Cybersecurity measures have developed over the years. However, cyber threats and attacks have become increasingly complex and menacing. Attacks like supply chain compromises, ransomware with double extortion, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) aim to systematically dismantle traditional network security defenses.
While Zero-Trust Security is already a well-known term among cybersecurity professionals, Gartner coined the term and the concept of Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA). Emerging as the backbone of Zero-Trust Architecture, ZTNA flips the script on legacy security and mandates continuous verification.
Every user, device, and request is treated as a potential risk—no exceptions.
As remote work expands and cloud technologies grow, ZNTA is the need of the hour for businesses that want to defend and protect their digital assets. Read on to find out all you need to know about ZTNA's core principles and how it holds the power to transform remote access security for your business.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security solution that only gives users access to the specific apps, data, or services they require based on defined access control policies.
Instead of opening up an entire network like the traditional systems did, it enforces strict rules to verify every connection request. ZNTA’s targeted approach reduces potential entry points for attackers.
ZTNA forms the brawns behind a Zero-Trust Security architecture. It allows organizations to enforce strict access rules for each user and device, building a solid barrier against attacks.
Next, we’ll explain how this system operates to secure remote connections and protect your digital assets.
ZTNA isn’t a single tool—it’s a layered strategy. Here’s how it operates in practice:
Verify First, Access Later
Every user or device—whether on-premises or remote—must prove its identity before connecting. This isn’t just a password check. Multi-factor authentication, device health scans, and context-aware policies (like location or time of access) determine if they’re legit. Securden’s Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) can automate these checks for you, blocking compromised devices or suspicious logins instantly.
Least Privilege Access in Action
Even authorized users don’t get free rein. ZTNA grants remote secure access strictly on a “need-to-know basis.” A remote worker needing a financial report? They’ll see only that file—not the entire corporate network. Enforcing the principle of least privilege with ZTNA slashes risks from compromised devices or insider threats.
Continuous Checks, Not One-Time Passes
Legacy systems authenticate once and forget. ZTNA solutions treat every access request like it’s the first. Working from a coffee shop? Sudden attempts to download gigabytes of data? Sessions get severed mid-action. Real-time monitoring plugs security gaps instantly.
Application Access, Not Network Access
Legacy VPNs create risky “tunnels” to the data center. ZTNA replaces this with secure, direct access to private apps or cloud resources. Remote users bypass the corporate network entirely, reducing exposure.
Lock Down Unmanaged Devices
Personal laptops or IoT gadgets? ZTNA solutions block unmanaged devices by default. Even if credentials are stolen, attackers can’t pivot to sensitive areas.
Micro-segmentation: Containing Threats Before They Spread
Traditional networks operate like open-plan offices—once inside, anyone can wander anywhere. ZTNA enforces micro-segmentation, slicing the corporate network into isolated zones. Each segment—say, HR data or financial systems—has its own security rules. Even if hackers breach one zone, they’re locked out of others.
Hybrid workforces and sprawling cloud environments demand more than firewalls. ZTNA simplifies management by centralizing policies: one rulebook for remote workers, office teams, and third-party vendors.
By focusing on secure access—not perimeter defense—it shrinks attack surfaces and hardens security posture, creating a security model that’s adapting to cyber threats.
Stop Network Wandering for Good
Replace your open-floor network with secure, isolated zones. Securden's Endpoint Privilege Manager prevents lateral movement even if credentials get compromised.
