Zero trust solutions: built to protect, adapt, and scale

Instead of granting unlimited access to corporate resources, a zero-trust security strategy provides access on a case-by-case basis. These decisions are enforced through strong access management, so users only reach the systems and data required for their role.

Benefits of zero trust include:

• Enhanced network security
• Safer data
• Protection against new and known cyber threats
• Reduced impact from breaches
• Potential cost reductions

Zero trust is a strategy or approach rather than a single product and is based on a number of zero trust principles. An effective zero trust strategy is one that enforces its principles consistently across the entire IT environment. Without the right solutions, this can be difficult to achieve and results in a complex and challenging to manage security architecture. Initial steps include:

• Designing a robust zero trust approach
• Phasing out of legacy solutions
• Defining access controls
• Deploying Zero Trust Network Access with other SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) components:
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
• Firewall as a Service (FwaaS)

Yes. You can use zero trust in a hybrid or fully cloud-led environment, although hosting an application in the cloud is now more cost-effective than a data center. However, these cloud environments are not part of an organization’s network, so the same type of network controls do not apply. This means that data is spread out across multiple sites, and visibility of who is accessing which data (and on what devices) is more difficult to follow.  

To address these issues, modern companies are using several access technologies — depending on where their resources and data are located:

Data centers — When storing data on-premises, remote network access or business VPNs are utilized.

Private applications — A Software-defined perimeter (SDP) is used for data kept within company apps.

Public cloud — An inbound proxy or virtual firewall is used to protect resources in the cloud.

SaaS applications — For securing data within software-as-a-service (SaaS) apps, companies will opt for a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB).

Top zero trust access solutions combine identity and access management, device posture checks, network segmentation, secure web controls, and zero trust network access (ZTNA). They verify each request and limit users to approved applications and data.

No single company is the most trusted zero trust brand for every organization. When comparing zero trust vendors, assess application support, policy controls, deployment options, device coverage, access logs, and customer support. NordLayer provides zero trust security solutions that add identity checks, device controls, segmentation, and application-specific policies to existing virtual private network (VPN) access.

Zero trust identity treats every user, service, and device as untrusted until verification confirms its identity and access context. A successful login does not provide unrestricted or permanent access.

Zero trust identity policies can assess multi-factor authentication (MFA), device ownership, software updates, encryption status, location, login behavior, and the requested resource. They then grant only the permissions required for the user’s role and task. Access can be restricted or revoked if the user’s behavior, device status, or risk level changes during the session.

Use identity verification, zero trust network access (ZTNA), device posture checks, least-privilege policies, and network segmentation for zero trust access control. Together, these controls determine who can access a resource, which device they may use, and under what conditions access remains valid.

Single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) verify identity. ZTNA limits users to approved applications, while device checks block unmanaged or non-compliant endpoints. Segmentation restricts access between systems. NordLayer can apply these zero trust controls alongside existing virtual private network (VPN) connections where VPN access remains necessary.

Zero trust authentication requires every user and device to prove its identity before access to an application, network, or data resource. It applies the “never trust, always verify” principle to requests from any location, including the office.

Common controls include single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometric verification, security keys, device checks, and risk-based access policies. These controls assess identity, device status, location, login behavior, and the requested resource. Authentication confirms who or what requests access, while authorization determines which resources that identity may use.

The return on investment (ROI) of a zero trust strategy depends on workforce size, existing infrastructure, deployment scope, security incidents, and current access-management costs. Organizations may reduce incident response costs, account misuse, manual administration, support requests, audit work, and downtime.

Calculate ROI with documented costs before and after deployment. Include software licenses, implementation, training, administration, incident response, help desk work, audit preparation, and service outages. Compare these costs over a defined period and include avoided losses only when supported by internal records or credible research.

To ensure zero trust user access at scale, teams should centralize identity management, apply policies based on user and device context, and automate access updates across applications and locations. As the organization adds employees, contractors, devices, and cloud resources, policies should remain consistent. Apply these controls throughout the access process.

• Verify identity through single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and security keys.
• Check device posture, including software updates, disk encryption, endpoint protection, screen locks, and ownership.
• Grant least-privilege, role-based, and time-limited access.
• Use zero-trust network access (ZTNA) for approved connections to private applications.
• Segment resources to restrict access between unrelated systems.
• Update permissions after hires, role changes, contract end dates, and departures.
• Restrict active sessions when risk or device compliance changes.
• Record access events for investigations, audits, and policy reviews.

Organizations can apply these controls alongside virtual private network (VPN) access. NordLayer provides identity checks, device posture policies, network segmentation, encrypted connections, and private-resource access rules.