Several factors have combined to change the fundamental nature of network access. The increased use of cloud solutions, in addition to permanently remote or hybrid work environments and the ever-changing nature of cyber threats, contribute to the demand for a new approach to secure connectivity. If these conditions sound familiar, it may be time for your company to implement zero-trust network access (ZTNA).
In the past, security teams could categorize a device’s or user’s trustworthiness based on whether they were inside or outside of the network perimeter. As the boundary has evaporated, implicit trust is no longer a viable approach. Access privileges granted too broadly can be disastrous if unauthorized parties can intercept credentials and legacy security tools haven’t been designed for a perimeter-free network.
The Fundamental Concept of Zero Trust: While its implementation is more complex, the essential foundation of ZTNA is conceptually simple: assume that every device and every user is a threat. In practical application, every user and device are verified and authenticated. In other words, nothing and nobody is trusted. The zero-trust approach assumes that cyber threats are inside and outside the network.
Transitioning to ZTNA can be challenging, even as companies agree that the approach is vital to developing a secure access model.
Companies are compelled to implement a relentless approach to network access. Users and devices are verified before every application is used. Multi-factor authentication is used, and users are given stringent access to resources based on their job role.
Choosing a ZTNA Solution: There are a variety of solutions on the market for zero-trust security approaches, and universal ZTNA may be a superior choice for supporting geographically dispersed users and accelerating digital transformation efforts. Here are a few of the benefits of a universal ZTNA option:
Consistent Work Experience: A cloud-only ZTNA solution may break down in a work environment with locally hosted applications. Your ZTNA solution should offer the same policies and network performance no matter where employees work.
Ease the Transition Between VPN and ZTNA: If your company currently utilizes VPNs, it’s a good idea to check to see if the provider also offers universal ZTNA.
Integrate With SD-WAN: A universal ZTNA solution can incorporate software-defined wide area networking to offer a single operating system for networking that includes application access and traffic prioritization.
As changes to your workplace and the acceleration of a digital transformation strategy continue to change network access for your company, it may be time to consider ZTNA for a consistent and secure networking approach. Contact us at Safari Solutions to learn more about how ZTNA will integrate with your technology stack and discuss how different networking approaches compare.
