Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) represents the current paradigm shift of network security and privileged access control. Traditional methods that rely on defending network perimeters are increasingly ineffective. In today’s world, users, resources, threats, and devices can be located anywhere, making the fixed network perimeter concept obsolete. ZTNA redefines network access control to address this modern reality.

This article aims to explain ZTNA, its benefits, and its applications. Additionally, it will dispel the myth that adopting Zero Trust practices is overly complex or takes too much time.

What exactly is ZTNA?

ZTNA is a framework built on the principle that every user, device, or network could be compromised. It moves away from securing a fixed network perimeter and instead focuses on securing individual resources at the network edge. Each device, and even each application on a device, has its own perimeter. The ZTNA framework is guided by several fundamentals:

Presume compromise: Treat every incoming connection as a potential threat, regardless of its source.

Least privilege: Grant users the minimal level of access necessary to perform their tasks and revoke permissions when sessions end or trust factors change.

Deliberately verify: Authenticate and authorize all access requests based on user identity, device posture, source network, and other contextual factors.

ZTNA can be implemented using various approaches and technologies.

ZTNA's evolution over the years:

1994: Researcher Stephen Marsh introduces the term "zero trust" in his Ph.D. dissertation.

2010: Forrester analyst John Kindervag popularizes Zero Trust.

2014: Google deploys its version of the ZTNA framework, BeyondCorp.

2020: NIST publishes a ZTNA primer for federal agencies and industries.

2021: The Biden Administration mandates all U.S. federal agencies to adopt ZTNA.

Far from being a fleeting trend ZTNA is poised to become the standard for security and access control systems in organizations.

Why is ZTNA the future of network security?

ZTNA is gaining momentum due to industry trends and the benefits it offers. Traditional technologies are straining under modern demands, driving the adoption of ZTNA, which promises better security, manageability, and user experience.

Trends driving ZTNA adoption:

Diminishing perimeters: As resources move to the cloud and third-party environments, the traditional network perimeter extends beyond company walls and intersects with other networks.

Dynamic, distributed workforces: The shift to remote and hybrid work is permanent, necessitating secure access for a diverse workforce.

Diversity of devices and networks: Users access resources from a wide range of devices and networks, often beyond the control of IT departments.

Cybercrime: Technologies like VPNs and RDPs that rely on implicit trust are increasingly vulnerable to attacks.

Benefits pulling the industry towards ZTNA:

Minimized attack surface: ZTNA hides resources from the public internet, making it easier to detect suspicious access attempts.

Controlled breach impact: ZTNA contains breaches within compromised resources, requiring authentication and authorization for each node.

Granular control: Administrators can create detailed access policies based on user roles, device security, and other factors.

Unified management: ZTNA allows consistent access control policies across all resources, regardless of their location.

Lower infrastructure costs: ZTNA reduces the need for expensive infrastructure, allowing staff to focus on more productive tasks.

Improved performance: Direct, secure connections between users and resources enhance network performance.

Better user experience: Simplifying network security processes within a single ZTNA system improves compliance and user satisfaction.

Major use cases for ZTNA

Implementing ZTNA doesn't require an all-or-nothing approach. Phased deployments can prioritize the most impactful use cases for security and productivity.

Securing private resources: ZTNA enhances security for hybrid workforces, improving user experience and policy enforcement.

Securing cloud resources: Direct, encrypted tunnels to cloud resources bypass company networks, improving security and performance.

Limiting third-party risk: ZTNA ensures that third parties can only access permitted resources, protecting the network from potentially insecure devices.

Replacing obsolete access systems: ZTNA eliminates the security risks of VPN gateways, simplifying network management.

How does ZTNA work?

When a user requests access to a resource, ZTNA follows a five-step process:

Access attempt: Users request access through the ZTNA system, typically via an agent on their device.

Identity authentication: An Identity Provider verifies the user's identity, often using multi-factor authentication.

Contextual authorization: ZTNA evaluates the context of the request, considering factors like user role, device posture, and location.

User access: A secure, encrypted tunnel is created between the user's device and the resource.

Ephemeral permissions: Permissions are temporary and expire after a set time or inactivity, requiring new requests for continued access.

Implementing ZTNA with NVIS AI

NVIS AI offers a seamless path to implementing Zero Trust Network Access. Their solution requires no changes to existing network infrastructure and can be deployed quickly. NVIS AI's features include:

Reduced attack surface and micro-segmentation: Enhanced security by minimizing exposure and containing breaches.

Cost savings: Replacing legacy systems with NVIS AI reduces expenses while improving security.

Scalability: NVIS AI's software-defined perimeters are easy to scale.

Improved user experience: Simplified processes increase compliance and satisfaction.

Benefits for administrators:

Centralized management: Manage role-based access policies from a single console.

Unified access control: Consistent policies for on-premises and cloud resources.

Integration with existing systems: Compatible with current security and identity providers.

Efficient routing: Non-essential traffic bypasses the network, improving performance.

Benefits for users:

Easy installation: Consumer-like app experience with no device configuration required.

Enhanced productivity: Better connections to resources.

Seamless remote access: Makes working from home more productive and less frustrating.

Adopt ZTNA’s modern approach to secure access

Traditional network security and remote access methods are becoming obsolete. NVIS AI’s Zero Trust Network Access solution offers a modern, secure, and efficient alternative. Implementing ZTNA with NVIS AI protects valuable resources while simplifying network management.

Contact NVIS AI to learn how their ZTNA solution can enhance your organization's security. Feel free to also schedule a demo or talk with our team to demonstrate how NVIS AI secures access to your network.