What Is ZTNA? Zero Trust Network Access
·1 min read·156 words
ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) is gradually replacing traditional VPNs. Its principle is: 'never trust, always verify.' Every access request is authenticated, authorized, and encrypted, regardless of location. It is a core component of SASE.
Zero Trust Principles
- Verify explicitly (user, device, context)
- Least-privilege access
- Assume breach
- Continuous verification (no long-lived trusted sessions)
ZTNA vs VPN
- VPN: single tunnel with full access to the internal network
- ZTNA: per-application access with no lateral movement
- VPN: initial authentication followed by trust
- ZTNA: continuous verification + device posture assessment
Types
- SDP (Service-initiated): outbound connector, user → broker → app
- Client-based (Agent): agent installed on the device, with more device-trust features
Vendors
- Zscaler ZPA: Gartner leader
- Palo Alto Prisma Access
- Cloudflare Access: simple and affordable
- Cato Networks SDP
- Cisco Secure Access
- Fortinet ZTNA: native to FortiGate with no cloud required
- Netskope NPA
Order from OPTINOC
ZTNA deployment. Turnkey VPN → ZTNA migration. Fortinet, Palo Alto, Zscaler. Quote within 48 hours.