Portnox unveils cloud ZTNA for secure, agentless remote access
ZTNA approach
The ZTNA solution aims to address the traditional challenges associated with remote work, where employees need to access company applications from various devices and locations, sometimes using untrusted networks. This new service is designed to bypass many of the performance and operational issues common in classic VPNs and older ZTNA models.
Portnox's product offers a passwordless, agentless approach for accessing web-based applications. Instead of requiring users to download clients or agents, the system is built to allow access via standard web browsers using familiar URLs.
Launch details
During its launch, Portnox also introduced a free version of its ZTNA solution, which grants access to an unlimited number of web-based applications for an unlimited number of users. However, this version provides only community support. Installation of Portnox's endpoint posture assessment tool, AgentP, is required for use.
Future updates are planned to expand access capabilities to a broader range of enterprise resources, including older applications without web interfaces. This planned expansion aims to provide comprehensive cloud-native access control for every user and device, regardless of their location.
Security features
Key features of Portnox ZTNA include instant access with minimal latency, eliminating the performance issues commonly experienced with legacy solutions. The system conducts continuous risk posture checks on endpoints before allowing access, ensuring devices are compliant with security policies. Automated remediation addresses any non-compliant or risky devices instantly.
The solution's access control is based on both user roles and location, limiting resource availability to only those necessary for specific job requirements. Additionally, Portnox highlights that its approach does not require configuration changes to remote worker networks or corporate firewalls, as all communications are outbound only. According to Portnox, this design minimises the attack surface and simplifies deployment for IT departments.
Executive comments "Portnox ZTNA fundamentally changes how organizations approach remote access security," stated Denny LeCompte, CEO of Portnox. "We've engineered a solution that not only significantly strengthens security but also enhances the user experience - because the best security is virtually invisible: fast, seamless, and frictionless. By eliminating the reliance on traditional VPNs and streamlining access controls, we empower businesses to embrace a true zero trust model with remarkable simplicity."
Unified platform
Portnox ZTNA is part of the company's Unified Access Control Platform, which also features RADIUS authentication, Network Access Control (NAC), and TACACS+ in a single cloud-based offering. This consolidation provides organisations with a centralised system for managing and enforcing zero-trust access policies across various hybrid working environments.
Intended audience
The solution is targeted at end-users, IT decision-makers, and organisations across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, education, and technology. Portnox indicates that users will benefit from fast, simple, and secure access, while IT leaders can maintain greater oversight of access attempts and enforce robust policies. The company asserts that the system's security and management benefits are designed to serve industries with demanding requirements for remote access and data protection.
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