Zero Trust Network Access: Everything You Need To Know

In the context of software-defined perimeters, zero trust network architecture is sometimes referred to as ZTNA. After verification, ZTNA provides access to the network via micro segments and network isolation in the absence of a VPN.

ZTNA models allow access to a set of logical entities to be restricted by means of a trust broker. By verifying the user’s identity and ensuring they comply with policies as well as preventing lateral movement throughout the network, the broker reduces security risks by minimizing the attack surface. For more information, visit celestix.com.

VPN vs. ZTNA

VPNs grant access only after authenticating and verifying; whereas ZTNAs provide network-wide security via perimeter-based approaches. ZTNAs are characterized by perimeter-based security that provides network-wide access.

The ZTNA platform increases security around both internal and external networks by implementing more granular controls and reducing attack surfaces. Further, ZTNA’s flexibility and scalability allow it to reduce strain on IT by improving resource utilization.

The ZTNA software can also be adapted to meet the requirements of a distributed and remote workforce, so it is an ideal solution for CISOs and IT executives.

The ZTAA Association goes by the acronym ZTAA.

As with ZTNA, ZTAA utilizes Zero Trust concepts, but it goes a step further to secure not only the network, but also applications. ZTAA assumes that all networks are compromised until users and devices are verified. By using this approach, attackers are effectively prevented from entering the network, and applications connected to the network are protected.

In what sense is implicit zero-trust access defined?

Using Zero Trust Access, we can provide end-to-end zero trust through your infrastructure, including your network infrastructure and applications. Among them are the Zero Trust Access application as well as the Zero Trust Network Access application. The solution enables identity-based security for the provider, in addition to assessing who is on a network. With this, organizations can protect data in ways previously unimaginable.

A defense-in-depth policy of zero trust

As the complexity of today’s network infrastructures increases, so does the risk of cybersecurity breaches. Zero Trust security relies on a number of pillars. Every one of these pillars plays a key role in categorizing and implementing Zero Trust environments.

Identity protection

An identity is composed of attributes or sets of attributes identifying a specific person or entity. Authentication and access control procedures are used to identify and validate users trying to access a network. Workforce security or customer security are often used in conjunction. It’s a matter of dynamic and contextual data analysis that determines who is the right user at the right time.
Authentication and access control will be handled by attributes rather than roles in the policies for this pillar.

A security policy for endpoints

Endpoint security (or device security) validates users’ records on connected devices to enterprise networks, much like identity security. Including the internet of things, both user-controlled devices and autonomous devices fall into this category. Ensuring the health of devices falls into this category as well.

An assessment of the security of an application

The application and workload security function applies to on-premises as well as cloud-based systems and services. It is crucial to manage and secure the application layer in order to successfully implement a Zero Trust posture. Through the use of compute containers and workloads wrapped in security, unauthorized access and data collection are prevented across the network.

Safeguarding data

This pillar is primarily responsible for data security and access control. We achieve this by categorizing data and isolating it from all but those who need to have access to it. As part of a robust approach to zero trust, this process includes classification of data according to mission criticality, deciding where to store data, and developing a data management strategy.