This tutorial delves deep into Zero Trust Network Access ZTNA Solutions and its different product categories, thereby giving you detailed reviews of the leading solutions so that you can choose the best one for your business:
In today’s digitally driven business landscape, organizations of all sizes face increasing demands for robust cybersecurity solutions. With most operations now conducted online, the risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, and intellectual property theft is constantly present.
To mitigate these risks, modern digital security software must seamlessly integrate with existing systems and provide continuous monitoring of user activities to empower businesses to operate efficiently without the constant fear of cyberattacks.
In this article, we delve into the world of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions to uncover the top products. Join us as we explore ZTNA and its various product categories and offer detailed reviews of the leading solutions so you can make the best choice for your business.
Table of Contents:
Top Zero Trust Network Access Solutions – Review
What is Zero Trust
Zero trust is a cybersecurity approach that requires verifying the identity of all users and devices trying to access an organization’s assets, regardless of their location or other network-based attributes.
The zero trust framework operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” enhancing security by assuming potential threats exist both inside and outside the network perimeter and addressing them accordingly.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is the most common implementation of the zero trust model and can be realized through the use of various solutions.
There are several types of products available that serve different functions in maintaining IT security. Certain products are designed specifically to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive systems, while others monitor web browsing activities to block phishing and other online attacks.
Some products provide secure access to websites and applications, while others offer assistance in maintaining overall IT security.
Zero Trust Access (ZTA)
ZTA strictly enforces the least privileged access by connecting verified users and devices to authorized applications only and never to the full network. ZTA solutions also continuously authenticate all identities following the initial approval to protect against malicious activity.
Security Service Edge (SSE)
SSE solutions help ensure secure access to websites, SaaS applications, and private apps and offer features like access controls, threat protection, and data security.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
SASE takes a holistic approach to security, offering a secure browsing experience and safe application access.
Suggested Read =>> Top SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) Vendors
This category encompasses software designed to maintain control over web browsing activities, prevent security breaches, and protect against various online threats.
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Key Considerations When Choosing a ZTNA Solution
When selecting a ZTNA solution for your business, prioritize products that offer the following key features:
- Access to applications based on strong identities.
- Continuous authentication after the initial connection.
- Continuous monitoring of user activities and the ability to terminate the connection if risky behavior is detected.
- Robust access control policies.
- Seamless integration with existing systems.
- User-friendly interfaces.
- No requirement to trust the vendor with passwords, keys, or other sensitive data.
ZTNA products are built to safeguard your businesses’ data and personal information from a diverse range of threats. When choosing a ZTNA solution to strengthen your business’s cybersecurity for both online and offline environments, it’s important to understand the various categories under the ZTNA umbrella.
Market Trends: According to a report by Verified Market Research, the global Zero Trust Security market had an estimated value of USD 16.2 Billion in the year 2019. The market is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 17.1% over the period from 2020 to 2027 and reach a net worth of USD 57.4 Billion by the year 2027.
The digital transformation of businesses and remote operations are the key reasons for the increased demand for ZTNA solutions.
List of the Best Zero Trust Network Access Solutions
Here is the list of the Top Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Solutions as per the different categories we identified:
Zero Trust Access Solutions
#1) Cyolo
#2) NordLayer
SASE solutions:
#3) Cato Networks
#4) Perimeter81
SSE (Security Service Edge) solutions:
#5) Zscaler
#6) Palo Alto Networks
#7) Netskope
#8) Forcepoint
Browser Security Category:
#9) LayerX
#10) Talon Security
#11) Island Security
Comparison Table of the Best ZTNA Solutions
| Category | Tool Name | Top features | Most suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Trust Security | NordLayer | Secure cloud access, network segmentation, insider threat detection | Small to medium businesses |
| Zero Trust Access | Cyolo | Advanced visibility and access controls, even for legacy systems | Hybrid enterprises looking to ensure secure access to OT and/or IT environments |
| SASE solutions | Cato Networks | A highly flexible platform | Businesses of all sizes and types. |
| Perimeter81 | Powerful, modern, scalable security features | Small to medium sized businesses | |
| Security Service Edge | Zscaler | Designed for risk reduction, performance, and scalability | Businesses of all sizes that need a cost-effective security solution. |
| Palo Alto Networks | Powerful yet cost effective cloud security solution | Complex business environments that require modern security solutions | |
| Browser Security | Talon Security | Cost effective browser security solutions | Businesses that need a flexible security solution that can adapt to their specific needs. |
| LayerX | Powerful security and privacy solutions | Enterprises that require a wide range of security features |
Detailed Reviews:
#1) Cyolo
Best for ensuring secure access to hybrid environments (OT and IT).
