ZTNA

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security framework that enables remote access to private applications without granting broad network connectivity. In the ZTNA model, access decisions are driven by verifying the user’s identity, the device’s security posture, and the context of the request, with continual evaluation rather than a single authentication.

ZTNA typically uses a cloud-delivered service, an on-premises gateway, or a hybrid deployment that sits between users and applications. A trusted broker enforces policies and tunnels user connections only to designated applications, not to the entire network. Users may authenticate with an identity provider and, if required, pass device posture checks or health signals before access is allowed. Traffic is often proxied and encrypted, and sessions are limited in scope and duration.

Compared with traditional VPNs, ZTNA does not expose the entire network. Instead it applies a least-privilege approach, reducing the potential blast radius and limiting lateral movement if a credential is compromised. ZTNA is frequently integrated into broader security architectures such as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).

Common use cases include remote workforce access to internal apps, third-party or contractor access, and access to cloud-based or microservices architectures. ZTNA supports both client-based and clientless deployments for SaaS and on-premises apps.

Potential challenges include ensuring compatibility with legacy applications, maintaining up-to-date device posture data, and managing identity and access controls across multiple providers. Performance overhead and user experience considerations may arise, as well as the need for robust policy management and monitoring.