Simplify and strengthen secure remote access

[Jaye_Tillson]

As remote work and cloud adoption reshape the modern enterprise, traditional VPN (Virtual Private Network) solutions are increasingly proving inadequate for today’s security and performance demands.

Cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever, and the need for seamless, secure access to applications and data across distributed work environments has never been greater. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) emerges as a transformative solution, simplifying secure remote access while bolstering cybersecurity defenses.

This article explores the shifting technological landscape, the limitations of legacy VPNs, and how ZTNA can address these challenges.

The shifting landscape of remote access hybrid work revolution

The hybrid and remote work models have fundamentally changed how organizations approach connectivity. Employees need reliable and secure access to applications, whether on premises or in the cloud, from a multitude of different devices and locations. This dynamic shift demands a rethinking of traditional networking and security frameworks.

The rise of IoT and cloud adoption

The proliferation of IoT devices and the widespread adoption of cloud services have introduced new complexities. These technologies drive innovation but also pose significant challenges for IT teams tasked with managing sprawling enterprise networks. The need for secure, scalable solutions to manage this complexity is clear.

VPNs under scrutiny

VPNs, once the cornerstone of remote access for organizations, have increasingly become a liability. According to industry statistics:

• 97% of businesses report that cybercriminals are targeting their VPNs.
• 81% of users express dissatisfaction with their VPN experience.
• 92% of organizations are concerned that VPNs could compromise their security.

The reasons for this dissatisfaction are multifaceted. VPNs introduce latency by backhauling traffic through centralized data centers, create a cumbersome user experience, and are challenging to scale and maintain.

The birth of Security Service Edge (SSE)

SSE (Security Service Edge) integrates networking and security functions into a unified cloud-based framework. A core component of SSE is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), which replaces traditional VPN architectures by enforcing strict access controls based on user identity, device posture, and contextual data.

ZTNA principles

ZTNA is built on foundational principles designed to ensure secure, streamlined access:

1. Identity Verification: Only authorized users and devices can access specific network resources.
2. Least Privilege Access: Users are granted only the minimum access necessary, reducing risk.
3. Microsegmentation: Isolates network sections to prevent lateral movement by attackers.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Analysis: Tracks user activity for anomalies or threats.
5. Dynamic Policy Enforcement: Adjusts permissions in real time based on context, such as location or device status.

These principles ensure that security is not a one-time event at the point of login but an ongoing process.

ZTNA vs. legacy VPNs: a paradigm shift from the limitations of VPNs

• Security risks: VPNs provide broad network access, exposing organizations to greater risks in the event of credential theft or insider threats.
• Poor user experience: Traffic is often routed through distant data centers, leading to latency and degraded performance.
• Operational complexity: Managing and updating multiple VPN gateways across locations is resource-intensive and error-prone.

Advantages of ZTNA

1. Reduced attack surface: ZTNA connects users to specific applications rather than entire networks, limiting exposure.
2. Agentless options: Unlike VPNs, ZTNA supports secure access without requiring client-side software, enabling quick and seamless onboarding of contractors or partners.
3. Dynamic scalability: Policies can adapt in real-time, simplifying administration and reducing maintenance overhead.
4. Enhanced performance: Direct user-to-application connections eliminate latency caused by VPN backhauling.

HPE Aruba Networking’s approach to ZTNA

HPE Aruba Networking provides a comprehensive ZTNA platform as part of its Security Service Edge (SSE) framework. This platform addresses the evolving needs of modern enterprises through four key pillars:

1. Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Protects against malicious web content and enforces secure internet access policies.
2. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Safeguards access to SaaS applications, ensuring compliance and preventing data loss.
3. Digital Experience Monitoring (DEM): Continuously evaluates user performance and application availability to enhance troubleshooting and user satisfaction.
4. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Secures access to private applications hosted in the data center or cloud, replacing legacy VPNs with a robust alternative.

ZTNA in action: use cases

ZTNA is versatile and applicable across numerous scenarios, including:

1. VPN replacement: Migrating from legacy VPN to ZTNA reduces the attack surface and simplifies network management.
2. Third party and contractor access: ZTNA offers agentless, secure access to specific resources, eliminating the need for extranet solutions.
3. Mergers and acquisitions: Supports application-level access without requiring network-level integration, streamlining operations even in environments with overlapping IP spaces.
4. Cloud adoption: Enables direct connections between users and cloud applications, bypassing traditional data center bottlenecks.

Transitioning to ZTNA: implementation strategies

Adopting ZTNA involves strategic planning and execution. Here are steps to consider:

1. Assess current architecture: Understand the limitations of existing VPN setups and identify key applications and workflows.
2. Define access policies: Establish user and device authentication criteria, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device posture checks.
3. Leverage ZTNA connectors: Deploy connectors to bridge secure access to private applications without exposing their IP addresses to users.
4. Monitor and optimize: Use Digital Experience Monitoring to track performance and address user issues proactively.

The path to Universal Zero Trust

HPE Aruba Networking envisions a future where ZTNA is part of a broader universal Zero Trust framework. This vision includes:

• AI-powered visibility: Leveraging artificial intelligence to monitor connected devices and enforce risk-based authentication.
• End-to-end segmentation: Implementing network segmentation across all layers to contain threats.
• Integrated services: Combining ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS) within a unified platform.

By integrating these capabilities, organizations can achieve a secure, resilient, and future-ready network.

Conclusion

The evolution from VPNs to ZTNA represents a critical step in modernizing network security. As cyber-threats grow in sophistication and enterprises adopt cloud-first strategies, traditional access methods fall short. ZTNA offers a robust alternative, emphasizing security, performance, and simplicity.

HPE Aruba Networking’s SSE platform demonstrates how ZTNA can seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructures while paving the way for Universal Zero Trust. For enterprises looking to secure their remote access in an increasingly hybrid world, embracing ZTNA is not just an option — it’s a necessity.

To explore ZTNA solutions in more detail, HPE Aruba Networking offers resources, demos, and expert consultations. Reach out to begin your organization’s journey toward secure, streamlined remote access.