While both Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enable remote access, they differ fundamentally in security philosophy, architecture, and user experience. Here is a breakdown of their key differences:
| Attribute |
VPN |
ZTNA |
| Trust Model |
Implicit trust once connected |
Zero trust – continuously verifies every access |
| Access Scope |
Broad network access, often all resources |
Granular access, application-specific access |
| Authentication |
Username/password (often one-time) |
Multi-factor + context-aware checks |
| Security |
Vulnerable to lateral movement |
Limits lateral movement through strict segmentation |
| Performance |
Can experience latency due to centralized hubs |
Optimized routing for direct, efficient connectivity |
| Network Exposure |
Entire network exposed to threats |
Apps invisible to the internet |
| Scalability |
Hardware-dependent, limited bandwidth |
Cloud-native, scales dynamically |
| User Experience |
Can be clunky and slow |
Seamless, often with minimal interruption |
| Implementation |
Requires significant hardware and configuration changes |
Software-defined, easier integration with existing systems |
| Visibility |
Limited session-level monitoring |
Granular user/ App activity logs |
Here’s How ZTNA Outperforms Legacy VPNs
Precise Access Control
ZTNA grants access only to authorized applications, reducing attack surfaces. VPNs, by contrast, let users roam the entire network, increasing risks if credentials are compromised.
Adaptive Security
ZTNA continuously validates user identity, device health, and context (e.g., location). VPNs authenticate once, trusting users indefinitely—a flaw hackers exploit.
Reduced Network Exposure
ZTNA hides applications from public view, connecting users directly via encrypted tunnels. VPNs expose the network perimeter, making it a prime target for breaches.
User Experience
ZTNA’s application-specific access avoids latency caused by funneling traffic through VPN gateways. This is critical for cloud-first organizations.
Scalability
ZTNA operates in the cloud, supporting distributed workforces seamlessly. VPNs rely on hardware, struggling with bandwidth and connection spikes.
VPNs may suffice for small teams needing basic network access. However, they lack the precision and adaptability required for hybrid workforces, cloud apps, and evolving threats.
ZTNA replaces the outdated “trust but verify” model with “never trust, always verify,” making it ideal for modern IT environments. As cyberattacks grow sophisticated, VPNs’ inherent trust assumptions create vulnerabilities ZTNA actively eliminates.
Adopting ZTNA isn’t a magic fix for secure remote access—it’s a mindset shift. While the payoff is better security, the implementation comes with difficulties of its own. Here are five difficulties that most organizations face with ZNTA implementation:
1. Untangling Legacy Dependencies
Legacy systems assumed trust by default. Migrating from VPNs or traditional network security models to ZTNA can mean overhauling all your policies which were built for on-premises data centers in the first place. For example, integrating ZTNA technologies with existing firewalls or secure access service edge (SASE) frameworks can clash, creating gaps in user connections.
What you can do: Map out legacy dependencies and create a phased upgrade plan to update policies and integrate new solutions smoothly.
2. Balancing Rigor with Productivity
The zero-trust approach demands relentless identity authentication—even for authorized users. Remote users on mobile devices might chafe at repeated logins or device checks just to access specific resources. Overzealous policies risk slowing workflows. Being too lenient, on the other hand, invites unauthorized users.
What you can do: Streamline your authentication process with automation. Consider Securden’s Enterprise Password Manager to cut down on repeated login hassles and improve secure remote access.
3. The “Least Privilege” Tightrope
Defining need-to-know access isn’t always straightforward. Should a contractor gain access to specific applications or the entire project folder? Misconfigured ZTNA solutions might grant full access to unmanaged devices or block critical tools, disrupting the remote workforce.
What you can do: Regularly review access rules and adjust them based on clear role definitions. A simple policy review process can keep permissions in check.
4. Hybrid Environments = Double the Headaches
Blending ZTNA services with on-premises infrastructure and secure cloud platforms amplifies complexity. Secure access to private apps in a data center while managing a remote workforce requires flawless synchronization. Many organizations struggle with visibility gaps—like tracking compromised devices across hybrid zones.
What you can do: Use integrated monitoring and audit tools to get a clear view of your network. Securden’s Endpoint Privilege Manager can help manage devices across hybrid environments, keeping your system aligned.
5. Cultural Pushback Against “No Trust”
Employees accustomed to seamless network access often resist ZTNA’s “verify everything” idealogy. Shifting from “trusted until proven guilty” to software-defined perimeters means retraining teams and redefining workflows. Without buy-in, even robust zero-trust implementations falter.
What you can do: Initiate training programs and establish clear communication channels to help teams understand the benefits of a zero-trust model. Building a security-aware culture is key to easing the transition.
