As VPNs cannot meet all of the complex and agile requirements of modern enterprises, Zero Trust has replaced them with efficient secure access and business agility.
Remote access Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have long been the go-to solution for organisations wanting secure access to their privately hosted applications – but they’re slow, inconvenient to use, and, most crucially, they have security flaws. This is where Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) can help meet an immediate demand of modern enterprises.
Earlier, when companies wanted to secure their business resources they used the corporate VPN technology. During those times, VPNs were an important tool for establishing an encrypted connection tunnel between remote workers and on-premises business systems like CRM servers.
Mission-critical resources – and employees who access them – are more widely distributed between corporate networks, public clouds, and private clouds, as most firms now pursue cloud-first or hybrid models and several users collaborate remotely. The conventional methods of defining and safeguarding a perimeter based on the connecting network no longer meet today’s requirements.
ZTNA based solutions, which focus on authenticated user access to applications rather than connecting devices to the network, offer a more relevant solution to today’s connectivity concerns. Instead of allowing users and threat actors inside the network by punching holes in the firewall, the more secure ZTNA connects users directly to specific applications.
Shortcomings of VPN
If the IT team is adding new devices to a VPN or if your team is expanding or scaling down, then this is a cumbersome task. Before integrating each user or device into the VPN system, they have to be set up with a VPN client and integrated into the access control system. This process is tedious, and it prevents enterprises from adapting to their changing business requirements. It’s especially harder during the pandemic, when several employees are suddenly working from home and companies are recruiting people who have never worked in an office!
VPN networks need a lot of CPU power, put a lot of strain on servers, and use a lot of encryption. This is exacerbated when users attempt to connect to systems that require additional resources, such as databases or design applications. Unless you’re ready to accept severe latency and little work, this necessitates a significant investment in DevOps and IT staff, as well as infrastructure. These teams will be expected to devote a significant amount of time to network maintenance, security systems, and firewalls, as well as providing user support.
The castle-and-moat approach to VPN security implies that everyone inside the perimeter has access to the systems, assets, and crown jewels. Despite the fact that the VPN is more secure than the public network, it is still vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Why ZTNA Technology
Nowadays, some of the enterprises have chosen ZTNA technology to solve their network security issues which is related to VPNs. The Zero Trust security model, which is based on identity authentication, does not trust users depending on the network they are connected to. Instead, before granting access to any app, system, or asset, each user and device is authenticated and certified for the trusted access into the network.
The ZTNA technology provides enterprises with greater agility in which based on their urgent business requirements, IT managers and DevOps can easily add or remove security policies and user authorization. When it comes to allowing access to specific applications, Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) and Role Based Access Control (RBAC) makes it considerably easier.
Through simple implementation by just adding the ZTA connector and simple management makes it a cost-effective investment. ZTNA technology can be implemented for remote work, PAMs, 3rd parties, and M&As, thus making it a broad use-case fit.
The ZTNA technology offers true granular security for networks both externally and inside. Because there is no trust, no perpetrator is granted access.
A Brief Conclusion
In essence, the ZTNA technology is higher than a corporate VPN technology because the the authentication method of by Zero Trust is both superior for users and more powerful for security teams.
When utilised for a specific network segment, Zero Trust can also be used in conjunction with a VPN secure connection. In such scenarios, if hackers gain access to the VPN, Zero Trust models can enhance the company perimeter through micro segmentation and give an extra layer of security.