Cyolo is the first and only Zero Trust Access platform designed to enhance safety and security, operational agility, and user experiences for hybrid organizations. Its single adaptive solution securely connects even the highest-risk users to business-critical applications within every kind of environment, namely cloud-connected, cloud-averse, and offline.
Here is the overview video for your reference:
Features we like most:
- Identity-based access is provided to applications without access to the network.
- You can terminate access or block risky actions with continuous authorization.
- Recorded sessions, complete audit rail, access logs, ad user history with on-demand access.
- Password vault.
- Single pane of glass access to segment networks.
Pros:
- Integrates with all existing infrastructure.
- Fast deployment, no change management.
- Reduces operational costs.
Our review: Cyolo is an all-in-one security solution capable of securing any environment, including the fully offline environments present in many industrial enterprises.
Cyolo integrates with all existing infrastructure, modern, and legacy. It provides MFA and/or SSO functionality to legacy applications, which means you don’t have to update or replace them to ensure their security.
The platform is highly useful in reducing the costs of operation and safeguarding your business operations for IT and OT with the help of its wide range of useful features. With Cyolo, you do not even need an agent.
I found the customer reviews about the platform to be informative and highly impressive.
#2) NordLayer
Best for Scalable and easy to integrate zero-trust solution.
When it comes to software facilitating zero trust network access, NordLayer is widely recognized by many as an absolute best. It does what every cybersecurity solution promising that promises ZNTA should do, which is establish secure remote access to apps, data and services on an organization’s network with custom control policies.
Features:
- Secure Cloud Access
- Insider Threat detection
- Network Segmentation
- Internal Application protection
- Minimizing account breach risk
Pros:
- Highly scalable
- Easy to integrate
- Enhances compliance with industry standards and regulations
Our Review:
It wouldn’t be wrong to claim that NordLayer offers some of the best cybersecurity solutions today. Its ability to establish ZNTA only adds to NordLayer’s impeccable reputation across the globe. The platform renders a plethora of benefits with its ZNTA capabilities.
From establish secure network access to helping with network segmentation and insider threat detection, NordLayer will do everything necessary to keep the data, applications, and services safe from all sorts of cybersecurity threats.
#3) Cato Networks
Best for being a highly flexible SASE platform.
Cato Networks is an ISO 27001 Certified, SOC2 Approved, and GDPR Compliant SASE solutions provider.
The platform is loaded with a number of security features including MPLS Migration to SD-WAN, secure remote access, secure branch internet access, optimized global connectivity, secure hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud, and flexible management including managed threat detection, configuration, change management, and more.
Features I like:
- Provides tools to connect with all branches, data centers, people, and clouds.
- Helps secure and optimize traffic from all users, locations, clouds, and applications.
- Managed threat detection and response.
- Easy self-deployment.
Pros:
- Elastic, resilient, and scalable cloud services.
- Guarantees 99.999% uptime.
Verdict: Cato Networks has more than 1,300 happy SASE customers. The platform is capable enough to deliver simplicity, automation, reliability, and flexibility to its customers. I would highly recommend CATO networks for businesses of all sizes and types.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: Cato Networks
#4) Perimeter81
Best for powerful, modern security features.
Founded in 2018, Perimeter81 is an innovative platform for the security requirements of businesses of different industries and all sizes. The company has a team of 250 members and has an estimated value of $1 billion.
Perimeter81 was built with the aim of creating a less cumbersome security solution for businesses. It is certified SOC 2 Type 2, and GDPR, CCPA, and ISO 27001 Compliant.
Features:
- Access control features are based on the sensitivity of data, user identity, and more.
- Encryption, monitoring, and organization features.
- Tools to eliminate insider threats and accidental user actions.
- Tools for giving you 100% visibility and real-time endpoint awareness.
Pros:
- Lighting fast deployment on-premises, in the cloud, or anywhere in between.
- Top-notch customer support services.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
What we like: The platform claims to reduce the total operation costs by a significant percentage. I would recommend Perimeter81 for small to enterprise-scale businesses. Perimeter81 has over 2,800 customers. The access control and visibility features are the best.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: Perimeter81
#5) Zscaler
Best for being an advanced and easy-to-use security provider.
Zscaler is cloud-based and one of the best Security Service Edge solutions for businesses of all sizes who need to operate remotely with the help of the internet. The company is currently rendering its services in 185 countries from all across the globe, and claims to detect 100 million threats per day.
Zscaler performs 175,000 unique security updates each day. The AI-powered approach helps in minimizing the attack surface, deception, isolation, and more.
Further Reading => Top Zscaler Alternatives of the Year
Gartner has termed the platform as a “Market Leader.” It allows you to inspect your traffic, protect your users from all over the world, and much more.
Features:
- Data Loss Prevention tools including visibility and alerting.
