The purpose of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is to provide security by authenticating users and authorizing them to utilize designated apps in accordance with predefined identity and context policies. The elimination of implicit trust in ZTNA limits network mobility and lowers attack surfaces. This article entails everything you need to know about ZTNA including the vendors. Enjoy the ride!
What Is ZTNA?
Zero Trust Network Access, is a cutting-edge method of safeguarding remote and on-premises user access to applications and services. ZTNA operates on the simple tenet of denying access to any resource to anybody or anything unless specifically authorized. This method allows for more stringent network and data security with the use of micro-segmentation, which can hinder lateral movement in the event of a compromise.
In conventional VPN-based network architectures, authorized users are granted unrestricted access to all resources inside their local subnet. Unauthorized users can only access a resource with a password. ZTNA changes that perspective. Users are limited to what their company’s security policy specifically permits them to “see” in terms of applications and resources.
How Does ZTNA Work?
Every company or provider has a somewhat different configuration for ZTNA. Nonetheless, there are a few fundamental ideas that apply to all ZTNA architectures:
#1. Network vs. application access
ZTNA handles network access and application access differently. An application is not always accessible to a user just because they have connected to a network.
ZTNA keeps IP addresses hidden from the network. With the exception of the application or service they are linked to, connected devices cannot see the rest of the network.
#3. Security of devices
ZTNA has the ability to take into account device security posture and risk when making access decisions. It accomplishes this by either monitoring network data going to and from the device or by running software on the device itself.
#4. Extra factors
ZTNA can assess the risks associated with several elements, including the user’s location, the timing and frequency of requests, the apps and data being requested, and more, in contrast to traditional access control, which only provides access based on user identity and role. Even if a user signs in to a network or application, access is blocked if the device is untrusted.
#5. Absence of MPLS
ZTNA does not use MPLS-based WAN connections; instead, it leverages encrypted Internet connections over TLS. Private MPLS connections form the foundation of conventional corporate networks. Instead, ZTNA is constructed on the open Internet and encrypts network traffic using TLS. Instead of linking a user to a wider network, ZTNA creates tiny encrypted tunnels between a user and an application.
#6. SSO and IdP
The majority of ZTNA solutions interface with different single sign-on (SSO) platforms, identity providers (IdPs), or both. Through SSO, users can verify their identity for any application; the IdP keeps track of user identity and establishes the permissions that go along with it.
#7. Service vs agent
ZTNA has two possible configurations: cloud-based or endpoint-based.
The Functions of ZTNA
ZTNA carries out four crucial tasks:
- Identify: Make a map of every system, program, and resource that users might require remote access to.
- Implement: Specify the policies and restrictions for access that determine who may and cannot use particular resources.
- Monitor: Maintain a log of all remote user access attempts to resources and evaluate them to ensure that imposed policies meet business needs.
- Adjust: Fix some configuration problems. To enable maximum productivity while lowering risk and exposure, either raise or decrease access credentials.
ZTNA User Flow
The following is the ZTNA user workflow:
#1. Verification
Connecting to a Zero Trust controller (or controller function), the user authenticates. The usage of multi-factor authentication (MFA) results in improved account security.
#2. Enforcing Policy
To decide whether to provide access to the user, the ZTNA controller finds and applies the relevant security policy. In order to provide an access determination, this can verify real-time attributes like location and device attributes like its digital certificate and availability of an updated antivirus.
#3. Access
The controller evaluates the requested access request in light of the features collected and the applicable security policy. If that’s the case, their access is limited to resources and apps that they are authorized to use.
How Is ZTNA Implemented?
Compared to other remote access solutions, ZTNA offers far more precise access control. The following are ways to implement ZTNA:
#1. Evaluate Current Architecture
It is important to tailor a ZTNA deployment to the specific business requirements of a company. Choosing a ZTNA solution will be aided by evaluating the current network architecture and the endpoints that need to be managed.
#2. Selecting a ZTNA Model
ZTNA solutions come in two flavors: agent- and service-based. Each has benefits, and which one is best depends on the security needs and surroundings of the company.
#3. Choosing a Solution
Finding a specific ZTNA solution comes next after selecting a ZTNA type. Scalability, compliance, security, and ease of use are a few crucial factors.
#4. Create Policies
The goal of Zero-Trust Access Controls is to support and implement ZTNA. Based on the security needs of different resources and the functions of users, apps, devices, etc., inside the company, access controls and user roles should be established.
#5. Put into Practice and Test
Install the ZTNA program. Make sure the tool controls access to company resources properly by testing it.
