Managed Service Providers (MSPs) play a critical role in helping businesses stay protected against cyber threats. As cybersecurity shifts towards more advanced models, one approach gaining significant traction is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).
MSPs, with their hands-on experience managing networks and securing data for a variety of businesses, are uniquely positioned to offer valuable insights into how ZTNA can transform cybersecurity.
Recently, Josh Lieberman, the founder of Net Sciences, a leading MSP in the US, wrote an article titled An MSP’s Perspective on ZTNA. In his piece, Lieberman delves into the challenges MSPs face when managing security for their clients, and why ZTNA is fast becoming a game-changer for their approach to secure access.
The Challenges of Traditional Network Security Models
Lieberman’s perspective highlights the difficulties that MSPs encounter with legacy network security models, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). For years, VPNs have been the go-to solution for businesses needing secure remote access to internal systems. However, as Lieberman notes, these traditional models are no longer sufficient in today’s threat landscape. The rise of remote work, coupled with the increasing complexity of cloud environments, exposes inherent weaknesses in VPNs.
One of the key drawbacks of VPNs is their reliance on perimeter-based security, which assumes that anyone inside the network is trusted. This model is flawed, as it doesn’t account for the growing number of cyber threats that exploit insider access or compromise legitimate user credentials. Once an attacker gains access through a VPN, they often have free reign over the network, creating significant security risks.
For MSPs, this presents a major challenge. Ensuring that each client’s network remains secure while balancing user access needs is becoming increasingly difficult with traditional tools. This is where ZTNA steps in as a more robust and adaptive alternative.
ZTNA: A New Approach to Security
ZTNA addresses the shortcomings of perimeter-based security by assuming that no user or device is inherently trusted—hence the term “Zero Trust.” Instead of giving users broad access to the network, ZTNA solutions grant access to only the specific applications or services they need, and even that access is continuously verified.
Lieberman emphasizes that the granular control ZTNA offers is crucial for MSPs, especially as more businesses adopt remote work models and rely heavily on cloud services. ZTNA allows MSPs to enforce strict access policies without hindering the flexibility and mobility their clients demand. Whether users are working from home, traveling, or using multiple devices, ZTNA ensures secure access from any location while minimizing the attack surface.
Benefits for MSPs and Their Clients
From an MSP’s perspective, ZTNA also offers operational benefits. Lieberman points out that ZTNA reduces the complexity of managing client networks. Instead of maintaining multiple VPN endpoints or relying on cumbersome access controls, ZTNA streamlines security management by providing a centralized and scalable solution. This allows MSPs to focus more on proactive threat management and less on troubleshooting access issues.
Additionally, ZTNA can help MSPs deliver better outcomes for their clients by improving overall security posture. With continuous authentication and access control, businesses can reduce their exposure to insider threats, credential theft, and unauthorized access. The result is not only enhanced security but also greater client trust in the MSP’s ability to protect their critical data.
The Future of Cybersecurity is ZTNA
As businesses continue to evolve and embrace remote work and cloud-based services, cybersecurity strategies must evolve too. ZTNA represents a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the modern needs of businesses while addressing the limitations of traditional security models like VPNs.
For MSPs like Josh Lieberman, ZTNA is a game-changer that offers enhanced security, flexibility, and scalability. As more organizations recognize the need for Zero Trust architectures, MSPs will be instrumental in helping them transition to these more advanced solutions.