The increasingly flexible work environment with many employees working from anywhere has opened doors for hackers. As physical office boundaries become increasingly blurred, traditional defenses become vulnerable. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) emerges as a modern defense fortress that never lets down its guard. Every access to company data, no matter where it comes from, is always strictly verified. With ZTNA, you can sleep soundly without worrying about your company data falling into the wrong hands. But what is ZTNA? What are the benefits of using ZTNA? Let’s explore further.
Zero Trust Network Access Definition
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security approach that treats all users and devices as potential threats. Unlike traditional network security, which trusts everyone inside a network, ZTNA verifies each user and device before granting access to company resources. This “never trust, always verify” principle helps protect against cyberattacks.
The traditional “castle and moat” security model, where a strong external defense protects everything inside, is no longer effective. With data spread across different locations, including cloud platforms, securing an entire network is challenging. ZTNA offers a more robust solution by continuously verifying access, reducing the risk of data breaches. As remote work becomes common, ZTNA is essential for safeguarding company information.
What are the Main Principles Behind Zero Trust Network Access?
Continuous Verification
Zero trust assumes that threats can come from both inside and outside the network. Therefore, it constantly checks and confirms the identity and security of users, devices, and connections. Logins and connections time out periodically once established, forcing users and devices to be continuously re-verified.
Least Privilege
This principle means giving users only the absolute minimum access they need to do their job. It’s like providing soldiers with only the information they must know, limiting each user’s exposure to sensitive parts of the network and their potential to cause damage.
Strict Device Control
Zero trust carefully monitors and controls which devices can access the network. It ensures all devices are authorized and free from security risks to protect the entire network. This further minimizes the attack surface of the network.
Microsegmentation
To enhance security, Zero trust divides networks into small, isolated segments. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data. For example, a network might have dozens of separate, secure zones. Access to each zone requires specific permission, preventing intruders from moving freely within the network.
Preventing Lateral Movement
Lateral movement happens when attackers move from one part of a compromised network to another. Zero trust stops this by creating isolated network segments. If an attacker gains access to one segment, they can’t easily spread to others. This makes it easier to identify and contain the threat.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Zero trust emphasizes strong authentication. This means requiring multiple forms of identification, not just a password. For instance, users might need to enter a password and a code sent to their phone. This extra layer of security makes it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access.
Benefits of Zero Trust Network Access
Secure Remote Access
ZTNA provides a secure method to connect users, applications, and data regardless of their physical location. This is crucial in today’s complex IT environments where applications and data are often spread across multiple cloud platforms and on-premises infrastructure.
Flexible and Secure Access
Modern businesses require their digital resources to be accessible from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. ZTNA delivers this flexibility while maintaining robust security by granting access to specific applications based on user identity, location, and other relevant factors.
Reduced Security Risk
ZTNA helps to mitigate security risks by limiting access to only what is necessary. Unlike traditional network security models that grant broad access, ZTNA adopts a “zero trust” approach, verifying user identity and device trust continuously. This prevents unauthorized access and protects sensitive data.
How to Implement Zero Trust Network Access?
There are two primary methods for setting up ZTNA: a standalone system or a cloud-based service.
Standalone ZTNA involves building and managing the entire ZTNA infrastructure within your organization. This approach suits companies that prefer to avoid cloud services. However, it requires significant effort to set up, maintain, and manage the system.
ZTNA as a Service relies on a cloud provider to handle the ZTNA platform. Your company only needs to purchase user licenses and install connectors on your applications. The cloud provider takes care of network connections, system capacity, and overall infrastructure. This option simplifies management and often provides faster network speeds.
Contact ACS Group
ACS Group (PT Autojaya Idetech and PT Solusi Periferal), established in 1992, is a trusted professional company that has provided tailored solutions to thousands of enterprises across Indonesia.
We offer a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge solutions, encompassing AIDC, IT Infrastructure, Enterprise Security Systems, and Enterprise Business Solutions. With four strategically located branches in Cikarang, Semarang, Surabaya, and Denpasar, we are committed to delivering close and personalized service to our valued customers.
Contact us today via our Official WhatsApp +62 811-1944-534, Email sales.admin@acsgroup.co.id or, visit our website www.acsgroup.co.id to explore how ACS Group can help you enhance your business efficiency and productivity with Zero Trust Network Access implementation.