Zero trust network access (ZTNA)

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," providing secure access to applications and services based on defined access control policies. For cloud security engineers, ZTNA offers a modern approach to securing access to distributed resources in cloud and hybrid environments.

ZTNA solutions typically create an identity- and context-based logical access boundary around an application or set of applications. They provide secure access to these applications regardless of where the applications reside (in the cloud or on-premises) or where users are located. ZTNA verifies a user's identity, device health, and other contextual attributes before granting access, and it continuously assesses trust throughout the session.

In cloud environments, ZTNA plays a crucial role in addressing the security challenges posed by remote work, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, and the dissolution of traditional network perimeters. ZTNA can help organizations move away from VPN-based access models towards more flexible, scalable, and secure access control. By implementing ZTNA, cloud security engineers can significantly enhance their ability to control and secure access to cloud resources, reduce the attack surface, and improve the overall security posture of their cloud and hybrid environments.