Why Universal ZTNA is Essential to Zero Trust Strategy

ZTNA
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Universal ZTNA ensures that every user and device has secure access to the job-related applications they require.

Many businesses are unprepared for digital transformation’s fundamental security paradigm shift. Any user on any device must be able to access network-distributed resources due to the transition to a hybrid workforce model and other new business requirements. This poses security difficulties, as point security systems cannot deliver consistent and comprehensive end-to-end security rules across all settings and scenarios. Zero Trust Network Access could well be the answer.

Most businesses employ a security paradigm that classifies trustworthy individuals and devices based on which side of the perimeter they reside. Users and devices within the perimeter have unrestricted access to resources because they are implicitly trusted. However, this is not how most networks operate today. Perimeters are crumbling. Users and devices require access to applications, data, and other resources regardless of their location. Moreover, these networks are prone to continuous modification. Traditional security measures were never intended to defend these permeable, fluid settings.

Zero Trust requires rethinking security

Organizations are encouraged to adopt Zero Trust as a corporate security policy as opposed to slowing down their digital expansion.

Zero Trust is based on the premise that modern network perimeters are highly permeable and diffused, making every transaction a possible security risk.

Consequently, every user and device must be authenticated, particular permissions must be granted based on the principle of least privilege, and constant monitoring must be implemented. Transitioning from an implicit Trust model to an explicit Zero Trust model is fascinating, but it is difficult to implement. By explicitly securing every user, device, and application—whether on-premises or remote, in the cloud, within a specialized OT environment, or as part of a distributed IoT strategy—organizations are able to implement effective digital strategies to meet business demands without creating security holes that cybercriminals are eager to exploit. However, accomplishing this consistently throughout the network is a different story.

Also Read: How Enterprises Can Ensure Cloud Security in 2022

Zero Trust Access (ZTA) may necessitate rethinking and retooling key network and security tasks, such as authentication and access. Dynamic network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and Network Access Control must be implemented to control user access and every network device, including printers, HVAC systems, and badge readers. In addition, it is necessary to coordinate solutions across the entire dispersed network, regardless of whether access controls are placed at the edge, on-premises, or in the cloud.

Even ZTNA can create unforeseen challenges

Zero Trust Network Access offers ZTA capability to enable safe, granular, and authorized access to apps and data regardless of location. Even with ZTNA, companies must carefully examine the use cases they will need to solve in the present and future. Numerous ZTNA solutions are customized to prioritize cloud-based application support in order to protect remote users. However, this does not work for the increasing number of businesses with hybrid networks that comprise both cloud and on-premises apps. To be most effective, ZTNA must operate as closely as possible to the application, which necessitates deployment in many settings. This overcomes obstacles such as hairpinning cloud traffic while accessing an application operating on a server across the room.

The requirement for a Universal ZTNA remedy

As a cloud-native solution in public and private clouds, in physical and virtual data centers, at the network edge, as a cloud-as-a-service, and as an agent on endpoint devices, Universal ZTNA may be implemented anywhere. It ensures that every user or device on the network that requires access to apps is protected by a single enforcement policy while assisting enterprises in upgrading or replacing their aging VPN infrastructure.

Also Read: Top Three Reasons Why ZTNA is Critical in Today’s Remote Working Environment

Universal ZTNA functions as a single, integrated solution regardless of where it is installed; it also offers centralized management, consistent policy enforcement, and the coordination of rules and transactions across environments. Instead of adding to an already overburdened IT team’s complexity, visibility and control are strengthened. As a result of consolidated security alerts, response times can be sped up, offering consistent protection and control on-premises and in the cloud.

How Universal ZTNA ensures Secure Application Access

The fast evolution of business models adds complexity to networks and heightens organizational risk. Starting along the Zero Trust path ensures that security systems can adapt to digital transformation needs. Universal ZTNA is the simplest and most effective method to embark on this path, guaranteeing that every person and device has secure access to the applications required to perform their work.

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