As we look ahead to 2024, the focus on digital security will continue to intentisfy. Out with the old, and in with the new, will be the new philiosophy to maintain a competitive edge and to ensure that organizations are prepared for the evolving threat landscape.

Zero Trust has been creating siginificant buzz within the industry in the recent past and its importance as a modenized approach to secutity is only going to continue to gain momemtum into next year.

Zero Trust is an overarching security concept exercising the 'never trust, always verify' philosophy. It is an approach that assumes that threats can come from both outside and inside the network, and it requires verification from anyone trying to access resources, regardless of their location or network connection.

In this post, we look at the different subsets of Zero Trust:  Zero Trust Access (ZTA), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA) and the key benefits each offer.

Zero Trust Access (ZTA), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA), are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of implementing the Zero Trust model. In this post, we'll look at each one and its key benefits. 

Zero Trust Access (ZTA)

Zero Trust Access (ZTA) is a security framework and approach that assumes threats can come from both inside and outside an organization's network. The core principle of Zero Trust Access is to never trust any entity, whether it's a user, device, or application, by default. Instead, it emphasizes continuous verification of the identity and security posture of these entities before granting access to resources.

Key Features:

• Verification: Requires verification of the identity and security posture of users and devices before granting access
• Continuous Monitoring: Monitoring and assessment of user and device behavior continuously during the entire session
• Least Privilege: Provides the least privilege necessary for users or devices to perform their tasks

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), is a security framework that focuses on providing secure access to applications and resources without relying on the traditional network perimeter. The fundamental principle of ZTNA is to assume zero trust, regardless of the user's location, and to verify the identity and security posture of users and devices before granting access to specific applications.

Key Features:

• User-Centric: Focuses on the identity of the user rather than their physical location.
• Micro-Segmentation: Access policies are defined based on the user's identity, device security posture, and other contextual factors.
• Application-Centric: Access is granted on a per-application basis, reducing the attack surface.

Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA)

Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA) is a security concept and approach that extends the principles of Zero Trust to specifically focus on securing access to individual applications. It is a subset of the broader Zero Trust model, emphasizing the idea that trust should not be assumed for any user, device, or application by default. Zero Trust Application Access is a subset of Zero Trust Network Access that specifically addresses securing access to applications. It emphasizes ensuring secure access to individual applications rather than the entire network.

Key Features:

•   Application-Centric: Focuses on securing access to specific applications, considering factors such as user identity, device posture, and the sensitivity of the application.
•   Granular Control: Provides granular access controls, limiting access to only the necessary components and data within an application.
•   Dynamic Access Policies: Access policies can adapt dynamically based on the user, device, and environmental context.

Overall, Zero Trust Access is a broad concept that advocates for a security model based on continuous verification and the principle of least privilege. Zero Trust Network Access is a more specific implementation of this model, focusing on securing access to network resources. Zero Trust Application Access is a further refinement, concentrating specifically on securing access to individual applications within the network. All in all, this concept is a modernized, forward-thinking approach to security that organizations looking to upgrade their current network security posture should consider adapting.
 

To view a replay of our exclusive online session held on November 9th where we covered this topic in much more in-depth detail, or to simply have a consultative discussion, please contact us today.