Why Zero Trust Network Access is better than VPNs

Traditionally, enterprises have had to rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to provide a secure gateway for remote working. Given the current environment with many people working from home, VPNs have had their work cut out for them; however, it has also made them a popular attack pathway for many cybercriminals.

The problem with a VPN is its one-time authentication protocol. Cybercriminals know where and how to get the necessary knowledge required to authenticate corporate VPNs by phishing and impersonating employees, injecting spyware, shoulder surfing, etc. Once inside, they have unrestricted access to corporate files and information, leading to data and privacy breaches.

Why is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Better?

As its name implies, Zero Trust Network Access verifies every request generating from the user, treating it like a public network even though behind firewalls. It is also referred to as software-defined perimeter (SDP), where a particular user’s access is predetermined and prevents them from gaining unauthorized access to company resources. This policy reduces the risk of cybercriminals gaining undue access to carry out cyberattacks.

What makes ZTNA different is that you can enable it by utilizing existing network infrastructure to add perimeters of access, further strengthening cybersecurity. Depending on the security measures you employ, you can include multi-factor authentication, least privilege access, and micro-segmentation to limit access to individuals, applications, and devices.

ZTNA is by no means perfect, as cybercriminals can still gain access if they infiltrate via those devices or credentials of those who have special access. Hence incorporating real-time data monitoring with ZTNA enables network security teams to detect abnormal data movements within each security layer. This measure interrupts any infiltrations and prevents cybercriminals from getting away with sensitive information.

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