Understanding Zero Trust Network Access

Ayyanar Govindaraj

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security model that focuses on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This approach to security assumes that all users, devices, and applications attempting to access a network are potential threats and should be verified before being granted access. The traditional security model assumes that anyone accessing the network from within the organization is trustworthy, while anyone outside the organization is a potential threat. This approach has become outdated due to the rise of cloud computing and the increasing number of remote workers. With the traditional model, once an attacker has gained access to the network, they have access to everything on it.

Key features of ZTNA

ZTNA, on the other hand, verifies every user, device, and application before granting access to specific resources. This model provides a more granular approach to security, where access is only granted on a need-to-know basis. This approach significantly reduces the attack surface and improves the overall security posture of the organization.

ZTNA is achieved through a combination of technologies such as identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, microsegmentation, and encryption. These technologies work together to provide a more secure and flexible approach to network access.

ZTNA is a security model that ensures secure access to resources by providing access based on identity, context, and risk.

Benefits of ZTNA

ZTNA Tools

• Akamai

• Netskope

• Zscaler

• Citrix

• Duo

• Okta

• Azure

• Prisma