The Best Zero Trust Networking Software for 2024

One of the main weaknesses of the traditional approach to security is that it assumes that everything inside an organization’s network can be trusted. One implication of this assumption is that it keeps us blind to threats that get inside the network, which are then left to freely roam and attack the network wherever they choose.

To overcome this deficiency, organizations must adopt a new approach to protect the modern network infrastructure and fluid network perimeter that extends to the cloud, and the increasing number of mobile or dispersed users. This new approach is called zero trust security model or zero trust network access (ZTNA).

Here is our list of the ten best Zero Trust Networking Software:

1. Perimeter 81 Zero Trust Platform EDITOR’S CHOICE A choice of three access control platforms that deal with web applications, networks, and cloud services. This access rights system is delivered from the cloud and integrates VPN services to prevent hackers from bypassing security measures.
2. Twingate ZTNA Software (FREE TRIAL) A cloud-based perimeter service that manages all access processes for on-premises and cloud-based resources.
3. NordLayer (GET DEMO) A package of security tools that implement full or partial internet security that can be configured to provide Zero Trust Access in a SASE. This is a cloud-based system with device agents.
4. ThreatLocker (GET DEMO) Use this platform of system security tools to create a Zero Trust Access (ZTA) environment and protect applications. This is a cloud-based package.
5. CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust An access management system that includes integrated user behavior analysis and a threat intelligence feed. This is a cloud-based service.
6. Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access This cloud-based system provides Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for mobile devices as well as Zero Trust Access (ZTA) for application protection.
7. Illumio Zero Trust Platform A choice of network-focused or endpoint-focused access rights management strategies.
8. Appgate SDP This software-defined perimeter system unifies connection security, application fencing, and access rights management to create a ZTA package.
9. Cisco Secure Workload Security controls that follow users across devices and also offers access rights management solutions for resources and connections.
10. Absolute ZTNA This is a software-defined perimeter package that provides corporate network security across LANs and internet connections.

What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a shift in approach to security whereby access is denied unless it is explicitly granted and the right to have access is continuously verified.

The idea behind zero trusts is that the network devices should not be trusted by default, even if they are connected to a corporate network or have been previously verified.

The zero trust approach advocates checking the identity and integrity of devices irrespective of location and providing access to applications and services based on the confidence of device identity and device health in combination with user authentication. ZTNA reduces insider threat risks by always verifying users and validating devices before granting access to sensitive resources. For outside users, services are hidden on the public internet, protecting them from attackers, and access will be provided only after approval from their trust broker. According to Gartner, by 2022 80% of new digital business applications will be accessed via ZTNA.

Most ZTNA solutions are implemented as a Software-Defined Parameter (SDP). Zero trust networks enabled as SDPs are in a better position to manage cyber-attacks across networks. The zero trust network framework comprises the following key components:

• Visibility: This helps security teams gain deeper network visibility, and track the flow of data and device as it moves through its lifecycle.
• Micro-segmentation: With micro-segmentation, organizations can limit internal access to networks and assets to only those that need to reach those assets. This helps to reduce the total attack surface of the network. and it entails moving the perimeter to workloads.
• Least privileged access: ‘Least privilege’ principle allows users to access only the resources and applications they need to effectively do their job.
• Monitoring: AI technology can be used to continuously monitor risk and trust to ensure the right security posture is maintained.

The best Zero Trust Networking Software

With the right ZTNA solution, organizations can ensure proper user context through authentication and attribute verification before allowing access to network resources at a fraction of the cost, complexity, and security risk of the traditional approach. In this article, we’re going to review the seven best ZTNA solutions in the market. Hopefully, this will guide you in the process of choosing the right solution for your business.

With these selection criteria in mind, we identified a number of innovative Zero Trust systems that will enable you to protect on-premises and cloud-based applications.