#6. Instruction for Users
Inform users of the updated system. Talk about the importance of zero trust security for both their personal and the company’s security.
#7. Observation and Examination
Throughout the system’s life, do regular maintenance, audits, and monitoring. To make sure the solution is operating as intended, regular audits of security policies and controls are helpful.
ZTNA vs VPN
The purpose of virtual private networks (VPNs) is to provide distant workers with full access to a corporate network through a private, encrypted tunnel. Although this would seem like a workable option, VPN sadly lacks the control and granularity necessary to know exactly what users can access and do, as well as what apps they can access. After gaining access, a user can access anything on the network, which creates issues with policy enforcement and security.
In contrast, ZTNA offers safe remote access to apps by using detailed access control rules. As users connect to their apps, it provides ongoing security checks, as opposed to VPNs’ “once verified, you are in” methodology. ZTNA offers a least-privilege method that adheres to the principle of “never trust, always verify” by continuously monitoring user, device, and app behavior during a user’s session.
Service-based ZTNA vs Agent-based ZTNA
Agent-oriented Installing a software program known as an “agent” on every endpoint device is necessary for ZTNA. Cloud-based or service-based ZTNA is not an endpoint application; rather, it is a cloud service. Neither the use nor the installation of an agent is necessary.
When implementing a Zero Trust policy, organizations should think about what kind of ZTNA solution best suits their requirements. For instance, agent-based ZTNA might be a good choice if a company is worried about the increasing number of managed and unmanaged devices. On the other hand, a company can quickly implement the service-based paradigm if its main goal is to restrict access to specific web-based applications.
There’s also the fact that service-based ZTNA might not work as well with on-premise infrastructure as it does with cloud applications. Performance and dependability may suffer greatly if all network traffic must go from on-premise endpoint devices to the cloud and back again.
Which Other Factors Are Crucial While Choosing a ZTNA Solution?
The following are factors you need to consider while choosing a ZTNA solution:
#1. Specialization of ZTNA vendors
Most ZTNA vendors usually focus on one of these categories because identity and access management (IAM), network services, and network security have historically been distinct domains. Companies should either search for a vendor whose area of expertise matches their requirements or for one that integrates all three into a single, well-rounded offering.
#2. Implementation level
While some organizations might need to start from scratch when building their ZTNA architecture, others might already have made investments in related technologies to support a Zero Trust approach. ZTNA providers may provide organizations with complete ZTNA architectures, point solutions to complete their ZTNA installations, or both.
#3. Assistance with historical applications
Many businesses still rely on on-premise legacy apps that are essential to their operations. ZTNA can readily support cloud apps because it is an Internet-based system; nevertheless, it can require extra configuration in order to support legacy applications.
#4. Integration of IdP
A lot of companies already have an IdP in place. Some ZTNA providers need their clients to move their identity databases in order to use their service because they only support specific IdPs. Some, on the other hand, don’t care which IdP they integrate with.
ZTNA 2.0
Legacy ZTNA solutions have some problems that Zero Trust Network Access 2.0 fixes. It makes connections safer so that companies with mixed-gender staff can have better security. ZTNA 2.0 provides:
#1. True least-privileged access
Use App-IDs at Layer 7 to identify applications. This allows for granular control of access at the application and component levels, regardless of network parameters such as IP addresses or port numbers.
#2. Continuous trust verification
Trust is continuously evaluated after an app is allowed access, taking into account modifications to the device’s posture, user behavior, and app activity. Anytime someone is seen acting in a strange way, they can be denied entry.
#3. Continuous security inspection
To stop all threats, including zero-day ones, thorough and continuous inspection is carried out on all traffic, even on connections that are permitted. This is particularly crucial in situations when malicious actors steal authentic user credentials and utilize them to attack infrastructure or apps.
#4. Safeguard every piece of data
A single DLP policy applies uniform data control to all company systems, including SaaS and private apps.
#5. Protect every app
Secures all enterprise-wide applications uniformly, whether they are state-of-the-art cloud native apps, legacy private apps, SaaS applications, or applications that rely on server-initiated connections and dynamic port numbers.
ZTNA vs. ZTNA 2.0
The most significant change in networking and security over the last 24 months has been the realization that work is now an activity we do rather than a place we go. Our apps and users are now everywhere and anytime thanks to hybrid work, which significantly expands our attack surface. Simultaneously, there has been a rise in the complexity and quantity of cyberattacks aiming to exploit this significantly expanded attack surface.
The ZTNA 1.0 solutions available today only address a portion of the issues related to direct-to-app access.