Addressing these challenges early ensures your ZTNA work aligns with business goals, turning friction into a fortified security posture. Start small: pilot specific applications, refine policies, then scale. The hardest part isn’t the tech—it’s rethinking what “secure remote access” really means.
Secure Remote Work Without the Headaches
See how Securden EPM connects remote users directly to applications—not your entire network. Protect your data while keeping workflows smooth.
While most guides regurgitate basics like MFA and audits, here are five underrated tactics to outmaneuver implementation blind spots:
Set up Context-Aware Access Controls (Beyond Just MFA)
Instead of blanket authentication, analyze user traffic patterns, location, time of access, and device health before allowing users to securely access resources. For example, block login attempts from a device marked “compromised” by your EDR, even if credentials are valid. Doing this thwarts attackers mimicking legitimate users and reduces friction for low-risk scenarios.
Validate Device Posture Before Granting Access
Most ZTNA solutions check device compliance after granting network entry. Flip the script: mandate endpoint security checks (e.g., updated OS, encrypted drives) before establishing secure connections. This ensures unpatched or rogue devices never touch your network—critical for contractors using personal laptops.
Integrate Encryption and Layer Security Policies
ZTNA thrives alongside encryption for secure connections and tools like next-gen firewalls. Align ZTNA rules with broader security policies, such as blocking unmanaged devices from accessing other services. With this, you can minimize exposure, even if an incident occurs.
Deploy SASE to Unify Network and Security Functions
Integrate Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to merge ZTNA with SD-WAN, firewall-as-a-service, and cloud security. Unifying your network security systems eliminates silos and enables consistent policy enforcement across hybrid environments.
Use the Kipling Method for Policy Design
For every access request, ask: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How? Working with this helps you come up with granular, audit-friendly policies that can eliminate implicit trust.
Simulate “Assume Breach” Scenarios to Stress-Test Policies
Red-team exercises typically target external breaches, but ZTNA’s real test lies in stopping trusted users gone rogue. Stage scenarios where attackers mimic employees stealing credentials to pivot toward critical resources. Does your ZTNA framework restrict lateral movement? Does it flag abnormal access to financial systems? Stress testing exposes hidden flaws in security policies.
Turn Shadow IT into a Governed Asset
Employees often bypass IT to use unsanctioned apps (other services like personal cloud storage). Use ZTNA as a discovery tool to monitor traffic for unauthorized access to shadow IT, and then either block it or integrate those apps into your access management framework. Balance productivity and control without creating backdoors.
ZTNA’s success hinges on aligning access management with business workflows without compromising on security. You can always rely on our privilege access governance solutions to automate context-aware access and device compliance checks, bridging gaps most ZTNA tools ignore.
One Policy Engine, Total Protection
Replace complicated rulebooks with Securden's Endpoint Privilege Manager. Control access for onsite teams, remote workers, and contractors from a single dashboard.
Zero trust network access marks a shift in how we protect our networks. Every user, device, and request is verified, and only those who pass the checks are granted access to the specific apps they need. Setting up a zero-trust architecture cuts down on risks and offers a fresh way to keep your network secure.
Key Takeaways:
- Every connection is verified before granting access, keeping sensitive resources safe.
- Access is granted on a need-to-know basis, reducing unnecessary exposure.
- Continuous monitoring catches anomalies as they happen.
- Detailed device and user inventories help pinpoint potential risks.
- Clear, policy-based rules create an environment where secure connections are the norm.
One standout solution that can help configure and manage your network’s security is Securden’s Endpoint Privilege Manager. It helps you achieve the principle of least privilege by identifying which devices and users should have access to specific applications.
With features like local admin analysis, application discovery, and granular access control, you can remove unnecessary admin rights and grant temporary, controlled access when needed. Our solution works both on-premises and as a SaaS option, offering an easy-to-use interface that gets you production-ready in just two weeks—all at an affordable price.
Ready to upgrade your security model and take control of user connections? Get on a sales call today to learn more about Securden’s Endpoint Privilege Manager and build a safer network today.
