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                                              What is ZTNA?

                                              Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is the modern remote access solution built on the principle of Zero Trust. ZTNA creates a new security and access framework for connecting users everywhere with enterprise resources. This security solution not only provides a modern security structure, but also enhances user experience with seamless connectivity to enterprise resources. With the rise of hybrid work and cloud adoption, it’s become increasingly important to evolve access management to your key enterprise applications–no matter where they are hosted.
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                                              Zero Trust Security Principles How does ZTNA work?
                                              Securing remote user access to resources Enable third-party access and BYOD policies Allows for smoother cloud migrations Simpler merger and acquisition integration Streamlined DevOps access Aids the security transformation journey
                                              What are the benefits of ZTNA architecture? What is the difference between ZTNA and VPNs? What is Universal ZTNA? How does UZTNA differ from ZTNA?
                                              Benefits of UZTNA
                                              How does ZTNA fit within Security Service Edge (SSE)? What are the most common use cases of ZTNA?
                                              Replacing legacy VPNs for remote access Enable third-party access and BYOD policies Allows for smoother cloud migrations Simpler merger and acquisition integration Streamlined DevOps access Aids the security transformation journey
                                              Introducing Netskope One Private Access, Netskope’s Solution for Universal ZTNA
                                              10 min read

                                              Zero Trust Security Principles link link

                                              ZTNA creates a new security framework, based on the zero trust security model, for connecting users with enterprise resources. Private applications connect to the ZTNA broker via application gateways. When a user connects, the cloud-based ZTNA broker verifies the user’s identity and security posture before connecting users to the authorized applications.

                                              Users everywhere, using any device, gain direct access to applications hosted anywhere, providing superior user experience with consistent policy controls.

                                              Because ZTNA only grants application-specific access, not network access, it eliminates unauthorized lateral movement. With ZTNA, there is no inbound connectivity to the enterprise network and the resources remain hidden from discovery, reducing the digital attack surface.

                                               

                                              How does ZTNA work? link link

                                              Zero trust network access (ZTNA) enforces the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Instead of broad network access like VPNs, ZTNA grants direct, least-privilege access only to the applications a user or device is authorized to reach. Every request is checked in real time against identity, device posture, location, and risk context before creating an encrypted, app-to-app connection. Applications stay hidden from the internet, reducing exposure, while users enjoy fast, seamless access without VPN slowdowns. Continuous monitoring ensures security adapts dynamically if conditions change, keeping users productive and organizations protected.

                                              ZTNA applications include:

                                              Securing remote user access to resources

                                              Netskope zero trust capabilities provide application access for authenticated and authorized users. By eliminating implicit trust privileges, our platform reduces the risks and exposure associated with traditional remote access VPN. These users will have access to everything they need and nothing that they don’t, all while consistently reaffirming their identities to prevent unauthorized access.

                                              Enable third-party access and BYOD policies

                                              Sometimes it’s necessary to grant access to individuals or devices outside of the immediate enterprise’s network. Using ZTNA, administrators can safely provision access to contractors, suppliers, and other third-party users using the browser access (clientless) to web applications. Additionally, ZTNA creates safeguards to allow network access to personal devices while protecting permissions to more sensitive systems and information.

                                              Allows for smoother cloud migrations

                                              Whether it’s today, tomorrow, or next year, we are all moving to the cloud. ZTNA makes these migrations simpler by creating direct, secure access to all kinds of cloud applications and infrastructures. Utilizing the streamlined nature of the cloud, ZTNA allows users to set up and deploy in minutes, creating seamless direct access to resources hosted in public cloud environments, without the complex network routing.

                                              Simpler merger and acquisition integration

                                              Mergers are complex, but combining systems and providing access doesn’t have to be. ZTNA provides approved users with “day one” access to internal resources without the complexity of combining networks. This way you can get up and running with new employees and processes faster than ever before.

                                              Streamlined DevOps access

                                              In today’s world, developers can’t always be expected to work on-site. ZTNA provides secure native access to resources regardless of where they are hosted in data centers and Virtual Private Clouds (VPC).

                                              Aids the security transformation journey

                                              Everything about the way we do business is changing at an ever more rapid pace, necessitating the need for new security and networking technologies. ZTNA applies zero trust principles to application and network access, therefore reducing the overall attack surface area by eliminating the exposure of protocols and services to the public internet.

                                               

                                               Zero trust network access (ZTNA) enforces the principle of “never trust, always verify.”

                                              What are the benefits of ZTNA architecture? link link

                                              A zero trust network access (ZTNA) architecture enhances security by ensuring only authenticated and authorized users can access resources, reducing the risk of breaches. It also improves user experience by providing seamless and secure remote access to applications without relying on traditional VPNs.

