A complete Zero Trust Security framework requires both Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to control user and device access to networks and apps, and Zero Trust Data Access (ZTDA) to protect sensitive data at the file level. Together, they form a unified strategy to reduce risk and prevent breaches.

How to Build a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Table of Contents

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Introduction: The Need for a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework
            2. What Is a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework?
            3. Why ZTNA Alone Isn’t Enough for a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework
            4. How ZTDA Completes the Zero Trust Security Framework
            5. Benefits of a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework
            6. The Business Impact of a Combined ZTNA and ZTDA Zero Trust Strategy
            7. Conclusion: A Complete Zero Trust Security Framework

Introduction: The Need for a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework

The evolution of cybersecurity has led to the rise of the Zero Trust Security model, where implicit trust is eliminated, and access is granted based on continuous verification. Two critical components of a complete Zero Trust security framework are Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Zero Trust Data Access (ZTDA). While ZTNA secures network and application access, ZTDA extends Zero Trust principles to the data itself. Together, they provide a complete zero trust security framework that protects enterprises against modern threats.

What Is a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework?

A complete Zero Trust Security framework eliminates implicit trust by enforcing continuous verification and least-privilege access at every level—network, application, and data. It requires both ZTNA to secure access and ZTDA to protect sensitive data at the file level.

Why ZTNA Alone Isn’t Enough for a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) replaces traditional network security models, such as VPNs, with an identity-centric approach that enforces least-privilege access. Instead of granting broad network access, ZTNA verifies users, devices, and contexts before allowing access to specific applications or services. It reduces the attack surface, preventing lateral movement by malicious actors.

However, ZTNA primarily focuses on securing access to applications and systems, not on how data is accessed, shared, or protected once inside. This is where Zero Trust Data Access (ZTDA) becomes essential.

How ZTDA Completes the Zero Trust Security Framework

While ZTNA ensures that only authorized users can access applications, it does not govern how those users interact with sensitive data. ZTDA enforces strict data-level security policies, ensuring that only the right users, devices, and processes can access or share specific files—regardless of network location.

ZTDA provides:

• Granular file-level access control beyond application permissions
• Prevention of data exfiltration by unauthorized users or compromised accounts
• Visibility into file interactions for compliance and security monitoring
• Policy enforcement for regulatory requirements such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA

Benefits of a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework

By integrating ZTDA with ZTNA, organizations can establish a complete Zero Trust security framework that covers both network access and data protection. Here’s how they work together:

The Business Impact of a Combined ZTNA and ZTDA Zero Trust Strategy

By combining ZTNA and ZTDA, organizations can significantly reduce risk and enhance security posture. This integrated approach ensures that even if network defenses are breached, sensitive data remains protected through granular access controls and monitoring. Benefits include:

• • Enhanced Insider Threat Protection: Prevents unauthorized data movement by malicious insiders or compromised credentials.
  • Compliance Simplification: Ensures continuous enforcement of data security policies for regulatory standards.
  • Improved Incident Response: Enables visibility into data interactions to detect and mitigate breaches faster.
  • Reduced Attack Surface: Limits exposure of sensitive data, even within authorized applications.

Conclusion: A Complete Zero Trust Security Framework

ZTNA is a crucial step in securing enterprise networks, but it does not go far enough on its own. ZTDA is the missing link that ensures Zero Trust Security principles extend all the way down to the data itself. By deploying both solutions together, organizations can eliminate implicit trust at every level, from network access to data governance, and achieve a truly resilient security architecture.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses that embrace both ZTNA and ZTDA will be better positioned to safeguard their most valuable asset—their data.

For further reading see How to Enforce Zero Trust Access Control to Mitigate Data Breach and Ransomware, Top Reasons to Add Zero Trust Data Access to Illumio Core, and Why Zero Trust Network Access Combined with Zero Trust Data Access Could Have Prevented the Tesla Breach.

*CSO Online

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