What is Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA)?
Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA) is a security model focused on regulating access to a company's software applications.
The Zero Trust security model centers on the principle “never trust, always verify.” Systems based on Zero Trust principles see all users and devices as potential risks and assets. They verify user identities at the network edge and when accessing applications inside the network perimeter.
ZTAA extends Zero Trust principles to application access. When users seek to use applications, a Zero Trust access broker verifies their credentials and allows or denies access.
The broker determines whether users have the correct privileges to access resources. If users have a legitimate role-based need for access, their requests are allowed. If not, the system may block requests or ask for further authentication factors.
ZTNA vs. ZTAA: what’s the difference?
The key difference is that Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is an overarching network security framework. ZTAA is a subset of the Zero Trust security model regarding application access.
Zero Trust network security evolved to counter the flaws of traditional remote access solutions, including endpoint authentication and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Aspect | ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) | ZTAA (Zero Trust Application Access) |
|---|---|---|
Focus | Network-centric | Application-centric |
Verification scope | Extends verification within the network perimeter. | Verifies privileges specifically for application access. |
Access control | Applies the "principle of least privilege" (PoLP) to limit user privileges to the minimum required for their role. | Ensures secure access to applications as part of Zero Trust models. |
Key principles | Restricts user freedom by default. Requires constant identity verification to move within the network. | Connects users and applications as part of ZTNA deployments. |
Purpose | Secures network access while allowing controlled user movement within the network. | Focuses on securing application access and privileges. |
Network security | Provides network-level security, a critical component of Zero Trust principles. | Relies on existing network-level security measures to complement application-level access controls. |
Older network access technologies protected the perimeter of the corporate network. However, even with VPN protection, attackers with legitimate credentials could access applications or sensitive data.
ZTNA provided a solution by extending verification within the network perimeter in line with Zero Trust principles.
Zero Trust security restricts user freedom by default. Nobody is trusted to access all applications, devices, or databases. Users can only move within the network by proving their identity, and verification occurs constantly.
Zero Trust network access also applies the "principle of least privilege" (PoLP). According to PoLP, organizations must limit user privileges to the minimum needed for their roles.
The ZTNA approach described above is network-centric. ZTAA is application-centric. The difference is slight but significant.
ZTAA systems verify privileges to secure access to applications—a critical aspect of Zero Trust models.
Zero Trust application access connects users and applications as part of ZTNA deployments. Network-level security measures are still needed to deliver watertight network security.
How does Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA) work?
Zero Trust application access works by regulating access to applications on a corporate network. ZTAA systems achieve this using authentication, device posture management, and Identity and Access Management (IAM).
- Multi-factor authentication requests more than one authentication factor when users seek to access applications.
- Device posture assessment verifies the user's location, checks for approved devices, and may check device status.
- IAM validates user identity and enforces application-specific access policies.
ZTAA systems apply network segmentation to secure access to critical applications. Segmentation removes unsecured connections between data containers or applications, limiting freedom for malicious actors. Applications are essentially "hidden" from outsiders without the correct credentials.
ZTAA may also use encryption as part of a Software Defined Perimeter (SDP). SDP conceals data flows between user devices and applications. This function makes it well-suited to remote access connections.
Finally, most Zero Trust application access solutions use Single Sign-On (SSO) to simplify user connections. SSO creates a single point of access to applications. When users log on, they can access all relevant tools but cannot access other applications without the right privileges.
What are the benefits of ZTAA?
ZTAA is gaining popularity with security-aware businesses as it solves many security problems linked to traditional remote access solutions. Benefits of adopting Zero Trust application access include:
- Securing remote access. Remote access is becoming increasingly common due to the growing popularity of home working and the rise of global workforces. Zero Trust application access enforces Zero Trust policies for application connection requests. Systems verify every user, wherever they are located.
- Cutting cyber-attack risks. Continuous identity verification counters common spoofing and session hijacking. Users must prove their identity. Nothing is assumed. Moreover, ZTAA restricts cyber attackers if they obtain legitimate credentials (a major limitation of VPNs).
- Precise cybersecurity. Network-level protection can leave gaps at the application level. Zero Trust application access solves this problem. Administrators can assign application-based privileges for each user on an ongoing or temporary basis. This is more practical, as users often need access to a few applications, not all network resources.
- Better security awareness. The Zero Trust security model improves security visibility. Access controls assess requests case-by-case. In-depth verification generates granular data about user activity. This data makes it easier to detect and mitigate cybersecurity incidents.
- Simplicity and efficiency. Zero Trust application access includes automation functions to reduce the workload on IT teams and potentially reduce headcount. Advanced solutions provide a single management dashboard, pooling access management tasks in a single location.
- Compliance with regulations. Some regulations demand tight controls on sensitive applications. For example, HIPAA requires access controls for all apps handling protected health information. ZTAA allows access for users with a professional justification, keeping confidential data safe from unauthorized intruders.
How to implement Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA)
Zero Trust application access goes beyond traditional remote access solutions, shifting attention from network connections to user identities.
Instead of protecting the network edge, Zero Trust focuses on application access. It shrinks the attack surface, allowing access for those who need it but blocking malicious requests.
To start the Zero Trust journey, IT teams must define their attack surface. Technicians should understand how user roles relate to individual applications or databases and set privileges accordingly.
Next, users need to put in place robust verification and access controls. Elements of a robust implementation generally include:
- 2FA/MFA. Requests more than one factor for every access request while biometric authentication adds extra protection against credential theft.
- User provisioning. Enforces role-based privileges for the apps users rely on.
- Single Sign-On. Allows single-click access to the apps users need.
- Network segmentation. Creates secure zones for apps and workloads.
- Device posture checks. Approve devices before connecting to the corporate network.
Used strategically, these components translate Zero Trust principles into functional cybersecurity solutions. However, Zero Trust security also requires continuous monitoring.
Audits should look for privilege escalations or orphaned accounts. Traffic monitoring should watch for suspicious behavior. IT teams must also patch tools and resolve exploit vulnerabilities as needed.
With the right components, Zero Trust application access is user-friendly and highly secure. Now is the ideal time to assess your security posture, and it could also be an opportunity to switch to ZTAA in your operations.