                                              Benefits of a ZTNA architecture include:

                                              • Zero trust access to private applications: Protect data and resources with application-level access control based on user identity, authorization, and security posture.
                                              • Seamless and direct access to public cloud(s): Connect users anywhere directly to applications in public cloud environments—no need to hairpin through corporate infrastructure.
                                              • Reduce digital attack surface: Ensure that applications hosted anywhere, in public cloud and private data centers, are never exposed to the internet. Eliminate the need for hosting applications in the DMZ or maintaining public-facing services such as VPN. Avoid the brand damage, fines, and remediation costs associated with private application breaches.
                                              • Optimized user experience: Users benefit from seamless, high-performance access through direct-to-app connectivity, eliminating VPN- and NAC-related slowdowns and authentication friction, even in global deployments.
                                              • Simplified IT operations: Modernize network architecture and increase security for internet use using a scalable, cloud-based platform that unifies ZTNA, with cloud security (CASB) and web security (SWG).

                                               

                                               A zero trust network access (ZTNA) architecture enhances security by ensuring only authenticated and authorized users can access resources, reducing the risk of breaches.

                                              What is the difference between ZTNA and VPNs? link link

                                              Legacy VPNs invite risk by granting wide network access once remote users connect. ZTNA’s zero trust approach is next-gen secure, using identity and context to enable minimum access to only necessary apps and resources. Unlike VPNs, ZTNA security verifies users for every session, limits lateral movement, and conceals internal networks from external exposure. With micro-segmentation, least-privilege access, and isolation of threats, ZTNA shrinks the attack surface substantially compared to traditional VPNs. The advantages and differences between ZTNA and VPN are why innovative companies are adopting ZTNA for a modern and more impenetrable remote access architecture.

                                              Diagram of VPN vs ZTNA

                                              Replace Virtual Private Networks

                                               

                                               ZTNA differs from a traditional VPN in that it provides granular access controls and verifies every user, device, and application before granting access to specific resources, rather than VPNs which usually allow broad network-level access after authentication.

                                              What is Universal ZTNA? How does UZTNA differ from ZTNA? link link

                                              Universal ZTNA (UZTNA) extends traditional zero trust network access by securing not only users but also IT, OT, and IoT devices. It delivers identity-centric, zero-trust access across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments, with unified policies, continuous monitoring, and real-time enforcement to ensure consistent security and user experience everywhere. Unlike traditional ZTNA, which is often limited to user-to-app access, UZTNA unifies controls across people, devices, and environments, remote, campus, and beyond.

                                              For enterprises, this means stronger security, simplified operations, and seamless high-performance access to any application, from any device, managed or unmanaged. With its ability to consolidate and replace legacy VPN, NAC, and VDI tools, universal ZTNA is the modern standard for organizations looking to support hybrid work, secure unmanaged devices, and prepare for the future of AI-driven, risk-aware access.

                                              Traditional ZTNA
                                              Universal ZTNA
                                              Designed mainly for remote user access
                                              Extends secure access to remote, branch, campus, and non-user devices (IoT/OT)
                                              User experience varies by location (remote vs. on premises)
                                              Delivers a consistent user experience everywhere
                                              Coverage of endpoint-initiated apps
                                              Coverage of endpoint- and server-initiated apps
                                              Agent-based access (managed devices)
                                              Agent-based or agentless access (unmanaged/BYOD)
                                              Multiple, disparate policy engines and enforcement points
                                              Single, unified policy engine for all users and devices
                                              Access permissions rarely adapt after login
                                              Real-time, risk-based adjustments based on user and device behavior
                                              Cloud-based trust broker
                                              Cloud- and local-based broker
                                              Requires multiple management consoles
                                              Managed through a single administration console

                                               

                                              Benefits of UZTNA

                                              • Simplified Access: Replaces fragmented tools like VPN, NAC, and VDI with a single, unified approach to secure access across all environments.
                                              • Stronger Security: Applies least-privilege, context-aware access policies in real time, reducing risk for users, devices, and applications.
                                              • Integrated Protection: Combines threat prevention and data loss protection directly into access flows, minimizing exposure and safeguarding sensitive information.
                                              • Greater Efficiency: Automates policy enforcement and reduces administrative overhead, enabling IT teams to move faster and scale with ease.
                                              • Better User Experience: Provides seamless, direct-to-application connectivity with low latency and consistent performance, no matter where users are located.
                                              • End-to-End Visibility: Delivers continuous monitoring and real-time insights into application and user performance, improving troubleshooting and compliance readiness.

                                              Universal ZTNA unifies secure access for all users and devices across IT, OT, and IoT, with context-aware, least-privilege controls and built-in threat and data protection. As organizations embrace hybrid work, AI, and unmanaged devices, UZTNA is becoming the modern standard for seamless, identity-centric security everywhere.

                                              Netskope delivers this future-ready approach with Universal ZTNA. Learn about Netskope On Private Access.

                                               

                                               Universal ZTNA (UZTNA) extends traditional zero trust network access by securing not only users but also IT, OT, and IoT devices.

                                              How does ZTNA fit within Security Service Edge (SSE)? link link

                                              ZTNA is a core component of the Security Service Edge (SSE) architecture, which provides a unified, cloud-native solution for secure access and threat protection across diverse environments. With the rise of remote work, ZTNA provides a secure way to access applications and data without using traditional VPNs. By integrating with other SSE capabilities like SWG and CASB, ZTNA provides comprehensive threat protection and real-time monitoring and control over user access and data flows across the entire network.

