Modern business environments don’t have the luxury of a single perimeter to secure. Remote work, bring-your-own-device culture, AI-driven cyber attacks, simple human error, and other internal and external threats put business applications and data at risk daily.
This increasingly complex landscape has rendered the traditional identity-based trust model of security obsolete. Today’s businesses need to adopt a "never trust, always verify" approach, requiring every user, with their access level and device posture, seeking network access to verify not just with their user id and password but the context of their access.
Zero trust network access (ZTNA) security model enforces the principles of zero trust by controlling and securing access to applications and resources based on user identity, device health, and context—not trust.
4 Common Myths About ZTNA
Despite the proven benefits of implementing ZTNA as part of a zero trust framework, a few common misconceptions prevent some businesses from adopting it. Let’s look at these myths and how they compare to reality.
Myth #1: ZTNA is only for large enterprises.
Reality: ZTNA is essential for large enterprises with complex network environments and high security needs, but it’s also valuable for small and mid-size businesses that are frequent targets of cybersecurity threats.
Myth #2: ZTNA is difficult to deploy and support.
Reality: Many ZTNA solutions offer simple deployment with cloud-native architectures, APIs for easy integration, and centralized management tools. Because ZTNA tools are highly scalable, organizations can implement zero trust for a subset of users or applications, then expand the initiative as needed.
Myth #3: It’s hard to make a business case for ZTNA.
Reality: ZTNA offers clear business benefits, including reducing security risks, streamlining access control, and supporting remote and hybrid work environments. Zero trust frameworks also minimize your attack surface, which lowers the risk of breaches and their associated recovery costs.
Myth #4: I don’t need ZTNA; I have enough security already.
Reality: ZTNA complements—but doesn’t replace—your existing firewall and VPN security framework by enforcing least-privilege access, continuously verifying users and devices, and providing an additional layer of protection if an attacker bypasses other security measures.
How ZTNA Enhances Your Security Framework
Integrating ZTNA into your security framework increases your defenses by securing access to business-critical applications and sensitive data. By deploying ZTNA solutions in addition to existing security controls, your organization can enhance its overall security posture in several significant areas.
Modernize your firewall and VPN.
ZTNA strengthens legacy firewalls and VPNs, providing secure, granular access to applications rather than broad network access. This controlled approach reduces lateral movement within networks, which helps minimize damage and prevent data loss.
Protect against internet threats and credential compromise.
Some ZTNA solutions are designed to detect and block malicious activity. Identity verification policies and continuous monitoring help limit unauthorized access even if a user's credentials are compromised.
Secure high-risk users.
ZTNA allows organizations to enforce least-privilege access policies for high-risk or unmanaged users and personal devices so they can access necessary applications without putting the full network at risk.
ZTNA Implementation Best Practices
Implementing ZTNA effectively requires careful planning and adherence to best practices. Organizations can achieve a smooth transition to a zero trust security model by focusing on a few key areas:
Verify device trust.
Verifying device trust through registration and regular posture checks helps ensure that only secure, compliant devices can access applications, safeguarding your network from potential threats.
Start small, then expand.
Taking a phased approach to your ZTNA rollout will help ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions:
- Select a specific department or team to evaluate the ZTNA framework's effectiveness and identify potential challenges.
- Implement ZTNA for a few critical applications so you can clearly determine how the solution integrates with existing systems.
- Introduce basic policy controls and gradually refine them as your organization gets used to the ZTNA framework.
Deliver a great user experience.
User experience directly correlates with adoption and resistance. Focus on minimizing user friction in the authentication process by implementing single sign-on solutions, adaptive authentication methods, or other strategies that balance security with convenience.
It’s also important to ensure that the ZTNA solution does not degrade application performance. Any noticeable lag or slowdown can lead to user frustration, which reduces productivity and increases resistance to the new security measures.
Take Control of Your Network Access
Zero trust network access allows businesses of every size to take a proactive security approach by granting access based on verified identity, device posture, and context.
Unlike traditional firewalls and VPNs, ZTNA focuses on securing access to specific applications, reducing friction for users while enhancing protection that can withstand today’s cybersecurity threats.
ZTNA provides organizations with a resilient security framework, enabling protection that adapts to today’s evolving threats.
Are you ready to strengthen your cybersecurity strategy?
Don’t let myths stand in the way of your security. Contact our team today to learn how SonicWall can help you implement a true zero trust network access solution and safeguard your organization from evolving threats.
