10/07/2025
As highlighted in the whitepaper “From VPN to ZTNA: Securing Your Business for the Future”, traditional VPNs no longer offer the level of protection modern businesses require. With cyber threats growing in both sophistication and frequency, and remote work now a permanent fixture, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) presents a far more resilient and scalable approach to enterprise security.
But ZTNA is more than a technical upgrade, it’s a strategic shift. To deploy it successfully, organisations must understand both the potential and the pitfalls.
Step 1: Align with your identity
ZTNA hinges on strong identity verification. Start by ensuring your identity management practices are solid and integrated. This includes:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) aligned to job functions
Your ZTNA solution should build on these foundations, enforcing policies dynamically based on who the user is, what device they’re using, and where they’re accessing from.
Avoid:
Relying on passwords alone or assuming identity systems are “good enough”. Weak identity practices undermine the very principle of Zero Trust.
Step 2: Define what’s high-risk and high-value
ZTNA allows for specific access at the application level. That means you can roll it out in stages, starting with your most sensitive assets.
These might include:
- Finance and payroll systems
- Customer databases
- Internal developer tools
- Cloud dashboards
Prioritise applications where compromise would have serious financial, operational, or reputational consequences.
Avoid:
Attempting a full-scale deployment from day one. Instead, treat ZTNA implementation as a phased journey, one that allows for refinement and learning along the way.
Step 3: Context aware access
One of ZTNA’s strengths is its ability to apply access controls based on real-time context, not just fixed parameters.
Design policies that account for:
- Device posture (e.g. up-to-date security software)
- User location and time of access
- Behavioural anomalies
- Business hours or job role requirements
This ensures access decisions are both secure and adaptive.
Avoid:
Applying one-size-fits-all rules. A Zero Trust model depends on continuously verifying trust, not assuming it based on a successful login.
Step 4: Integrate monitoring and analytics
ZTNA should provide visibility not only into who is connecting, but how they are connecting and why. Ensure you have robust monitoring in place to:
- Detect unusual behaviour
- Enforce policies in real-time
- Gather audit trails for compliance purposes
Many ZTNA solutions now include AI-driven analytics to help detect anomalies faster and more accurately.
Avoid:
Treating ZTNA as a “set it and forget it” tool. Ongoing visibility and insight are essential to maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
Step 5: Plan for UX
Security should enable productivity, not hinder it. A smooth ZTNA rollout involves:
- Minimising disruptions to access
- Communicating changes clearly to end users
- Providing support during transition periods
ZTNA can significantly improve user experience over traditional VPNs, offering faster connections, fewer bottlenecks, and less latency.
Avoid:
Overcomplicating the experience with too many prompts or inconsistent authentication methods. The best security is the one that users barely notice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a ZTNA Rollout
Even with a strong strategy, organisations often fall into similar traps. Be cautious of:
- Treating ZTNA as a VPN replacement only: While it solves many VPN shortcomings, ZTNA is part of a broader security framework. Don’t isolate it from other controls like threat detection or data loss prevention.
- Underestimating integration complexity: Make sure your ZTNA provider is vendor-agnostic and can integrate smoothly with your existing infrastructure.
- Neglecting compliance alignment: If your organisation is subject to GDPR or industry-specific regulations, ensure your ZTNA deployment supports auditing, reporting, and data requirements.
- Lack of internal buy-in: Like any security transformation, success depends on executive support, IT readiness, and user education.
ZTNA is a foundation, not a finish line
ZTNA is a critical component of the modern Zero Trust security model, but it’s not the end goal. The transition to Zero Trust involves reshaping how your organisation thinks about access, trust, and risk. When implemented correctly, ZTNA not only reduces the attack surface but also empowers your workforce with secure, seamless access from anywhere.
As explored in the whitepaper, a successful shift begins with choosing the right partner, one who understands your infrastructure, aligns with your security goals, and supports you beyond deployment.
To learn how Getronics can help you plan and implement a tailored ZTNA solution, get in touch with our team or explore our cybersecurity services further.