                                               

                                               ZTNA is a core component of the Security Service Edge (SSE) architecture, which provides a unified, cloud-native solution for secure access and threat protection across diverse environments.

                                              What are the most common use cases of ZTNA? link link

                                              The most common use cases for ZTNA are:

                                              Replacing legacy VPNs for remote access

                                              Unlike VPNs that grant broad, network-level access, ZTNA offers a more secure and granular alternative. By connecting users only to the specific applications they need, ZTNA significantly reduces the attack surface. It also improves the user experience by eliminating the friction of traditional VPNs, such as slow performance and complex authentication, and simplifies IT management by offering a cloud-managed service that removes the burden of patching and scaling on-premises infrastructure.

                                              Enable third-party access and BYOD policies

                                              Sometimes it’s necessary to grant access to individuals or devices outside of the immediate enterprise’s network. Using ZTNA, administrators can safely provision access to contractors, suppliers, and other third-party users using the browser access (clientless) to web applications. Additionally, ZTNA creates safeguards to allow network access to personal devices while protecting permissions to more sensitive systems and information.

                                              Allows for smoother cloud migrations

                                              Whether it’s today, tomorrow, or next year, we are all moving to the cloud. ZTNA makes these migrations simpler by creating direct, secure access to all kinds of cloud applications and infrastructures. Utilizing the streamlined nature of the cloud, ZTNA allows users to set up and deploy in minutes, creating seamless direct access to resources hosted in public cloud environments, without the complex network routing.

                                              Simpler merger and acquisition integration

                                              Mergers are complex, but combining systems and providing access doesn’t have to be. ZTNA provides approved users with “day one” access to internal resources without the complexity of combining networks. This way you can get up and running with new employees and processes faster than ever before

                                              Streamlined DevOps access

                                              In today’s world, developers can’t always be expected to work on-site. ZTNA provides secure native access to resources regardless of where they are hosted in data centers and virtual private clouds (VPC).

                                              Aids the security transformation journey

                                              Everything about the way we do business is changing at an ever more rapid pace, necessitating the need for new security and networking technologies. ZTNA applies zero trust principles to application and network access, therefore reducing the overall attack surface area by eliminating the exposure of protocols and services to the public internet.

                                               

                                               The most common use cases for ZTNA are replacing legacy VPNs for remote access, enabling secure third-party and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) access, simplifying cloud migrations and mergers, and streamlining access for DevOps teams. ZTNA also plays a crucial role in modernizing security by applying zero trust principles to network and application access.

                                              Introducing Netskope One Private Access, Netskope’s Solution for Universal ZTNA link link

                                              Universal ZTNA with Netskope One Private Access

                                              Netskope Universal ZTNA, delivered through Netskope One SASE, unifies secure access to private applications across IT, OT, and IoT. Powered by Netskope One Private Access, Netskope Device Intelligence, and the Zero Trust Engine, it replaces VPN, NAC, VDI/DaaS, and PRA with real-time, identity- and risk-based adaptive access. AI-driven Copilot automates app discovery and policy optimization, while built-in IPS, threat protection, and DLP strengthen security. Intelligent steering, auto-failover, and latency-based routing ensure seamless connectivity and superior user experience.

                                              Here is what sets Netskope apart in the ZTNA market:

                                              • Truly Universal: Secures access across remote, campus, OT, and IoT environments, supporting all users and devices, agent-based or agentless.
                                              • Built-In Device Intelligence: Goes beyond identity to assess device risk and posture in real time, enabling granular access control.
                                              • Unified Platform: Delivered as part of Netskope One SASE, integrating ZTNA with CASB, SWG, DLP, SD-WAN, and more.
                                              • AI-Powered Policy Optimization with Copilot: Optimizes ZTNA policies using real-world access data to reduce risk and complexity.
                                              • Embedded Threat and Data Protection: Inspects private app traffic natively, stopping threats and protecting sensitive data, no bolt-ons required.
                                              • Seamless User Experience and Operational Efficiency: High-performance, seamless application access, no VPN slowdowns or friction.
                                              • Legacy Replacement: Offers a scalable path to retire VPN, NAC, VDI, and DaaS.

                                              As hybrid work grows and AI reshapes operations, universal ZTNA is fast becoming the modern standard for access, and Netskope is leading the way.

                                              Learn more about how Netskope defines and delivers Universal ZTNA.

                                               

                                              The VPN Trap: Why Enterprises Are Accepting the Move to Zero Trust Network Access

                                              VPNs are increasingly a liability; over half of organizations faced VPN-related breaches last year. Beyond security risks, they slow performance and add complexity. Modern approaches like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) deliver stronger security, simpler operations, and better user experiences.

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                                              The VPN Trap: Why Enterprises Are Accepting the Move to Zero Trust Network Access

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