What is universal ZTNA?
Cyber threats are a constant concern for modern companies, and network access is a critical security vulnerability. Zero Trust security tools protect networks by verifying every request. Universal ZTNA goes one step further - ensuring ZTNA applies to all users, wherever they are.
This article will explain how universal Zero Trust implementations work, explore key components, and offer a brief implementation checklist to secure your network.
Universal ZTNA definition
Universal ZTNA is a cybersecurity solution that applies Zero Trust Network Access principles to all devices and users, regardless of location or network architecture. Universal ZTNA verifies user identities before allowing access or approving user actions. It secures remote access and on-premises connections, cutting the risk of unauthorized network access.
ZTNA vs universal ZTNA
Universal ZTNA is a development of Zero Trust principles. According to ZTNA ideas, security policies must constantly verify user identities to ensure secure access to critical resources. The guiding idea is to “trust no one, verify everything.”
Access management tools request user credentials when accessing applications and sign-on portals. They may also require verification to move or delete files, or to access network assets following periods of inactivity. These measures shrink the attack surface for malicious attackers.
| ZTNA | Universal ZTNA |
|---|---|---|
Scope | Secures specific apps and resources. | Secures the entire network: all users, devices, and resources. |
Device support | Can be inconsistent. May struggle with certain devices or legacy apps. | Works with everything. Provides consistent access for laptops, mobile, servers, and more. |
Coverage | Can leave security gaps depending on the user's device or location. | Eliminates coverage gaps with one consistent security policy for the whole environment. |
Admin effort | Often requires troubleshooting compatibility issues and managing policy exceptions. | Frees up your team to focus on core security tasks, not device-specific problems. |
The bottom line | Secures some of your resources. | Secures all of your resources. |
Universal ZTNA extends the verification principle across all users and devices. This solves many problems encountered with traditional ZTNA.
For example, a ZTNA solution may enable remote access from some device types while blocking others. Security teams may discover compatibility issues relating to critical applications or network architecture.
Universal Zero Trust Network Access solutions work around these issues. Users can connect wherever they are, regardless of device type. This simplifies the security challenge. Security officers can focus on verifying user identities without worrying about coverage and compatibility.
Benefits of universal ZTNA
Universal ZTNA has several benefits compared with standard ZTNA solutions. These benefits often suit the needs of companies operating hybrid and remote work systems. Advantages of choosing Universal ZTNA include:
Consistent protection across all endpoints
Zero Trust Network Access solutions may apply inconsistent security policies for on-premises and cloud access. Users connecting from different locations may encounter varying levels of verification and access control.
Universal ZTNA applies consistent security measures for all connection requests. Every user encounters the same protocols, ensuring consistency and avoiding vulnerabilities. The same security policies apply everywhere.
Simple transition from legacy VPNs
Universal ZTNA is a natural successor to secure remote access tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs encrypt traffic but may allow unauthorized access if attackers obtain login credentials.
Users can replace VPN coverage with software-based Zero Trust Network Access and integrate access controls with SD-WAN implementations. This enables secure access for all network users.
Efficient security that's tailored to remote connections
Universal ZTNA does not require backhauling via on-premises data centers. Remote users connect directly to the assets they need. Tools verify their identities efficiently and reliably, improving the user experience without compromising security.
Additionally, users don't need to juggle many login credentials for services or apps. A single verification applies whenever they connect to the network.
Simple scaling and cost efficiencies
A universal ZTNA solution scales smoothly as user communities expand (or contract). Companies can add licenses for new users and calibrate privileges in line with least privilege concepts. Users do not need to purchase ZTNA solutions for different network environments. A single universal system applies Zero Trust principles for all network assets.
Key components of universal ZTNA
What elements separate universal ZTNA from conventional Zero Trust Network Access? To qualify as universal, ZTNA solutions must include the following components:
Secure traffic inspection
Many companies rely on firewall pass-throughs to inspect incoming network traffic and detect security threats. This approach can leave networks vulnerable, as infiltration can occur before detection triggers mitigation actions.
Universal Zero Trust Network Access takes a different approach. Zero Trust tools terminate connections to websites or cloud apps. They use inline proxies to inspect traffic before it reaches network devices and decrypt traffic to detect concealed threats.
Contextual access management
Universal ZTNA assesses access requests based on contextual factors. Access management tools create a guarded portal that checks the credentials of those entering the network, using information about their location, device posture, credentials (username and password), and the type of action they wish to approve.
Access management tools use rich contextual information to determine whether users are who they claim to be and that their request fits their user privileges.
Contextual verification has another advantage. It is adaptive, reacting to changes in the external environment. A good example is when the same user tries to log in via multiple devices. In that case, adaptive controls detect the change and request extra verification.
Minimizing the attack surface
Universal Zero Trust solutions apply the least privilege principle to all user requests. Users can connect to resources if they have a legitimate reason. Access controls block access to everything else without approval.
ZTNA effectively segments the network architecture. Users connect directly to the apps they need, not the entire network. Systems restrict lateral movement, cutting off paths for malware or hackers to move.
Moreover, Zero Trust Network Access conceals network assets from the external internet. Malicious actors outside an organization find it harder to scan for vulnerable endpoints or map networks in preparation for attacks.
How to implement a universal ZTNA solution
Implementing universal ZTNA is a practical and feasible option for small, medium, and large-scale enterprises. The implementation process varies between contexts but generally includes the following steps:
- Define and map network assets. Start by understanding assets to be protected, including cloud applications, databases, and on-premises resources.
- Implement MFA and identity management. Strengthen network access portals with mandatory multi-factor authentication. Choose an identity provider to manage access and granular user privileges.
- Segment critical resources. Create secure segments containing vulnerable assets. Limit lateral movement between micro-segments based on least privilege concepts, using role-based access controls.
- Choose a universal Zero Trust Network Access provider. Universal ZTNA solutions apply in-line traffic inspection, contextual controls, and segmentation. They provide centralized cloud-native dashboards to control ZTNA implementations, making it easy to change settings and add licenses. Choose a reliable partner that meets your security needs.
- Train employees to use universal ZTNA gateways. Users may be familiar with legacy access systems, including VPNs. Educate staff to follow security policies and ensure safe access practices.
- Implement monitoring and security audits. Put in place real-time event and activity logs. Schedule regular audits to ensure your solution meets ZTNA requirements.
Universal ZTNA brings many benefits to modern businesses. Companies reliant on remote access and hybrid work can balance access with network security. Universal ZTNA overcomes many security and performance issues linked to legacy ZTNA and VPN solutions, allowing flexible access across locations and contexts.