3. Perimeter 81 Zero Trust Platform (GET DEMO)

Nov 2024

Perimeter 81 is on a mission to transform traditional network security technology with one unified Zero Trust Network as a Service. Perimeter 81’s zero trust solution is offered via the following platforms:

• Zero Trust Application Access Helps to ensure zero trust access to web applications and remote network access protocols such as SSH, RDP, VNC or Telnet, through IPSec tunnels – without an agent.
• Zero Trust Network Access Helps to ensure zero trust access to on-premises and cloud resources with one unified cloud platform.
• Software-Defined Perimeter Helps organizations conceal internal network resources and assets from external entities, whether it is hosted on-premises or in the cloud.

Perimeter 81 zero trust platforms are a scalable hardware-free solution that helps organizations provide secure access to their network infrastructure and digital assets including local and cloud resources from end-point to data-center to the cloud. It offers network visibility, resource access segmentation, and full integration with major cloud providers, giving organizations peace of mind in the cloud. The solution is ideal for SMBs, especially those looking for a modern alternative to traditional corporate VPN systems.

Key Features:

• Unified Identity Management: Streamlines user authentication across all applications.
• Microsegmentation: Enhances security by isolating network segments.
• User Access Portal: Simplifies access to applications and services.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security for user verification.
• Network Performance Monitoring: Keeps track of network health and performance.

Why do we recommend it?

Perimeter 81 Zero Trust Platform is a package of tools that enables a range of security strategies to be implemented. The system works like a VPN with a built in Access Rights Manager (ARM). The user gets an app and signing into that gives access to a menu of permitted applications.

The onboarding process is smooth and issue-free. When you sign up with Perimeter 81, you get a full management platform where you can build, manage, and secure your network. To get started, all you need to do is to sign up, invite your team, install the client apps, and create user groups. By clicking on the link in the Downloads section of the platform, you can download the client app on your preferred platform and follow the wizard to complete the installation. You can give network access to as many team members as possible, assign them to specific groups, and add or remove user permissions with a single click.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a very easy system to implement, so, it is suitable for use by businesses of all sizes. You just need to set up a list of apps and a list of users, map one to the other and then distribute the login app.

Perimeter 81 offers flexible payment plans with billing occurring on a yearly or monthly basis. Sign up process for all plans are commitment-free and have a 30-day money-back guarantee. The table below is a summary of the various subscription plans and associated features.

2. Twingate ZTNA Software (FREE TRIAL)

Twingate enables organizations to implement a modern zero trust network without changing existing infrastructure, and centrally manage user access to company digital assets, whether they are on-premises or in the cloud. Twingate ZTNA solution is offered as an SDP service or an alternative to a traditional VPN. It is delivered as a cloud-based service, and delegates user authentication to a third-party Identity Provider (IdP).

Key Features:

• Simplified Deployment: Offers an easy-to-implement solution for secure access.
• Robust Access Controls: Provides comprehensive control over user access.
• Detailed User Activity Logs: Ensures visibility into user activities for security and compliance.

Why do we recommend it?

The Twingate ZTNA Software system is very similar to NordLayer. Essentially, this is a VPN with udder authentication built into the access app. All users log into the app and that connects them to a hub. Applications will only accept connections from the hub, which passes authorized users.

No special technical knowledge is required from end-users other than to download and install the SDP client application and authenticate with an existing identity provider. The controller handles the rest, negotiating encrypted connections between clients and resources. Once everything is confirmed, users are routed to the appropriate resources.

A key feature of the Twingate ZTNA solution is that authorization for user access is always confirmed with a second or third component depending on the sensitivity of the decision being authorized. No single component can independently make a decision to allow traffic to flow to another component or resource in your remote networks.

Who is it recommended for?

Twingate is easy to set up and use and it is particularly interesting for small businesses. If you have up to five users, you get the system for free. The SSO function is only available in the paid packages and that is a big advantage.

The Twingate zero trust architecture relies on four components: Controller, Clients, Connectors, and Relays. These components work in tandem to ensure that only authenticated users gain access to the resources that they have been authorized to access. It is is offered in four flexible price plans as shown on the table below which also include a 14-day free trial option:

Twingate ZTNA Software Start 14-day FREE Trial

3. NordLayer (GET DEMO)

NordLayer is a business network security platform that provides tools that can be set up to create a range of secure network configurations and Zero Trust Access is one of the tools available in the system. NordLayer is a new service from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN.

