Modernizing remote access from VPN to ZTNA offers organizations improved security, better user experiences, and greater control, according to insights shared by Cisco. As workplaces evolve with a distributed workforce and increasing reliance on cloud applications, traditional VPNs are increasingly being replaced by Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
The shift to ZTNA is expected to be significant; by 2025, Gartner predicts that about 70% of new remote access implementations will favor ZTNA over VPN technology. ZTNA promotes a model of identity-centric access that allows organizations to maintain stricter and more flexible control over user privileges, which is key to supporting a distributed workforce.
One of the standout features of ZTNA is its ability to provide only the necessary resources for users based on identity and context, significantly reducing the risk of breaches. Unlike traditional VPNs which grant full network access, ZTNA restricts access to specific applications that a user needs to perform their role, thereby minimizing potential attack exposure.
Cisco emphasizes the importance of transitioning from VPN to ZTNA due to several key reasons. One major concern is the danger of over-privileged access, which can allow malicious actors to exploit network vulnerabilities once a VPN connection is established. ZTNA combats this by enforcing strict access controls, making it difficult for attackers to move laterally within a network.
Performance benefits are also noteworthy. As remote collaboration becomes the norm, ZTNA can alleviate issues related to latency and network efficiency. Its structure utilizes distributed gateways which are closer to end-users, reducing delays that often occur with centralized VPNs.
The approach of ZTNA also enables organizations to be nimble, allowing for easier scalability to match fluctuating demands in workforce and devices. With a design that accommodates the integration of advanced security measures like multi-factor authentication and threat detection, ZTNA positions firms to better manage evolving cybersecurity challenges.
However, Cisco warns that modernizing from VPN to ZTNA comes with its own set of challenges. Organizations need to ensure that their applications can support ZTNA; otherwise, they risk having to manage both old and new systems. Additionally, complications can arise from adopting multiple specialized access solutions that may lead to management complexities.
Integration with existing security tools is crucial to streamline operations and ensure visibility into end-user experience; without this, organizations might struggle to identify performance issues when they occur.
Cisco advocates that by embracing this architectural change towards ZTNA, organizations can significantly enhance security postures, better support their distributed workforces, and establish a future-ready remote access strategy. As Jack Klecha from Cisco states, "Zero trust is not a product, zero trust is an architecture. It’s about identity, access, and response."
For further details on the transition from VPN to ZTNA, check out the Cisco webinar.
