Top +10 ZTNA Solutions: Ratings, Size & Pricing

With around 22 million U.S. adults (~14% of the total employed population) working from home full-time,¹ secure remote access is critical. Zero-trust network access (ZTNA) solutions address this need by ensuring only authenticated and authorized users have access to sensitive resources.

See top 11 ZTNA solutions with their features and use cases:

Comparison of top 10 ZTNA solutions

*Based on data from B2B review leading platforms

**Based on data from LinkedIn

***Proof of Concept (POC) option may be available for each product upon request by contacting the vendor. Price of the basic option per user per month.

Ranking: Products are ranked based on their total number of employees except for the sponsored products ranked at the top. Sponsored products can be identified by their links.

Inclusion: Cybersecurity products uses zero trust network access principles are included in the list. The products with zero user review in B2B review platforms are excluded.

1. FireMon

FireMon extends its Network Security Policy Management (NSPM) platform to help organizations implement and manage Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) policies across complex, multi-vendor environments. Rather than forcing a complete technology overhaul, FireMon allows companies to build Zero Trust principles on top of their existing infrastructure, from data centers to cloud and hybrid networks. Key features include:

• Centralized Policy Management: Provides a unified view of all security policies across hybrid environments.
• Automation and Visibility: Automates rule analysis, policy updates, and compliance checks with real-time monitoring.

Differentiating feature(s):

• Scalable Multi-Vendor Support: Manages and normalizes policies across diverse network devices and platforms.
• Continuous Compliance: Detects and mitigates compliance violations before deployment.
• Threat Intelligence Integration: Incorporates data from sources like Qualys, Rapid7, and Tenable to identify vulnerabilities.
• Advanced Analytics: Performs access path analysis and attack simulations to detect policy weaknesses.

2. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access

Resource: Palo Alto Network²

Palo Alto Networks offers a cloud-delivered ZTNA solution through its Prisma Access platform. Key features include:

• Secure web gateway (SWG): Provides secure access to the web by filtering and monitoring web traffic for potential threats such as malware, phishing attacks, and inappropriate content.
• Cloud access security broker (CASB): Provides visibility into cloud usage, enforces security policies, detects and responds to cloud-related threats, and ensures data protection and compliance across cloud environments.
• Firewall as a service (FWaaS): Secure your remote locations against sophisticated threats with a wide range of security services, including Advanced Threat Prevention, URL Filtering, DNS Security, and sandboxing.

Differentiating feature(s):

• ZTNA 2.0: Addresses the increased attack surface from hybrid work and direct-to-app architectures by overcoming the operational complexity, coarse-grained access controls, implicit trust, and limited app/data protection of ZTNA 1.0 solutions.
• Autonomous digital experience management (ADEM): Offers comprehensive visibility and insights into network traffic while providing autonomous remediation capabilities, including end-user self-service options.

3. Fortinet FortiClient

Source: Fortinet³

FortiClient’s approach focuses on providing a ZTNA solution that integrates seamlessly with existing security infrastructures. The product features include:

• Zero trust agent with MFA: It supports ZTNA tunnels, single sign-on (SSO), and device posture checks, incorporating multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced security.
• Central management via EMS or FortiClient Cloud: Admins can remotely deploy and manage endpoint software, ensuring real-time endpoint status and streamlined upgrades.
• Central logging and reporting: Centralized logging through FortiSIEM or other SIEM products simplifies compliance reporting and security analysis.
• Split-tunneling: Supported on ZTNA and VPN tunnels, split-tunneling enhances user experience by routing traffic.
• Web Filtering: Monitors web activities and enforces security policies with extensive category support and consistent enforcement.

4. Zscaler Private Access

Source: Zscaler⁴

Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) offers a next-generation zero trust network access (ZTNA) platform. The product offers features such as:

• Least-privileged access: ZPA allows authorized users to connect only to approved resources, enhancing security by making apps invisible and inaccessible to attackers.
• Global edge presence: Offers unmatched security and user experience with 150+ cloud edge locations worldwide, ensuring scalability and performance without on-premises appliances.
• Unified ZTNA Platform: Securely connects users, workloads, and devices to private apps and services, providing comprehensive zero-trust capabilities.

Differentiating feature(s):

• Full inline inspection: Protects applications by identifying and stopping web attacks, preventing data theft with industry-leading DLP measures.

5. Cloudflare SASE Platform

Source: Cloudflare⁵

Cloudflare’s Secure access service edge (SASE), zero-trust network access solution, is claimed to provide advanced security and connectivity features without the need to oversell the product. Here are some key aspects of Cloudflare’s ZTNA capabilities:

• Secure web gateway (SWG): Secures and inspects corporate internet traffic, protecting against phishing, ransomware, and other online threats.
• Magic WAN: Connects and secures branch offices, headquarters, data centers, cloud VPCs, and SD-WANs using Cloudflare’s network.
• Magic Firewall: Enforces consistent security policies across the WAN, without the need for backhauling traffic or creating choke points.
• Protection against email attacks: Cloudflare’s products include features to protect against email attacks such as phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and email supply chain attacks.
• Data loss prevention (DLP): Inspect HTTP/S traffic for sensitive data and prevent exfiltration with allow or block policies.

