna-
  • https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/zero-trust-network-access.html
  • https://www.akamai.com/glossary/what-is-ztna