Data security has become a major issue in the Internet age. Anyone browsing a public network, for example, or wanting to access sensitive data, can provide additional protection to prevent harmful access.
VPNs are now a widely used means of protecting data and browsing anonymously. However, a new technology is now gaining ground in the corporate sector that raises the level of security significantly: ZTNA, short for Zero Trust Network Access. Let’s take a closer look at how this network solution works!
Working remotely increases risks
More and more people no longer work from an office, but instead move their workplace to the home office or work while traveling. Companies have to become much more flexible today to remain attractive to employees in the job market. The Internet makes this possible, so meetings can easily be held virtually, virtual bulletin boards can make the organization transparent, and cloud solutions allow access to all data.
This also has many advantages for companies. This means that specialists can also be sought abroad, and international employees bring new approaches to the corporate structure. However, with all the positive factors, there are also risks that mainly affect data security.
Important company data can no longer be stored on local servers that can only be accessed in the office. B. switch to cloud solutions. Of course, if employees can access this data from anywhere in the world, the risk of hackers trying to do the same is also increased. VPNs offer some protection here, but ZTNA is much more effective.
What is a ZTNA?
The abbreviation ZTNA stands for Zero Trust Network Access and describes a software solution that can ensure a high level of data security for businesses, both in the office and when working on the go. This works on the basis of a simple principle: by default, each user does not have access to the resources of a server or cloud. Instead, these must be released individually and can only be used by the user if access has been expressly permitted.
This ensures that each user in the system only has as many access rights as they really need. The ZTNA thus kills two birds with one stone. On the one hand, external access by unauthorized persons (for example, through a hacker attack) can be prevented because they do not have access rights, even if the passwords have been hacked; on the other hand, internal employees cannot access data that is not relevant to them either. Who, eg.
Working with vendors or collaborating with other operations can free up resources without taking risk or compromising sensitive data.
ZTNA is already a sensible solution for many companies to protect data and make it easier to work across remote teams or with other companies. Access rights accumulate from behind. Instead of having to restrict parts of the system to certain users, all participants are fundamentally denied access rights. These will then be allowed individually.
Of course, VPNs also keep their application areas, e.g. B. if the ISP throttles the Internet connection or locally limited content needs to be opened. However, when it comes to safety, the ZTNA is ahead of the game.