Key Features:

• Secure Remote Access: Enables secure network connectivity for remote employees.
• Site-to-Site Protection: Offers robust internet protection for connecting multiple sites.
• IAM at Application Level: Manages identities and access rights for applications.
• Virtual Office: Creates a secure, virtual office environment for distributed teams.

Why do we recommend it?

NordLayer is a similar system to the Zero Trust feature in the Perimeter 81 platform. This is an evolution of a VPN service. The company, Nord Security, added an IAM to its VPN and point all business users to a single hub server, which acts as a virtual router.

The NordLayer package offers all of the building blocks to implement a full Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) implementation for your business. However, the service is structured in such a way that you don’t have to implement the entire SASE philosophy if you don’t want to.

The key element of the system is a user app. Access to business resources is controlled through the app’s login screen. This provides a single sign-on for a menu of services and the administrator can device what applications go on each user’s list. Those systems can be on-premises, on a remote site, or on the cloud.

The NordLayer app gets remote users included in the business’s network. Access to company sites and cloud accounts is mediated through a NordLayer cloud server. The NordLayer app negotiates connection security with the server and that is active for the entire work session. Other features offer similar internet protection for the gateways of entire LANs.

NordLayer provides a very easy way to implement application access controls. Anyone who is familiar with VPNs can understand this system. There is one difference between the user app for this system in that it provides a menu of applications. The administrator sets up user accounts and allocates applications to each. When users want to get access to corporate resources, they have to log in to the access app. That login ripples through to application logins through an SSO mechanism. The package treats all users equally, whether they are on a company network, sitting at home, or roaming on a mobile device. All access passes through the NordLayer server for assessment. Higher plans get a dedicated IP address, which fronts for the entire company, providing a single public address for numerous sites and individual user devices.

Who is it recommended for?

This is another system that it easy to set up. It is particularly suitable for small businesses and enterprises that run virtual offices with lots of remote workers and cloud SaaS packages to link together. It is very easy to set up and manage – the system administrator can also be working from home.

The infrastructure for NordLayer is very easy to set up. You just need to get each user to download an app. There are apps available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. After that, you need to set up your security policies and set up user access permissions in the administrator console – that can be quite a complicated task but it is guided by templates. The NordLayer service is charged for per user and it is offered in three plan levels. You can request a demo to work out which plan you will need.

The plans are:

4. ThreatLocker (ACCESS DEMO)

ThreatLocker is a package of building blocks that create ZTA systems. The core module is its Allowlisting feature. This blocks all software from running and then selectively permits trusted applications with their own access controls to run. The service includes an Application Fencing service, which implements micro-segmentation and controls what resources an application can access

Key Features:

• Resource Access Control: Manages and restricts access to resources effectively.
• Application Allowlisting: Ensures only trusted applications are permitted to run.
• Activity Monitoring: Logs application activities for compliance and security oversight.

Why do we recommend it?

ThreatLocker is another ZTA solution that is pretty easy to set up, although it isn’t quite as straightforward as NordLayer or Perimeter 81. It works by setting up a microsegmentation plan and then generates Access Control Lists to insert into routers and implement the plan. This is a cloud-based system.

Access activity within applications is logged, which supports compliance reporting for PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. The Storage Control module blocks all USB ports on a computer and allows the administrator to enable a port for use by a specific user with a specific USB memory stick. All file movements involving the USB device are logged and the administrator should only allow a USB port to be open for a short period.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a good service for any company but it is particularly useful for those businesses that have external resources and remote workers. ACLs are very intelligent but they are difficult to get right. If you make a small mistake, a lot of users can be locked out, so this tool removes that risk.

The ThreatLocker system doesn’t include an access rights manager and if you particularly need to protect sensitive data, you will also need a separate tool for PII discovery and classification. You can assess ThreatLocker by accessing a demo.

