As users continue to work from anywhere and IoT devices flood networks and operational environments, continuous verification of all users and devices as they access corporate applications and data is needed.
To protect networks and applications, network administrators must apply a Zero-Trust Access approach and provide least access privileges. Implementing zero-trust access includes requiring strong authentication capabilities, powerful network access control technologies, and pervasive application access controls.
The concept of Zero Trust Security has become a massive buzzword over the last few years. While many organizations have shifted priorities to adopt zero trust, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is the technology behind achieving a true zero trust model. Zero trust network access (ZTNA), also known as the software-defined perimeter (SDP), is a set of technologies that operates on an adaptive trust model, where trust is never implicit, and access is granted on a “need-to-know,” least-privileged basis defined by granular policies. ZTNA gives users seamless and secure connectivity to private applications without ever placing them on the network or exposing apps to the internet.
The path to Zero Trust Network Access provides a clear and defined framework for organizations to follow.
Barracuda Zero Trust Network Access:
Barracuda ZTNA provides secure access to applications and workloads from any any device and location. At the same time it continuously verifies that only the right person, with the right device, and the right permission can access company resources. Some of the main benefits of ZTNA are as follows:
- Expanded BYOD Policy – Identity-based authentication and access control found in ZTNA services together provide an alternative to IP-based access control typically used with most VPN configurations. ZTNA also allows organizations to implement location or device-specific access control policies, to prevent un-patched or vulnerable devices from connecting to corporate services. This alleviates common VPN-related challenges where BYOD remote users are granted the same level of access as users at a corporate office, despite the fact that they often have fewer security controls in place.
- Better Access Management – ZTNA completely isolates the act of providing application access from network access. This isolation reduces risks to the network, such as infection by compromised devices, and only grants application access to authorized devices.
- Improved Security Posture – ZTNA makes outbound-only connections ensuring both network and application infrastructure are made invisible to unauthorized users. IP’s are never exposed to the internet, creating a “Darknet” which makes the network impossible to find.
- Secure Access to Multi-Cloud workloads and SaaS Applications – ZTNA provides Privileged Access to multiple Cloud Apps simultaneously w/o bastion hosts and allows Micro-services Automation. With ZTNA internal, on-premises app and migration to Azure becomes seamless. Additionally, ZTNA provides Access Control for SaaS Apps (CASB) and security enforcement for Saas logging and compliance.
- Enhanced Cybersecurity Practices – ZTNA promotes and supports all employees practicing effective cybersecurity policies, processes, and procedures via a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness, education, and training program including spear-phishing campaigns and cyber data breach table-top exercises.
