Zero Trust Security is a modern cybersecurity framework that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Unlike traditional perimeter-based security models, Zero Trust assumes that threats can exist both inside and outside the network. It enforces strict access controls, continuous verification, and least-privilege access to minimize the risk of breaches. With the rise of remote work, cloud adoption, and sophisticated cyberattacks, Zero Trust tools are becoming essential for organizations to protect their data and systems. These tools provide identity verification, network segmentation, endpoint security, and continuous monitoring to ensure that only authorized users and devices can access critical resources. By adopting Zero Trust Security tools, organizations can enhance their security posture, reduce attack surfaces, and improve compliance with regulatory standards.
Provided below is a list of leading Zero Trust Security tools.
- Established: 2010, acquired by Cisco in 2018
- Description: Duo Security is a Zero Trust solution that provides secure access to applications and resources through multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device trust. It ensures that only verified users and devices can access resources.
- Features:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Device health verification.
- Integration with Cisco’s security ecosystem.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based), with a free tier available.
- Website: duo.com
- Established: 2013
- Description: Illumio is a Zero Trust solution that provides micro-segmentation and network visibility to prevent lateral movement of threats. It ensures that only authorized communication is allowed between workloads.
- Features:
- Micro-segmentation for workloads.
- Real-time visibility into network traffic.
- Integration with cloud and on-premises environments.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based).
- Website: illumio.com
- Established: 2005 (Palo Alto Networks), Prisma Access launched in 2019
- Description: Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks is a cloud-delivered security platform that provides Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for remote users and branch offices. It ensures secure access to applications and data from anywhere.
- Features:
- Secure access to cloud and on-premises applications.
- Integrated threat prevention and data loss prevention (DLP).
- Scalable and cloud-native architecture.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based).
- Website: paloaltonetworks.com
- Established: 2008
- Description: Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) is a Zero Trust solution that provides secure access to internal applications without exposing them to the internet. It ensures that users and devices are verified before granting access.
- Features:
- Secure access to private applications.
- User and device identity verification.
- Integration with Zscaler’s cloud security platform.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based).
- Website: zscaler.com
- Established: 2009
- Description: Okta Identity Cloud is a Zero Trust solution that provides secure access to applications and resources based on user identity. It ensures that only authorized users and devices can access critical resources.
- Features:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Single sign-on (SSO) for applications.
- Integration with third-party security tools.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based), with a free trial available.
- Website: okta.com
- Established: 1998
- Description: Akamai’s Enterprise Application Access is a Zero Trust solution that provides secure access to enterprise applications without requiring a VPN. It ensures that only authorized users and devices can access resources.
- Features:
- Secure access to enterprise applications.
- Identity and device verification.
- Integration with Akamai’s content delivery network (CDN).
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based).
- Website: akamai.com
- Established: 2009
- Description: Cloudflare Access is a Zero Trust solution that provides secure access to internal applications and services. It ensures that users and devices are verified before granting access, eliminating the need for a VPN.
- Features:
- Secure access to internal applications.
- Identity and device verification.
- Integration with Cloudflare’s global network.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based), with a free tier available.
- Website: cloudflare.com
- Established: 2010 (Azure AD)
- Description: Microsoft Azure AD is a cloud-based identity and access management solution that supports Zero Trust principles. It provides secure access to applications and resources based on user identity and device health.
- Features:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Conditional access policies.
- Integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure services.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based), with a free tier available.
- Website: microsoft.com
- Established: 1984 (Cisco), Zero Trust solutions launched in 2020
- Description: Cisco’s Zero Trust solutions provide end-to-end security by integrating network, endpoint, and cloud security. It ensures continuous verification and least-privilege access for users and devices.
- Features:
- Network segmentation and micro-segmentation.
- Continuous monitoring and threat detection.
- Integration with Cisco’s security ecosystem.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based).
- Website: cisco.com
- Established: 2011 (as an internal Google project), launched publicly in 2020
- Description: Google BeyondCorp is a Zero Trust framework that provides secure access to applications and resources based on user identity and device trust. It eliminates the need for a traditional VPN.
- Features:
- Identity and device verification.
- Context-aware access policies.
- Integration with Google Workspace and Cloud services.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based).
- Website: cloud.google.com
- Established: 1982 (Symantec), Zero Trust solutions launched in 2020
- Description: Symantec’s Zero Trust solutions provide secure access to applications and resources through identity verification, device trust, and continuous monitoring. It ensures that only authorized users and devices can access resources.
- Features:
- Identity and device verification.
- Continuous monitoring and threat detection.
- Integration with Symantec’s security ecosystem.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based).
- Website: symantec.com
- Established: 2017
- Description: Cyxtera AppGate SDP is a Zero Trust solution that provides secure access to applications and resources through identity verification and least-privilege access. It ensures that only authorized users and devices can access resources.
- Features:
- Identity and device verification.
- Least-privilege access policies.
- Integration with third-party security tools.
- Cost: Paid (subscription-based).
- Website: appgate.com
Zero Trust Security tools are essential for modern organizations looking to protect their data and systems in an increasingly complex threat landscape. By enforcing strict access controls, continuous verification, and least-privilege access, these tools help organizations reduce their attack surface and improve their overall security posture. Whether you’re looking for identity verification, network segmentation, or secure access to applications, Zero Trust tools provide the necessary capabilities to safeguard your critical resources.
By Randy Ferguson