ThreatLocker Access FREE Demo

5. CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust

CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust is a service that is delivered from the CrowdStrike Falcon SaaS platform. The real-time access management system incorporates threat prevention mechanisms that are also implemented in other CrowdStrike Falcon products.

Key Features:

• Integrated Access Controls: Manages both network and application access efficiently.
• BYOD Compatibility: Well-suited for environments with Bring Your Own Device policies.
• Advanced Threat Detection: Incorporates malware and intrusion detection capabilities.

Why do we recommend it?

CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust is implemented through a module called Falcon Identity Protection. This is based on Active Directory, which can be on-premises or Azure AD. The tool will manage access to endpoints running Windows, macOS, and Linux and it is built into the Falcon Elite package, which includes an XDR.

This service relies upon a behavior analysis system that is able to spot fraudulent access attempts and then continues to track all user actions in the system. That constant action tracking provides a backup protection service that will suspend a user account as soon as it attempts to perform actions that are outside of that user or user type’s normal pattern of activities.

Who is it recommended for?

The CrowdStrike solution isn’t as comprehensive as the other ZTA solutions on this package. Essentially, this integrates your AD system into the Falcon XDR service. The package is more about threat detection than network or application access controls. Although this solution is based in the cloud, it supervises on-premises services.

Hackers have many tricks up their sleeves to dupe or break access management systems. CrowdStrike Falcon Zero Trust blocks those techniques and logs all of its suspicions and actions. This is a cloud-based system, so you don’t have to install the software on your site in order to implement the service. Access a 15-day free trial.

6. Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access

Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access is a rebrand of MobileIron Zero Trust Platform that was acquired by Ivanti in 2020. This system is particularly good at managing secure access for mobile devices. The service provides device risk assessment, which scans each device for security weaknesses and viruses before letting it connect.

Key Features:

• Enhanced Remote Access: Facilitates secure access for remote workers and mobile devices.
• Strategic Microsegmentation: Implements micro-segmentation for granular access control.
• Robust Network Access Control: Provides thorough management of device access to the network.

Why do we recommend it?

Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access is part of an ever-growing platform of system protection services. The system works in a similar way to the VPN-based services of NordLayer and Perimeter 81 and it is particularly good at including mobile devices into the secure corporate network.

As the network includes the internet, enrolled devices can be anywhere in the world. Secure links connect individual remote devices and site-to-site encrypted tunnels across the internet transport communications from multiple endpoints on one site to cloud-based applications. Traffic between sites is also hubbed through the Ivanti Neurons cloud-based connection security hub.

The Ivanti Neurons system operates like a VPN network. The service has access controls, which, combined with a single sign-on environment, provide granular access rights, authorizing each user for specific applications. This, effectively, provides micro-segmentation, which is a key concept of ZTA.

Who is it recommended for?

Companies that have a lot of roaming devices would benefit from this tool. If you have IoT devices that can have software loaded onto them, they could also be protected by this system. Combine this tool with the Ivanti Zero Sign-On system to ease system access for authorized users and devices.

The Ivanti Neurons system is a SaaS platform, so your initial access to the management console requires no downloads. However, there will be site access control software that needs to be downloaded. Each individual device also needs a client app downloaded onto it. You can get a 30-day free trial to examine Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access.

7. Illumio Zero Trust Platform

Illumio delivers zero trust micro-segmentation from endpoints to data centers to the cloud to halt cyber-attacks and the spread of ransomware. You can also use Illumio’s zero trust platform to protect against lateral movements across devices, applications, workloads, servers, and other infrastructure.

Key Features:

• Cloud Application Controls: Manages access to cloud-based applications securely.
• Authentication Measures: Enforces robust user authentication protocols.
• Enhanced Network Security: Strengthens network connections to prevent unauthorized access.

Why do we recommend it?