Differentiating feature(s):

• Remote browser isolation (RBI): Cloudflare’s RBI feature provides internet threat and data protection by running code away from endpoints, enhancing security without compromising performance.

6. Forcepoint One

Source: Forcepoint⁶

Forcepoint ONE integrates Secure access service edge (SASE), ZTNA, CASB, SWG, and other Zero Trust, data security, and network security technologies into a comprehensive all-in-one platform. Key features of Forcepoint One include:

• Data loss prevention: Comprehensive DLP capabilities automatically enforce data protection policies for sensitive information in transit.
• Unified platform: Combines ZTNA, SASE, CASB, SWG, and other security technologies into a single, cloud-native platform for streamlined security management.

7. Absolute Secure Access

Absolute Secure Access is designed to deliver a security service edge (SSE) tailored for modern work models, including hybrid and mobile setups. Features of Absolute Secure Access include:

• Resilient connectivity: Supports a mobile-first approach with robust VPN and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities. Ensures seamless connectivity across public cloud, private data centers, and on-premises environments, regardless of network type (Wi-Fi, cellular).
• Dynamic policy enforcement: Enforces policies at the endpoint, ensuring consistent security measures irrespective of the user’s location or network, and enhancing data protection.
• Proactive diagnostics: Provides real-time insights into network and device health, facilitating proactive troubleshooting and minimizing downtime.
• Single platform: Integrates VPN, ZTNA, secure web gateway (SWG), and digital experience monitoring (DEM) functionalities into a unified solution, simplifying management and reducing operational complexity.

Differentiating feature(s):

• AI-Powered Proactive UEBA: Receive early security alerts driven by AI and machine learning, detecting suspicious behavior and anomalies using over 50 advanced detectors, before they escalate into threats.

8. Twingate

Twingate’s zero trust network access (ZTNA) solution offers a modern approach to securing network access by replacing traditional virtual private networks (VPNs). Key features of Twingate’s solution include:

• Separation of Concerns: Twingate’s architecture ensures that no single component can independently authorize access. Multiple components verify each access request, adding layers of security.
• Four-Component Architecture:
  • Controller: Central coordination hub, handling configuration, user authentication delegation, and issuing access control lists (ACLs).
  • Client: Installed on user devices, it acts as a proxy for authentication and authorization, managing network requests and secure connections.
  • Connector: Registers with the Controller, forwards authorized traffic, and ensures only authenticated users can access designated resources.
  • Relay: Facilitates secure data flow between Clients and Connectors.
• Secure Traffic Encryption: Uses certificate-pinned TLS tunnels within the internal network to ensure all data transmissions are encrypted and secure, preventing unauthorized interception.

9. Ivanti Neurons

Resource: Invanti⁷

With Ivanti Neurons for zero trust access, organizations can implement a zero trust access security model, manage application access, and leverage analytics for proactive security measures. Key features of the product include:

• End-to-end access policy: Defines comprehensive access policies for all resources, bridging the gap between remote and on-premises users.
• Single-pane-of-glass visibility: Gain holistic visibility and compliance reporting across users, managed or unmanaged devices, applications, and infrastructure.
• Adaptive SSO: Integrates with SAML 2.0 for single sign-on (SSO) to supported applications, enhancing user experience.
• Intelligent traffic steering: Ensures optimal user experience with automated gateway selection for routing app traffic.
• Endpoint compliance: Authenticates users and devices against policies to minimize malware risks and ensure security.
• Application discovery: Gains insights into application usage and create ZTA security policies seamlessly without disrupting users.
• User behavior analytics: Leverages analytical data for risk reduction, anomaly detection, and optimizing user experience.
• DLP and AV: Prevents data loss and exfiltration by monitoring data communications and safeguarding end-user devices.

10. Nord Layer ZTNA

NordLayer is a security solution designed to implement zero-trust network access (ZTNA). Key features of Nord Layer ZTNA solution include:

• Identity and context-based access: ZTNA relies on verifying the identity and context of each access request. This involves multiple layers of verification, including identity, device health, and policy compliance before granting access.
• Network segmentation: Segments the network down to the application level (Layer 7), ensuring that each part of the network is protected individually. This minimizes the impact of potential breaches and restricts unauthorized lateral movement. It is an important criteria for PCI DSS certification.
• Compliance: Helps businesses comply with industry standards and regulations, safeguarding sensitive information.

Network segmentation tools allow for control over network segmentation, which is a cornerstone of Zero Trust security. By dividing the network into smaller, manageable segments, these tools help minimize the potential impact of a breach, preventing lateral movement within the network. This ensures that even if an attacker gains access, their ability to move across the network is severely restricted.