- Advanced monitoring and troubleshooting of performance issues.
- Fast deployment with no requirement for infrastructural changes.
- Helps in minimizing attack surfaces, deception, isolation, and more.
Pros:
- Cost-effective, simple security solution.
- End-to-end monitoring tools.
Our review: Zscaler is a leading, easy-to-use platform that helps enterprises in their digital transformation. I found the customer reviews of the software to be highly appealing.
The platform offers you advanced security solutions at reasonable costs, plus offers you advanced tools for connecting users, workloads, and devices.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: Zscaler
#6) Palo Alto Networks
Best for being a powerful yet cost-effective cloud security solution.
Palo Alto Networks is a renowned Zero Trust Network Access ZTNA Solutions provider. The software offers its services to different industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, oil and gas, and more.
The platform offers you 5G technology capabilities, ML-powered advanced tools for network security, consulting services, and much more, thus delivering world-class security at your doorsteps.
Features:
- Cloud-based DLP solutions.
- Helps you in adhering to the compliance guidelines for GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA, CCPA, and more.
- Automation for detection, investigation, and response.
- Advisory services to defend against and respond to cyber threats.
Pros:
- Deployment in a mere 35 minutes.
- Low cost of operation.
Our review: Palo Alto Networks is a recommended platform for Zero Trust Network Access. It claims to prevent 40% more threats than traditional web filtering databases and stop more malicious URLs than other vendors, and that too very quickly.
They claim to reduce your internet security costs by 44% and deliver 8 times faster incident investigations.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: Palo Alto Networks
#7) Netskope
Best for being an easy-to-use, scalable security platform.
Netskope is a cloud-based, easy-to-use platform for security service edge solutions for your enterprise. The platform is data-centric, fast, and cloud-based. The software helps improve the efficiency and increase agility of your business operations by helping you in digital transformation.
It is an SASE leader which is loaded with features for protection and speed in operations. The visibility into inventories and configurations helps in identifying and addressing potential risks.
Features:
- Gives you complete visibility and control across your Cloud and Hybrid working environments.
- Data protection tools include managing access to critical assets and more.
- Advanced threat protection tools, including decoding and inspecting traffic, and more.
- Tools that help you maintain compliance with specific regulatory requirements.
Pros:
- Scalable platform.
- Real-time visibility and control.
Our review: Netskope is an award-winning software for Zero Trust Network Access. Over 25 of the Fortune 100 companies rely on Netskope for digital security requirements. Silicon Valley Bank, PDC Energy, Yamaha, and Christus Health are some clients of Netskope.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: Netskope
#8) Forcepoint
Best for offering a wide range of powerful features.
Forcepoint is a cloud-based, powerful platform that ensures cyber security for your business. The software offers you a centralized dashboard, allowing you to monitor and control all your data across all environments.
Forcepoint has been in business for over 20 years. It delivers its services in 150 countries from all over the world and has more than 14K customers. This constantly evolving platform is loaded with modern cybersecurity features.
What we like:
- Data Loss Prevention tools include discovering, classifying, monitoring, and protecting data.
- Automation tools for blocking certain actions based on pre-set rules.
- Decryption, inspection, and enforcement features to provide smart security to your system.
- Machine Learning and analytics-based features for behavioral understanding.
Pros:
- Guarantees 99.99% uptime.
- No choke points, VPNs, or appliances are required.
Verdict: This is a highly recommended, all-in-one Security Service Edge Solution. Toyota, Delta, BNP Paribas, and Bancolombia are some of its clients.
The platform is scalable and reliable. Automation, AI technology, analytics, and ML capabilities make this platform a highly beneficial one.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: Forcepoint
#9) Talon Security
Best for cost-effective browser security solutions.
Talon Security is one of the best browser security platforms, built with the aim of reducing cyber risk, delivering operational efficiency, accelerating business growth, and improving the end-user experience.
The platform is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, which means that it offers you industry-standard data security, is easy to install, and is highly useful. It allows businesses to operate remotely in a secure and cost-effective way.
It is a highly trusted and recommended platform for browser security on managed as well as unmanaged devices.
Features:
- Allows you to create a secure workspace on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS devices.
- File encryption tools, protection from malicious domains, URLs, and phishing websites.
- Scanning of downloaded as well as uploaded files.
- Allows you to monitor web surfing activities.
Pros:
- Easy deployment.
- Does not require any additional infrastructure for its functioning.
- Continuous monitoring of all activities.
Verdict: Being termed the “Gartner® Cool Vendor in Hybrid Work Security”, Talon Security is a highly recommended Zero Trust Network Access Solution.
I would appreciate the range of features offered by the platform. Plus, it is robust and flexible, and immediate action is taken in case any privacy policy is being violated.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: Talon Security
#10) Island Security
Best for securing as well as simplifying business operations.