The Illumio Zero Trust Platform focuses on securing hybrid environments. It operates microsegmentation for resources on your network and for access to and between cloud services. This is a classic combination of connection security with VPNs and built-in access rights management. The tool provides three modules for site-to-site, cloud, and endpoint security.

Illumio is ranked as a Leader in the Forrester Wave Zero Trust eXtended (ZTX) Ecosystem Platform Providers, Q3 2020 report. Illumio received high scores in most of the evaluation criteria, including ‘Future State of Zero Trust infrastructure’, which assessed vendors on their ability to enable zero trust for remote workforces and distributed environments. Illumio zero trust solution is offered via the following platforms:

Illumio Core (formerly known as Illumio ASP) delivers visibility and segmentation for workloads and containers in data centers and containers in data centers, unifying the control of multiple sites with inter-site connection protection.

Illumio CloudSecure provides security services between cloud platforms, for example, enabling secure access to data on one platform through applications that are hosted on another.

Illumio Endpoint controls access to and from endpoints on a network and allows remote devices to securely connect into the office system.

With capabilities that span micro-segmentation, network visibility, encryption, and vulnerability management, Illumio’s zero trust platform provides opportunities for organizations to embrace and implement zero trust strategies.

Who is it recommended for?

The modular structure of the Illumio solution means that the tool is very scaleable. For example, businesses that run a traditional network with software and services on site would only need the Innumio Endpoint service to allow remote users to connect. Add Illumio Core to secure a WAN.

Pricing details can be obtained by directly contacting the vendor. However, the vendor provides a means to obtain a total cost of ownership (TCO) estimate for Illumio Core to help you build a business case for the elimination of unnecessary hardware in your data center. Find out more.

8. Appgate SDP

Appgate SDP solution is offered as a software-defined perimeter, VPN alternative, secure third party, and DevOps access based on zero trust principles and built to support hybrid IT and a distributed workforce. It is infrastructure agnostic and can be deployed in all environments: on-premises, multi-cloud (AWS, Azure, GPC), virtualized containerized environments, and legacy networks and infrastructure. Appgate was named a leader in the Forrester Zero Trust Wave 2020 report. The entire Appgate SDP solution is designed to be distributed and to offer high availability, and it can be deployed in physical, cloud, or virtual environments. The Appgate platform integrates seamlessly with third-party applications such as IdPs, LDAP, MFA, and SIEM, among others.

Key Features:

• Centralized Access Hub: Serves as a unified point for application access management.
• User-Centric Permissions: Allows for user-specific application approval.
• Flexible Virtual Network: Creates secure, virtualized network environments for diverse IT infrastructures.

Why do we recommend it?

Appgate SDP provides the classic ZTA system of combining access rights management and VPN-based connection security and it also implants ZTNA to give IoT devices and BYOD office visitors access to the corporate system. The service blocks resource access by default and then authorizes devices as well as users for access.

With Appgate SDP solution, access can be controlled from any location and to any enterprise resource with centralized policy management for servers, desktops, mobile devices, and cloud infrastructure among others. The Appgate SDP platform consists of three main components:

Controller The controller manages user authentication and applies access policies assigned to users based on user attributes, roles, and context. It then issues entitlement tokens listing the resources the user is permitted to access.

Client The Appgate client is software that runs on user devices and connects with Appgate appliances to receive site-based entitlement tokens after successful authentication.

Gateway The gateway evaluates user entitlements and opens connections to resources accordingly.

Who is it recommended for?

Appgate forms a central security management center that acts as an authentication server. Access to everything from anywhere is blocked by default and then devices and users can be added to allow them in. This provides ZTNA for headless IoT devices and pre-scanned user-owned devices and also ZTA-level user access management.

The Appgate SDP (part of its ZTNA solution) is available for a test drive, and the virtual appliances and client software are also available for download.

9. Cisco Secure Workload

Cisco Secure Workload is a new product that Cisco has evolved from the Cisco Tetration product. This tool is implemented as a hardware appliance on-premises or as a SaaS package. Both deployment options provide application access controls whether those systems are resident on your own servers or on cloud platforms.

