How ZTNA Works
While it might sound like something from a science fiction movie, zero-trust network access (ZTNA) is centered on what’s happening in cybersecurity today. So, what is ZTNA? It basically sets various permission levels and rules for what devices and users are allowed to connect to different applications on enterprise networks.
Maybe that description, even more, makes you think ZTNA is a bit of science fiction versus current reality. But the underlying principle is quite simple and even outlined in the name: You don’t need to extend any trust to devices beyond what’s absolutely necessary. By running these zero-trust protocols through a security broker, it’s possible to vastly limit the potential for threats being able to spread through a network. According to research firm Gartner, “This removes application assets from public visibility and significantly reduces the surface area for attack.”
When deploying a ZTNA solution, you’re basically only giving out what’s essential for functionality. And there’s no logical reason to do anything other than this. The key is finding the right tools and services for deploying this in the most effective way.
Why Is ZTNA Important to Enterprises Today?
You now know the basics of ZTNA. Before we dig into how it works on a deeper level, let’s first take a look at why ZTNA is important to enterprises today.
Network architectures keep improving. But even though functionality continues to get better, complications with complexity and a broader array of risks have created new issues. There are a few factors in play that have made ZTNA more essential today than ever before.
In terms of long-term trends, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies are one of the prevalent issues increasing the need for ZTNA solutions. Whether devices are connecting on-site or remotely through the cloud, there are inherent risks associated with personal computers, tablets, and smartphones on enterprise networks. It’s impossible for IT to know the security status of endpoints existing outside of their control. Therefore, it’s essential to limit their access to the bare minimum via ZTNA.
Furthermore, security threats—and the stakes associated with them—have never been at a higher level. Not only have the methods used to attack networks become more sophisticated, but the outcomes of a successful breach have also become more costly. The average cost of a data breach is over $4.2 million, and this is even higher when remote work is a reason for the vulnerability, according to IBM’s security report. Finding the right ZTNA solution can be integral to keeping a lid on the many network risks facing enterprises today.
How ZTNA Works
The ZTNA architecture works in a way that allows organizations to minimize the prevalence of cyberattacks while still giving users access to enterprise networks from any location. This can work because the zero-trust framework only grants permission to users and endpoints that have received approval at the central control framework. With this kind of strict adherence to rules, but also operational flexibility, ZTNA is ideal for enabling organizations with complex network requirements.
A zero-trust architecture works by taking each element of a network connection on its own merit—whether it’s the device, user, connection method, or accessed application. If something doesn’t align with the centralized ZNTA control framework for those individual variables, there will be no connection.
Furthermore, it’s essential to consider how opting for ZTNA as a service through a cloud-based solution provider can boost an organization’s return on investment, as well as overall security. By choosing a managed ZNTA service—especially one that can be directly integrated with SASE or XDR—firms will have the highest possible level of protection. It’s important, however, to seek out a ZTNA solution provider that doesn’t just offer always-on protection but does it with the brightest engineers and security experts. The people responsible for monitoring your network and triaging any security events can potentially make a huge difference when it matters most.
Overall, there’s a strong motivation for adopting and deploying ZTNA for enterprise networks. Understanding how ZTNA works should inspire organizations to consider how to fit it into their overall security posture.