SASE & ZTNA
ZTNA, like SDP, does not, however, offer inline inspection of user traffic from the application following the user’s connection establishment. If a hostile insider gains access to a resource and utilizes it to disrupt the host or application, this could result in possible security problems involving the user’s device or credentials.
SASE, or secure access service edge, is a cloud-delivered services “edge” that combines wide area networking (WAN) and security services. It is intended to assist organizations in updating their networking and security infrastructures to meet the demands of hybrid workforces and environments. SASE solutions increase organizational agility and reduce network and security complexity by combining various point products, such as ZTNA, Cloud SWG, CASB, FWaaS, and SD-WAN, into a single integrated service.
ZTNA is only one of the many options to begin your SASE adventure. Using ZTNA 2.0 identity-based authentication and granular access control in secure access service edge (SASE) solutions give you a full and all-around view.
Read Also: Network Segmentation: Definition, Importance & Best Practices
Advantages of ZTNA
Organizations can implement zero trust security on their networks with ZTNA. The following are the advantages of ZTNA:
#1. Enabling micro-segmentation
With ZTNA, enterprises can divide their networks into smaller segments and create a software-defined security perimeter around each segment to safeguard them. This strategy inhibits lateral mobility and decreases the assault surface.
#2. Reducing the risk of an account breach
ZTNA reduces the harm that hackers can do by breaking into a user’s account. Even in the unlikely event that an attacker gains access to an account, they are still unable to roam across the network or carry out delicate operations like privilege escalation.
#3. Reducing insider risks
It is impossible to detect or stop hostile insiders, such as rogue employees, using conventional security techniques. The zero trust approach guarantees that every user has the minimal amount of privilege access necessary, limiting the harm that insider threats can do. ZTNA offers visibility to aid in the tracking of malevolent insiders.
#4. Using obscure internal applications
ZTNA blocks access to certain programs on the open Internet. This can shield businesses from ransomware, data breaches, and other web-based dangers.
#5. Safeguarding access to the cloud
According to business needs, ZTNA enables enterprises to limit access to their cloud environments and apps. In the ZTNA paradigm, each entity—a user or an application—has a designated role and explicit access permissions to utilize cloud infrastructure.
#6. Assisting in conformity
The least privilege concept improves adherence to business and sector norms. Employee use of all applications and data is more tightly regulated by the corporation, which may also confirm that all usage is legal.
Why Is ZTNA Necessary?
ZTNA is necessary because of the difficulties associated with cloud migration, hybrid and remote working, and IT infrastructures constructed in a variety of settings. They need a simple way to protect their cloud and on-premises resources so they can accommodate their distributed workforce.
How Is a Zero Trust Network Configured?
Creating a zero-trust network requires first determining the worth and safety of the company’s assets. The next step is to create policies for multi-factor authentication (MFA) and to automate them so that authorized people and devices can access the resources they require. Lastly, keep an eye out and confirm access on a regular basis.
In what Ways Does ZTNA Assist in Creating a Zero trust Architecture?
ZTNA is an excellent starting point, however, achieving a zero trust architecture takes time. When it comes to applications, resources, and assets, all requests for access are initially denied in a zero trust security model. ZTNA handles access gates with the same set of rules.
What Are ZTNA’s Guiding Principles?
ZTNA concept combines software-defined perimeters, enhanced security tools, and rules, and the least privilege principle. Endpoint-initiated, which uses an agent on every user’s device, and service-initiated, which uses the cloud, are the two primary ZTNA architectures.
What Distinguishes ZTNA from a Firewall?
Conventional firewalls function at the network layer. A remote user can access network resources once they have successfully authenticated. Limiting the resources that a user has access to without complicated firewall rules and network configurations can be challenging. Alternatively, ZTNA solutions operate at the application level.
Does Zero Trust Mean No VPN?
ZTNA can take the place of VPNs in hybrid, in-person, and remote work settings. While zero trust network access is a comprehensive solution that gives enterprises greater granular control, VPNs offer broad network protection.
Why Is it Difficult to Implement Zero Trust?
Many organizations find it difficult to successfully adopt zero trust due to a lack of necessary technologies, inadequate tools already in place, or situations where too much risk is present, such as historical dependencies.
What Benefits Does ZTNA Offer in Comparison to VPN?
In comparison to conventional remote access VPN, ZTNA provides enhanced visibility, improved security, more precise control, and an open user interface.
Final Thoughts
Approaches to controlling access that are like ZTNA are software-defined perimeter (SDP). Similar to SDP, ZTNA excludes all network resources (servers, apps, etc.) from connected devices’ awareness. It is also necessary to check out ZTNA vendors out there before getting one.
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