The Rise of ZTNA: A Seamless Path to Remote Access

Working remotely using cloud applications is now the norm for getting things done. But while these shifts offer greater flexibility, they also bring new security challenges. For years, virtual private networks (VPNs) were the go-to solution for securing remote access. But when used at such a large scale, VPNs are inefficient, slowing users down and undoing the productivity gains that come along with remote work. Worse, they expose organizations to unnecessary security risks like lateral movement attacks. 

That’s where zero trust network access (ZTNA) comes into play. Unlike VPNs, ZTNA assumes that no user or device can be trusted by default, providing a more secure and streamlined alternative for remote access. Switching to ZTNA might seem daunting, but in this blog, we’ll demonstrate how you can deploy ZTNA and keep your organization secure while embracing the benefits of remote work. 

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Why it’s time to make the switch 

While VPNs focus on ensuring access, ZTNA shifts to a more data-centric approach. Instead of granting access to the full corporate network, ZTNA limits access to specific apps, reducing the risk of data exposure and preventing lateral movement in the event of a breach. 

One major advantage of ZTNA is that it provides deep visibility into user behavior and potential threats. It also continuously assesses connected devices, ensuring that only those meeting security standards can access resources. Access is dynamically adjusted based on the level of trust required for each user or device, ensuring that only authorized entities can reach designated resources.

Unlike VPNs, ZTNA offers fast, direct, and secure connections to the specific apps users need, regardless of whether they’re hosted on private data centers or in the cloud. And by combining ZTNA with advanced data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities, organizations can gain real-time insights into their sensitive data, enhancing their overall security posture.

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Key requirements for a smooth ZTNA transition 

When transitioning to ZTNA, it’s critical to choose a solution that meets your organization’s specific security and operational requirements. Here’s what you need to look for — and how Lookout Secure Private Access, Lookout's ZTNA solution — measures up.

Discovery of private apps  

Visibility is essential when moving from VPN to ZTNA. Organizations need to know which private apps are being accessed. With Lookout's Enterprise App Discovery feature, administrators can easily identify and onboard private apps, ensuring nothing is left unprotected.

Support for any port and protocol 

Many ZTNA solutions are limited in the types of apps they can secure, often restricting support to just web apps. Lookout overcomes this limitation by supporting any port or protocol, giving you flexibility in securing a wide range of apps.

Clientless access 

Lookout Secure Private Access allows users to connect to private apps without installing an agent, making access simple and seamless, especially for users on personal or unmanaged devices.

Contextual security policies

Lookout enables dynamic, adaptive security policies that consider factors like user identity, device posture, location, and data sensitivity. This ensures access is only granted under the right conditions, boosting both security and compliance.

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Easy ZTNA deployment with Lookout

By shifting from traditional VPNs to ZTNA, organizations can reduce their attack surface, enforce granular security policies, and ensure secure access to private applications without compromising user experience. And for organizations looking to streamline their transition to ZTNA, Lookout Secure Private Access provides an intuitive and comprehensive platform that makes it easier to deploy, manage, and secure apps. 

To learn more about streamlining your ZTNA setup, check out our on-demand webinar, ZTNA: So Easy, It Feels Like Cheating. 

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