Cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication and frequency as technology evolves. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which once protected businesses against various cyber threats, are not strong enough against more advanced threats.
As more cloud networks are used and cyber threats become increasingly difficult to fight, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is the future of cybersecurity. ZTNA uses least-privileged access, reducing attack surface while remaining efficient for optimal use. Businesses should explore and discover how to transition their networks to ZTNA.
The Downfall of VPNs in a Hybrid Work Era
VPNs create encrypted tunnels between online users and corporate networks. Once access is granted, users have broad permissions which cybercriminals can take advantage of. Some common VPN vulnerabilities include:
- Credential theft grants attackers access to an entire network.
- Excessive trust, where the VPN assumes a user inside the network is trustworthy, allows attackers to exploit internal resources.
- Man-in-the-middle attacks, where cybercriminals intercept unencrypted traffic.
The increasing number of cloud-based cyber-attacks has left companies vulnerable to data exploitation. VPNs are not only less protective but also highly inefficient. They can slow down user connections, especially with high remote-work traffic. These performance bottlenecks can lead to inefficiencies in companies that rely on work-from-home employees.
What Exactly Is Zero Trust Network Access?
ZTNA is a modern security framework that verifies access before trusting a user. Instead of granting broad network access, like a VPN, ZTNA enforces a strict identity verification process.
Continuously validating user activity ensures that users and devices are verified before each session, minimizing the risk of a bad actor taking control of an employee’s device.
Granular access controls give employees access only to specific applications necessary for their role.
Additionally, ZTNA is a cloud-native security that operates efficiently in both cloud and hybrid environments.
ZTNA in Action: Key Security Upgrades
Rather than giving users access to a broad network, ZTNA ensures that users can only access what they need. ZTNA gives companies greater control over their network’s security by preventing unauthorized users from reaching sensitive data and restricting insider threats through compromised accounts.
Unlike VPNs, which only authenticate users at the login, ZTNA continuously verifies their identity and behavior, device compliance with security policies, and session integrity to prevent hijacking.
How Organizations Can Transition to ZTNA
If VPNs aren’t cutting it, switching to a more sophisticated protection service may be time. Some steps to take towards implementing a ZTNA solution are:
- Assess the company’s security needs
- Evaluate and compare ZTNA providers
- Slowly deploy the system with a small user group first
- Integrate ZTNA alongside existing security infrastructure
Even with the smoothest transition, educating and training staff about the new access model is essential. ZTNA may affect their day-to-day tasks or access to specific applications, so they should remain informed first.
Continuously monitor and optimize the new system. Depending on usage patterns and the necessary access for specific users, some initial adjustments may be required.
The Future of Cybersecurity: Why ZTNA Is an Essential Component
As more sophisticated threats are deployed, companies must take extra precautions to protect their networks and data. Attacks may become more advanced with artificial intelligence, which also takes over in other industries.
Even the most confidential organizations, like the government, will need additional protections against infiltration. Work for the average person is beginning to move towards a hybrid or remote access approach. Cloud-based activities need a cloud-native solution for optimal protection.
VPNs are becoming obsolete in the face of new kinds of cyber threats. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a new solution that provides a more effective, scalable, quick, and powerful security solution. By enforcing strict identity verification and least-privileged access, ZTNA allows businesses to operate securely without any slowdowns.
The future of cybersecurity is here and ready to protect any company’s sensitive data.
This article appears in Feb 5-18, 2025.