Zero Trust Access

Zero Trust Network Access Models

Instasafe

May 5, 2020 • 5 min read

Zero Trust Network Access Models

With the expanding horizons of cloud connectivity, we can likely achieve new peaks of success in digital mobility, remote access and data protection.

This is bound to cause unprecedented transformations in the way we connect and, more importantly, the way we work. With it, we also bring disruptive innovations in cybersecurity, and Zero Trust Security stands out among them.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) represents a transformative approach to security that assumes threats exist both inside and outside traditional network boundaries. Unlike conventional security methods, the zero trust model never implicitly trusts any user or device, regardless of their location or previous verification status.

Core Principles of the Zero Trust Framework

The zero-trust architecture operates on several fundamental principles:

Application-level access instead of network-level access.
Hidden infrastructure and IP addresses.
Device security verification.
Multiple authentication factors.
Encrypted connections.
One-to-one application access.

Think of traditional network security like a castle with a moat - once someone crosses the drawbridge, they can access everything inside. The zero trust model is more like a building where each room requires a different key, and your credentials are checked continuously as you move throughout the structure.

Why Organisations are Adopting Zero Trust Models?

Organisations are increasingly moving away from traditional perimeter-based security approaches for several compelling reasons:

Remote work has become standard, making traditional network boundaries obsolete
Cloud-based applications and services require different security approaches
More sophisticated cyber attacks that can bypass perimeter defences
Need for granular access control to sensitive resources
Requirements for regulatory compliance in various industries

Our Predictions for the next 10 years:

We predict that the massive shift to a complete cloud generation will carry with it significant challenges in securely connecting to resources in the cloud. This also applies to extending secure access to users across the globe.

In this scenario, the next ten years are bound to lay down a red carpet for the large-scale introduction of solutions based on Zero Trust Network Access.

ZTNA Vs Traditional VPNs

Zero Trust Models are different from legacy-based applications, the same way that an airport is different from a railway station. In an airport, you have to go through multiple steps of authentication.

All the while, each level of authentication further narrows down your level of access. This happens till you finally get through the boarding gate that takes you to the plane. This is quite similar to the functioning of zero-trust models.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been the standard for remote access for decades, but they have significant limitations when compared to ZTNA:

Parameter	VPN (Virtual Private Network)	ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
Access Control	Grants access to the entire network	Grants access to specific applications
Network Layer	Operates at the network layer (Layer 3)	Typically operates at the application layer.
Infrastructure	Often requires hardware	Can be cloud-based
Visibility	Provides broad network visibility	Hides network from users
User Treatment	Treats all users similarly	Evaluates multiple risk factors
Security Impact	Large attack surface	Minimises attack surface

How ZTNA Works?

When implementing a zero trust framework, the system follows these steps:

A user requests access to an application.
The user's identity is verified through authentication.
The device's security posture is checked.
Additional factors like location and timing are evaluated.
If all checks pass, a secure, encrypted connection is established directly to the specific application.
The connection is monitored continuously and can be terminated if anomalies are detected.
Access is re-verified periodically.

Types of ZTNA Implementations

There are two primary architectural approaches to implementing ZTNA:

1. Agent-based ZTNA

This approach requires software installation on all endpoint devices. The agent communicates with the ZTNA controller to authenticate and establish secure connections. Benefits include:

Comprehensive device security assessment
Works well with managed devices
Can enforce strict security policies

2. Service-based ZTNA

This cloud-based approach doesn't require endpoint agents. Instead, a broker sits between applications and users, authenticating access requests. Benefits include:

Easier deployment for unmanaged devices
Better for BYOD environments
Simpler management and scaling

Key Use Cases for Zero Trust Architecture

With the advent of the cloud generation, access on the go has become paramount for the effective operation of an organisation. This creates multiple complexities. It also exposes the vulnerabilities that can be easily be exploited in traditional technologies like Virtual Private Networks.

Legacy based applications like VPNs tend to extend network-level access to anyone in an internal network, exposing the scope for lateral movement attacks and exploitation. Existing solutions tend to be expensive and unscalable in terms of adapting to cloud environments. They also hamper user experience.

Organisations implement ZTNA for various reasons:

VPN Replacement: Many organisations are replacing VPNs with ZTNA for better security and user experience.
Secure Multi-Cloud Access: ZTNA provides consistent security across multiple cloud environments.
Third-Party Risk Reduction: ZTNA limits access for contractors and partners to only necessary resources.
Merger and Acquisition Integration: ZTNA simplifies secure access during company mergers without network consolidation.
Hybrid Workforce Support: ZTNA enables secure access regardless of employee location.

The Future of Zero Trust Models

The Zero Trust Idea:

Zero Trust Access is an evolved response to changing enterprise security trends. This includes those trends relating to cloud-based assets that are not present within enterprise owned network realms.

Traditional perimeters are dissolving in the light of new and unprecedented expansionary trends. Zero Trust concepts shift the focus from the protection of network segments to the protection of resources. A network location is not considered to be the primary component of the security posture of the enterprise anymore.

As organisations adopt cloud services and support remote work, the zero trust framework will become increasingly essential. Future developments will likely include:

Greater integration with artificial intelligence for threat detection.
More seamless user experiences that maintain security.
Expanded protection for IoT devices.
Incorporation into comprehensive security platforms.
Standardisation across industries.

Implementation Considerations

When implementing a zero trust architecture, organisations should consider:

Identity Provider Integration: How the solution integrates with existing identity management systems.
Legacy Application Support: Ability to secure both modern and legacy applications.
Geographic Coverage: Distribution of access points for global organisations.
Endpoint Management: Device posture assessment capabilities.
Deployment Model: Cloud-based versus on-premises options.

Conclusion

Zero trust security model represents a fundamental shift in how organisations approach network security. By assuming that threats exist both inside and outside the network, ZTNA provides more granular control, better security and improved user experiences compared to traditional security methods.