What is ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)?
ZTNA is the practical implementation of the Zero Trust model for application and resource access: instead of granting access to an entire network, it authorises individual connections to specific resources based on identity, device and context.
How ZTNA works
A ZTNA broker sits between the user and the internal resources. When a user requests access, the broker verifies their identity (with a single encryption key), evaluates device posture, checks the associated policy and only then opens an encrypted, resource-specific connection. The internal network is never exposed.
ZTNA vs VPN
- VPN: opens a tunnel to the whole network. A stolen credential gives full access.
- ZTNA: per-resource access. A compromised credential only exposes what that identity could see.
- VPN: requires firewall ports to be open and scannable from the internet.
- ZTNA: outbound connection from the internal network. Infrastructure stays invisible.
Typical use cases
Secure remote work, third-party vendor access with time-bounded permissions, multi-site connectivity, replacing jump hosts and bastions, and access to private SaaS applications. ZTNA fits especially well in companies that have already moved part of their workload to the cloud and need a unified access model.