Network security must be a fundamental consideration for any business engaged in online activity. If you're managing a distributed enterprise, security in your communication and data sharing is even more vital. Traditional methods, such as VPNs (virtual private networks), have their place. But, with the increase in remote work and cloud services, accompanied by a sharp rise in cyber threats, we need to be more proactive in protecting our online activity. This is where Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) comes in.
In this blog, we take a closer look at Zero Trust Network Access, breaking down what it is and its benefits in protecting your network beyond traditional VPNs. We’ll also share best practices when it comes to implementing ZTNA within your business.
What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?
Let’s start with breaking down what Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is. It's a solution that has recently gained a lot of traction due to the increased concern over cybersecurity and the need to offer more robust protection for our online operations.
ZTNA comes from the approach of Zero Trust – a simple yet powerful model that states you should ‘never trust, always verify’. Every request is assumed to be a breach and requires verifying as if it has come from an uncontrolled network. It doesn’t matter if it’s your CEO logging in from home or your apprentice accessing an application at a local coffee shop. Every single connection is treated with suspicion. By extending this approach throughout your operations, you can protect user accounts, applications, data and devices.
Zooming in on Zero Trust Network Access specifically, this term describes the strategies for creating that barrier around your network applications and allowing secure, verified-only access. When businesses are more distributed than ever, and remote users are logging in from a wide variety of different locations, ZTNA is designed to keep your network and its information safe.
You’ll find ZTNA as a component of SASE, a network architecture model that provides optimised performance using technology such as SD-WAN alongside enhanced security for networks and their users.
How does ZTNA work?
The technology behind Zero Trust Network Access works to provide access to only specific online applications or resources that your users need without allowing them to see or work on just anything across your network.
Think of your network like a house. Traditional security measures, like VPNs and firewalls, are at the front door. So, when they let you in, you can freely wander throughout the whole house. ZTNA stands at the door to every room in the house, stopping you to check your identity before allowing you in.
What are the benefits of ZTNA over VPNs?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure tunnel that encrypts your personal data and masks your IP by routing your connection through a remote server provided by the VPN service. With a VPN, your online activity is kept private and more secure.
However, VPNs and firewalls offer limited layers of protection, and if compromised, they can expose the entire network to risk. Unlike ZTNAs, VPNs use a trust-based model, meaning if a hacker gains authentication, they'll have broad access across your network, making the consequences of such an attack much more widespread.
With Zero Trust Network Access, access is more specific and tightly controlled. It carefully monitors not only your user's identity but also the device they're using and its security, their time and location. If one device or application becomes compromised, the risk can be contained, and the impact of the breach is reduced.
Moreover, ZTNA usually includes continuous monitoring and verification. Instead of unlimited access once you've logged in, it implements ongoing authentication of your users and their devices.
Another key component of ZTNA is its use of secure, outgoing-only connections. This protocol means that your users can initiate connections to applications, but the ports are not left open for incoming connections to expose IP addresses and network infrastructure. Your network becomes invisible and unreachable to unauthorised users, minimising the chances of attack.
ZTNA also reduces network congestion and improves performance compared to traditional VPNs. With a VPN, all your traffic goes through a centralised VPN gateway, which can cause bottlenecks. As ZTNA requires each of your users to connect directly to the applications they need in isolation, network traffic is more spread out.
Best practices in implementing Zero Trust Network Access
Now that we've looked at ZTNA and its benefits, we hope we've convinced you of its importance. So, how do we implement it?
While every organisation and network will be different, there are several fundamental best practices you can follow to get started:
1. Identify the Attack Surface
Before jumping into adopting new security approaches, you need to evaluate your existing infrastructure to identify the ‘Attack Surface’ - where unauthorised users are most likely to access your system. Look at all the possible points across your applications and assets, from your sensitive data to your physical assets like IoT devices or point-of-sale terminals, to understand which areas are the most valuable and which require the highest level of security.
2. Review how your applications and systems interact
Now, we need to understand how traffic flows across your network, such as where access is gained to databases gaining sensitive information. This process will also help you identify the best places to apply security measures to shield these valuable assets without disrupting overall performance.
3. Design your framework
Using the knowledge gained from steps 1 and 2, you can start designing your Zero Trust Network Access framework. Unfortunately, there's no out-of-the-box solution, as every network has different needs. However, key considerations include network segmentation and multi-factor authentication to verify users and protect your critical systems.
4. Develop zero-trust policies
An established method for creating your zero-trust policies is the Kipling Method - ask “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?” for each access request to ensure that access is granted based on your determined strict criteria, minimising security risks.
5. Monitor continuously
ZTNA is not something you implement, then it's done. Your online activity will evolve, as will the cyber threats that target your network. Therefore, continuous monitoring is essential. Use regular reporting, analytics and logs to provide visibility into your network activity so you can be proactive in protecting it and responding to potential threats.
Zero Trust Network Access frameworks can be complex, requiring careful planning, network assessment, and continuous monitoring. If all this sounds rather daunting, it's worth considering partnering with a Managed Network Services Provider (MNSP) that specialises in network security, like Hughes Europe.
With our in-depth expertise in network security, we can tailor strategies to meet your business’s specific needs, ensuring that your critical assets are protected without compromising performance. We’ll make the whole process seamless and efficient, handling everything from the design and implementation of your ZTNA to the continuous monitoring of your network. We also provide real-time insights into your network activity to quickly identify and mitigate potential threats.
With us as your trusted experts, you can focus on running your business with peace of mind, knowing your security is in capable hands and continuously evolving to meet new challenges.[1]
Please take a look at our Security Services page to learn more.