Zero Trust Network Access
and it's benefits
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security approach that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. ZTNA provides a higher level of security than traditional security models, and it offers a range of benefits for organizations that implement it.
The traditional approach to network security relied on perimeter-based defenses that assumed everything within the network was trusted. However, this approach has proven to be insufficient as the number of cyber attacks has increased, and the nature of these attacks has become more sophisticated.
The core principle of ZNA is that no user or device is automatically trusted, and all requests for access to resources must be verified before access is granted. This approach is based on the concept of micro-segmentation, which divides the network into smaller segments to restrict access to specific resources based on user identity, device type, and other contextual factors.
By 2023, 60% of enterprises will phase out most of their remote access virtual private networks (VPNs) in favour of Zero Trust Network Access.
Here are some of the key benefits of ZTNA:
Improved Security
ZTNA is based on the principle of never trusting, always verifying. This means that every access request is treated as potentially malicious, and security measures are put in place to verify the request before access is granted. By implementing ZTNA, organizations can reduce their attack surface, protect against data breaches, and improve their overall security posture.
Reduced Attack Surface
ZTNA minimizes the attack surface by providing access only to the specific resources that a user needs to do their job. This means that users are only given access to the resources that are necessary for their role, and nothing more. This reduces the number of entry points that an attacker can use to gain access to the network, making it more difficult for them to launch an attack.
Better Access Control
ZTNA provides granular access control, which means that access is granted on a need-to-know basis. This reduces the risk of data breaches caused by insiders or third parties, as they are only given access to the resources that they need to do their job. In addition, ZTNA provides the ability to monitor and control access in real-time, making it easier to detect and respond to potential security threats.
Compliance adherence
ZTNA can help organizations adhere to regulatory and compliance requirements, as it provides granular access control and auditing capabilities. This makes it easier to track and report on who has access to what resources, which is a key requirement of many compliance frameworks.
Increased Productivity
ZTNA can also increase productivity by providing secure remote access to resources. This means that employees can work from anywhere, using any device, without compromising security. ZTNA also reduces the need for VPNs, which can be difficult to manage and can slow down network performance.
In conclusion, ZTNA provides a range of benefits for organizations that implement it, including improved security, reduced attack surface, better access control, compliance adherence, and increased productivity. As cyber threats continue to evolve, ZTNA is becoming an increasingly popular security approach, and it is something that organizations should consider implementing to enhance their security posture.
How Can We Help?
Understanding how new technology can benefit an organization beyond the most basic explanation can uncover a range of uses. Alpha Data can work with you to understand how ZTNA can assist your organization, enhancing your security, increasing cost savings, and boosting productivity.
Get in touch to find out more.