Island is an open-source, safe browsing software that is built with the aim of simplifying the management of your security requirements.
This smart and powerful browser centrally protects the users, data, and the network, thus allowing the users to work freely and smoothly, without any hindrances.
With the help of this platform, you can set rules and thus govern how the workflow process goes on. This browser is designed for enterprises to increase visibility, productivity, and governance.
Features I like:
- Can be used as a primary browser or for a single application.
- Gives you complete visibility over user activity.
- Allows you to manage extension permissions, prevent unauthorized screen captures, and much more.
- Can be customized as per your company’s needs.
Pros:
- It gives a natural browsing experience.
- Any app or resource can be accessed securely on a public or private network.
- Makes browsing easy and secure at the same time.
Verdict: Island Security has been awarded the Best Enterprise Security Solution for SC Magazine. The software is powerful enough to give you complete control over the activities of your workforce.
This customizable software is highly appreciable and recommended for businesses of all sizes and types.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: Island Security
#11) LayerX
Best for powerful security and privacy solutions.
LayerX is secure, cloud-based, and one of the best platforms for browser security. This Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution was built with the vision of addressing the risks involved in the workspace in a unified manner and helps enterprises in the digital transformation process.
The platform provides you with real-time visibility and monitoring solutions, thus helping you safeguard your company’s data, applications, and devices.
The software protects you from web threats, including phishing sites and malware, and provides zero-trust app access and email security. Plus, it safeguards you from data leakage, account takeovers, and other digital threats to your business.
Features:
- Allows you to monitor all browsing activities in your workforce.
- AI-based analytical tools for detecting risks.
- Sends alerts for risky sessions.
- Protection from phishing sites, malware, data leakage, and other threats.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with every browser.
- Real-time visibility and alerts.
- An intuitive dashboard.
Cons:
- It’s a bit costly.
Our review: I would highly recommend LayerX to businesses of all sizes. The browser security features offered by the platform are exceptional. Plus, the software is highly user-friendly.
The power of the platform to seamlessly integrate with any browser, real-time visibility user-activity monitoring solutions, and advanced analytics make the software highly praiseworthy.
Price: Contact directly to get a price quote.
Website: LayerX
FAQs on Zero Trust Access Solutions
Is zero trust just marketing hype?
It’s true that zero trust has become somewhat of a buzzword; however, this does not mean the zero trust framework is without substance. As a next-generation approach that offers greater security and significantly stronger access controls than the traditional perimeter model, zero trust can benefit organizations across industries.
Why do I need ZTNA?
ZTNA security solutions are ideal for modern businesses, especially those that support remote or hybrid workforces, depend on third-party vendors or contractors, or operate OT environments and/or are undergoing IT/OT convergence. ZTNA offers security and controls that perimeter-based solutions cannot match.
What is the difference between ZTNA and ZTA?
ZTNA stands for Zero Trust Network Access, whereas ZTA stands for Zero Trust Access. The first generation of products built to align with the zero trust framework were mostly ZTNA. They verified users and devices according to identity-based factors before granting access to the corporate network.
ZTA, the second generation of zero trust, adheres more closely to the principle of least privilege by cloaking the network and granting access only to authorized applications. ZTA solutions provide stronger security because even if an attacker gains access, they cannot move throughout the network and cause catastrophic damage.
Can a ZTNA solution replace my VPN?
Yes, ZTNA solutions can replace VPNs as a secure remote access tool. However, this is hardly the only use case for ZTNA. Some zero-trust access solutions like Cyolo can be deployed without an agent and can secure on-premises and even offline access.
And for companies that are not ready to give up their VPN, ZTNA can run side-by-side with VPNs to add strong authentication and improve security.
Do ZTNA solutions need a cloud connection?
Many ZTNA solutions were built to secure only cloud-based applications and therefore require an internet connection. If your company operates OT infrastructure or other systems that must be isolated or offline, choose a solution that can function in these conditions.
Conclusion
A detailed study of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions suggests that these platforms are highly useful and productive, and in fact necessary in today’s cyberthreat landscape.
They increase operational efficiency, ensure the security of your most valuable data, and save your operations costs, with the bonus of some modern, highly useful security features like visibility and access control, encryption, and threat detection.
According to our research, the top ZTNA solutions are Cyolo, Cato Networks, Perimeter81, Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks, Netskope, Forcepoint, LayerX, Talon Security, and Island Security.
All of these are scalable, cost-effective, and highly useful platforms with strong customer reviews.
Research Process:
- Time Taken to Research this Article: We spent 16 hours researching and writing this article so you can get a useful summarized list of tools with a comparison of each for your quick review.
- Total Tools Researched Online: 16
- Top Tools Shortlisted for Review: 10