
The Fast-Track Integration of ZTNA As One Step in Zero Trust

Traditional cybersecurity models have been challenged by modern threats that easily bypass perimeter-based defenses. With remote work still on the rise and attackers becoming more sophisticated, organizations are increasingly seeking solutions that offer robust safeguards, enable regulatory compliance, and maintain operational efficiency. One approach that has gained strong momentum is Zero Trust. A fundamental component of Zero Trust – Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – is rapidly being adopted worldwide as a cornerstone of effective cybersecurity. This article explores how Zero Trust principles enhance compliance with directives like NIS2 and DORA, underlines the importance of Secure Service Edge (SSE) for protecting remote users, and outlines a five-step migration plan for quickly integrating ZTNA into an organization’s Zero Trust architecture.
Understanding Zero Trust
Zero Trust is a strategic security model based on the principle, “Never trust, always verify.” Unlike legacy security frameworks that rely heavily on perimeter defenses, Zero Trust shifts focus on continuous authentication, granular access controls, and the segmentation of user privileges and resources. Essentially, this model assumes that no user, device, or application should be inherently trusted, irrespective of whether it is inside or outside the corporate network. Instead, access is granted only after identity is verified, device compliance is validated, and policy-based rules are enforced.
By treating every request contextually – for instance, verifying a user’s identity, factoring in location, device security posture, and other risk indicators – the Zero Trust model dramatically reduces the attack surface. An attacker who breaches one part of the network is far less likely to move laterally or gain privileged access if every action must be re-validated based on strict security policies. By implementing Zero Trust, organizations can accelerate threat detection, contain malicious activities, and ultimately strengthen the overall security posture.
Zero Trust for NIS2 and DORA Compliance
Two major regulations shaping the European cybersecurity landscape today are the Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2) and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). NIS2 expands upon the original NIS directive by raising the bar for incident reporting, risk management, and the resilience of critical infrastructure. DORA, meanwhile, focuses on ensuring that financial services entities can withstand a wide range of digital disruptions while maintaining robust operational resilience.
Zero Trust helps organizations fulfill the requirements of these regulations by embedding security controls at every layer. For example, NIS2 highlights strict risk management and access control measures. A Zero Trust architecture enforces granular policies that reduce the risk of data breaches, meet minimum baseline security requirements, and provide forensic data for faster, more accurate incident reporting. Meanwhile, DORA mandates that financial organizations demonstrate resilience under adverse conditions and maintain rigorous oversight of third-party technology providers. Zero Trust provides such resilience by continuously monitoring each interaction, ensuring that any anomalous activity is quickly identified and contained. Through clear policies, analytics-driven insights, and comprehensive access logs, Zero Trust strategies help organizations demonstrate that they meet the strict security and resiliency standards demanded by NIS2 and DORA.
Remote Users and the Role of SSE
One of the biggest challenges organizations are facing today lies in securing remote users. These users, who frequently work from home or on the road, are often more exposed to the internet and operate outside the traditional network perimeter. Once connected through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or similar channel, remote users may be granted significantly broader access to corporate resources than intended. Legacy policy enforcement solutions are often limited for remote connections, leaving these users vulnerable.
That is where Secure Service Edge (SSE) comes into play. SSE consolidates critical security services – such as secure web gateways (SWGs), cloud access security brokers (CASBs), and Zero Trust Network Access – into a single platform delivered from the cloud. By leveraging SSE, organizations can ensure they have consistent security enforcement for all users, whether on-premises or remote. This consistency addresses the visibility and control gaps that can exist when users connect from the outside, strengthening the organization’s defense posture and reducing the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.
A Five-Step Migration to ZTNA
Fast-tracking the integration of ZTNA can be achieved through a methodical, five-step migration plan. By following these steps, organizations can smoothly transition away from vulnerable legacy architectures toward a more adaptive and secure framework aligned with Zero Trust principles.
Secure Third-Party and Supplier Access
The first step of a zero trust journey involves securing and controlling application and data access more granularly for third-party vendors and suppliers because it delivers multiple benefits. First, it helps ensure compliance with emerging regulatory requirements around supplier access, which are increasingly becoming a priority for businesses worldwide. Second, it eliminates the need for third-party employees to use VPNs or install software on their devices, simplifying the process for both contractors and IT teams. Finally, it provides an opportunity to test and refine security technologies and policies within a focused, isolated use case, allowing IT security teams to gain hands-on experience without disrupting the entire organization.
Replace Legacy Technology
The second step is to replace outdated VPN and access solutions with modern, cloud-based ZTNA tools. Traditional VPN gateways often require complicated network configurations and grant excessively broad network access, making them high-value targets for attackers. Transitioning to ZTNA helps reduce complexity, improve access granularity, and pave the way for broader Zero Trust initiatives.
Create a ZTNA Policy for Corporate Access Control
Once ZTNA technologies are in place, organizations should define and enforce policies that govern resource access. These policies should incorporate user identity, device posture, and contextual factors such as location or network risk. By focusing on least-privileged access, organizations ensure that users can only interact with the specific applications and data they need to perform their role.
Enforce a Secure Web Gateway (SWG) for Web Surfing
Remote and on-premises users alike often access cloud-based services and internet resources. A SWG filters traffic at the DNS or URL level and monitors SSL-encrypted traffic for threats, ensuring that end users do not inadvertently download malware or leak sensitive data. By applying the SWG consistently across remote and internal networks, organizations maintain a uniform layer of web security.
Apply Universal ZTNA for Unified Access Policies
The final step is to unify ZTNA policies so that remote users and on-premises users are subject to the same Zero Trust rules. This universal approach not only simplifies management but also enhances security. By having a single framework for verifying identity, establishing context, and enforcing policies, organizations can create an environment in which every transaction – no matter where it originates – undergoes the same rigorous scrutiny.
A Journey, Not a One-Time Project
It is essential to remember that implementing Zero Trust and SSE is not a one-and-done effort. Instead, it is an ongoing journey that requires diligent maintenance, updates, and continuous evolution as threats morph and organizations scale. Security teams must stay current with trends, invest in training, and fine-tune policies to strike the right balance between robust protection and optimal user experience. The discipline and skills required to manage Zero Trust architectures over time can be demanding, but the reward is a future-ready security posture that meets ever-tougher compliance demands, addresses growing threats, and supports fluid, secure business operations.
In conclusion, the fast-track integration of ZTNA, as one part of a comprehensive Zero Trust architecture, provides tremendous benefits: it strengthens compliance with regulations like NIS2 and DORA, addresses one of the biggest vulnerabilities – remote users – and enables a more resilient, adaptive security framework. By implementing the five-step migration plan, organizations can quickly establish a Zero Trust foundation that simplifies management, cuts down risks, and keeps pace with the changing cybersecurity landscape. Above all, remember that Zero Trust and SSE demand continuous improvement and commitment, ensuring that organizations remain protected today and well into the future.
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