11. Google BeyondCorp Enterprise

Source: Google Cloud⁸

Google BeyondCorp Enterprise offers a security solution based on zero trust network access (ZTNA) principles. It provides secure access to corporate services, mitigates data exfiltration risks, and ensures proactive threat detection and response without compromising user experience. Its features include:

• Network-agnostic access: Access to services is not determined by the user’s network location. Whether an employee is on a corporate network, a home network, or a public network, access controls are consistently applied.
• Context-aware access: Access decisions are based on a combination of user identity and the security posture of their device, taking into account factors such as device health, user role, and location.
• Authentication, Authorization, and Encryption: All access requests must be authenticated, authorized, and encrypted to ensure security and compliance.
• Data loss prevention: Prevents data loss and protect sensitive data.

Key use cases across ZTNA platforms

1. Hybrid workforce security
   • Secure access for employees working remotely, on-site, or in hybrid arrangements.
   • Tools/platforms: Palo Alto Prisma Access, Zscaler Private Access, Fortinet FortiClient, Absolute Secure Access, Google BeyondCorp Enterprise.
2. Application & data protection
   • Enforce least-privileged access, protect sensitive data, and prevent unauthorized app usage.
   • Tools/platforms: Palo Alto Prisma Access, Zscaler Private Access, Fortinet FortiClient, Ivanti Neurons, NordLayer, Cloudflare SASE Platform.
3. Third-party & contractor access
   • Grant external partners, vendors, or contractors secure, limited access without exposing the broader network.
   • Tools/platforms: Zscaler Private Access, NordLayer, Google BeyondCorp Enterprise, Twingate, Absolute Secure Access.
4. Endpoint compliance & posture management
   • Ensure devices meet security requirements before granting access, including device health checks and security tags.
   • Tools/platforms: Fortinet FortiClient, FireMon (policy layer), Ivanti Neurons, Absolute Secure Access, Twingate.
5. Regulatory compliance & audit readiness
   • Automate policy enforcement, log access, and maintain real-time compliance with GDPR, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and industry-specific regulations.
   • Tools/platforms: FireMon, Fortinet FortiClient, Forcepoint ONE, NordLayer, Ivanti Neurons, Cloudflare SASE Platform.
6. DevOps & cloud infrastructure access
   • Embed zero trust controls in CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes clusters, and cloud workloads for secure developer and system access.
   • Tools/platforms: Twingate, Zscaler Private Access, FireMon (policy orchestration), Palo Alto Prisma Access.
7. Data loss prevention (DLP) & threat mitigation
   • Monitor and block sensitive data exfiltration, inspect traffic, and prevent phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks.
   • Tools/platforms: Forcepoint ONE, Cloudflare SASE Platform, Zscaler Private Access, Ivanti Neurons, Palo Alto Prisma Access.
8. Branch & remote site connectivity
   • Simplify network access for offices, factories, and remote locations without traditional VPNs.
   • Tools/platforms: Cloudflare SASE Platform, Zscaler Private Access, Palo Alto Prisma Access, Absolute Secure Access.
9. Real-time policy enforcement
   • Detect and respond to security violations promptly, reducing dwell time and limiting the impact of attacks.
   • Tools/platforms: FireMon, Fortinet FortiClient, Zscaler Private Access, Absolute Secure Access.
10. Secure workload-to-workload communication
    • Protect communications between applications and services across private, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.
    • Tools/platforms: Zscaler Private Access, Twingate, NordLayer, Google BeyondCorp Enterprise.
11. Modern browser & SaaS security
    • Provide secure browsing for cloud and SaaS apps, integrating SASE and ZTNA controls for improved visibility and protection.
    • Tools/platforms: Palo Alto Prisma Access (Prisma Browser 2.0), Cloudflare SASE Platform, Forcepoint ONE.

FAQs

Further Reading

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Definition & Benefits
• 25+ Network Security Software Based on 10,000+ Reviews
• A Comprehensive Overview of Top 5 ZTNA Open Source Software

If you need further help in finding a vendor or have any questions, feel free to contact us:

Reference Links

1.

35% of workers who can work from home now do this all the time in U.S. | Pew Research Center

2.

Start Building Your Zero Trust Architecture with ZTNA 2.0 - Palo Alto Networks Blog

3.

FortiClient Unified Agent for ZTNA, Secure Remote Access and Endpoint Protection | Fortinet

4.

Zscaler Private Access. Zscaler. Accessed: 13/June/2024.

5.

SSE & SASE | Converge Networking and Security | Cloudflare

6.

Forcepoint ONE Zero Trust Network Access. Forcepoint. Accessed: 11/June/2024.

7.

Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access [Datasheet]

8.

Zero Trust and BeyondCorp Google Cloud | Google Cloud Blog

Google Cloud

Technical Advisor

Adil Hafa

Technical Advisor

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Adil is a security expert with over 16 years of experience in defense, retail, finance, exchange, food ordering and government.

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Ezgi Arslan, PhD.

Industry Analyst

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