What is Zero Trust Network Access?

With the rise of remote workers, zero trust network access has been increasingly critical to a business’s security model. Zero trust network access (ZTNA) is a secure IT solution that allows users to get into company platforms and data remotely.

How does ZTNA work?

ZTNA has the flexibility to operate under a company’s custom specifications, policies, and allowances. For this solution to work properly, your company’s security team needs to grant access to specified remote users. Once authenticated, users can access what they need to under an encrypted tunnel, providing an extra layer of security by blocking IP addresses outside of the set perimeters.

Users under a ZTNA will only see the applications and sites they have been given access to. This is especially helpful in preventing security breaches because even if hackers can access one area, they cannot easily locate other services.

Implementing ZTNA is a primary way to connect users without physically being under the same network. Any modern organization typically must enable work-from-home options to have their digital software available for employees everywhere. This gives users access to business-centric software on a granular basis, only granting authorization as needed and reducing the risk of exposure to possible hackers.

The difference between a VPN and ZTNA

Many people confuse virtual private networks (VPNs) and ZTNAs — while they are similar, they are not interchangeable. Generally, a VPN allows access to an entire network where ZTNA works on a specific authentication basis. When compared to a VPN, ZTNA offers:

• Flexibility: ZTNAs offer greater flexibility because of their ability to work remotely. VPNs have to be installed on each user’s computer and only be used within the same network.
• Greater support: The increased load on VPNs can cause high latency periods, increasing the load on IT workers and decreasing efficiency as a team. ZTNAs can adjust more easily to this growing demand.
• Higher security: Once in a VPN, a user can access anything in the network. While this is convenient for employees, it can be dangerous if a hacker gets a hold of your information. ZTNAs require identity authorization for nearly every aspect of their business technology.

Discover expert IT security solutions from Agio today

At Agio, we have the IT solutions to help you set up and implement a secure ZTNA. Your company can always benefit from additional cybersecurity layers — contact the experts at Agio today for more information.