Key Features:

• Application-Level Security: Employs application fencing to safeguard applications.
• Flexible Deployment: Available as both a hardware appliance and a SaaS solution.
• Comprehensive Protection: Secures resources across both cloud and on-premises environments.

Why do we recommend it?

Cisco Secure Workload is an interesting combination of ZTA, allowlisting, vulnerability scanning, and anomaly-based threat detection. The system is difficult to conceptualize because it has a lot going on under the hood. However, it hardens applications against attack, fences them, and assesses each user account before permitting access.

Cisco describes its strategy as like creating firewalls at the application level. This is a microsegmentation approach but it doesn’t just check on user authorization before allowing access to an application, it also scans for anomalous activity. So, this provides threat detection as well.

The background mechanisms of the allowlisting system in Cisco Secure Workload are complicated but the basics of it work by scanning for activity that would indicate an insider threat or an account takeover, which can block otherwise authorized access. At the same time, the system provides vulnerability scanning for the protected applications to ensure that there is no easy way in.

Who is it recommended for?

Cisco says that its hardware units are affordable. However, a physical alliance always creates upfront costs that put small businesses off. However, the SaaS option is a lot easier to digest. The system is easy to set up and it can cover applications on cloud platforms just as easily as on-premises systems.

This Cisco system takes care of a lot of security issues in one bundle, so it saves both costs and time once it is running. The company provides live demo seminars to help you assess the Secure Workload package.

10. Absolute ZTNA

Absolute ZTNA is part of a package of security services that is called Absolute Edge. The unit combines with units for network security and remote access. The total package provides application security and connection security that treats user access controls equally whether they use a workstation on the network, a computer at home, or a mobile device.

Key Features:

• Device Security Assessment: Conducts thorough scanning of devices for security risks.
• User Portal Application: Provides a dedicated app for user access management.
• Robust Connection Security: Ensures secure connectivity for all user sessions.

Why do we recommend it?

Absolute ZTNA and the Absolute Edge is a similar package to the Invanti Nerons for Zero Trust Access package. In addition to providing a VPN with built-in access rights management. The tool provides device risk assessment, which scans each computer, phone, or tablet before turning on the secure connection into the access rights manager.

Each user device needs an app installed on it. The administrator sets up a list of corporate applications, which can include cloud services and SaaS packages as well as on-premises services. Next, the administrator creates a list of users and then allocates applications to each account.

The endpoint agent is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It scans the device for risk before allowing access and the user also has to log in with valid credentials. The app then provides access to a menu of only those applications and services that have been allocated to that user account.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is particularly good for companies that have a lot of users that need to access corporate resources through mobile devices. The device doesn’t need to be corporate property because the user just needs to install a mobile app to get access to company systems.

The tool can track the movement of data and delete data from remote devices. However, it doesn’t offer full Mobile Content Management (MCM) because it doesn’t containerize the delivery of data to user-owned devices.

The Absolute ZTNA system and the Absolute Edge package need to be studied to be fully understood. You can start your investigation by accessing a demo.

Choosing the right ZTNA solution for your business

While ZTNA has many use cases, most organizations choose to use it as a means of access to hybrid and multi-cloud services, an alternative to VPN, and a means to eliminate over-privileged access to resources, among others.

Like most network security solutions, not all zero-trust solutions are created equal. What fits perfectly from a price, feature, and functionality standpoint for one organization may not fit for another. You need to consider a variety of factors, some of which include: What deployment model best suits your environment—cloud or on-premises? Does the deployment model meet your organization’s security and residency requirements? Does the  ZTNA solution require an endpoint agent to be installed? Does the trust broker integrate with your existing identity provider? Is vendor support available in your region, and to what extent? How geographically diverse are the vendor’s edge locations worldwide? What is the total cost of ownership?

These solutions can be deployed as on-premises or standalone service, cloud service, or as a hybrid service, combining cloud and stand-alone offerings. If you find any of these solutions useful, or indeed other solutions, let us know in the comments.

Zero Trust network in software FAQs