Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) has become a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. Instead of trusting anyone inside the network by default, ZTNA verifies every user, device, and connection before granting access. As remote and hybrid work continue to expand, this “never trust, always verify” model is now essential for reducing breach risk and enabling secure access from anywhere.
Several major vendors lead the ZTNA market — and emerging platforms like Cloudbrink are redefining what high-performance zero-trust access can look like.
Leading ZTNA Vendors
Zscaler: Cloud-Native ZTNA at Scale
Zscaler is one of the pioneers of cloud-delivered ZTNA and so carries a lot of legacy baggage. Its solution focuses on:
- Secure access to internal applications
- Inline threat protection
- Consistent policy enforcement
- A globally distributed cloud footprint
Zscaler is popular with organizations that have already embraced cloud-first architectures and want recognized name in the ZTNA market.
Palo Alto Networks (Prisma Access): Unified ZTNA + Firewall + SD-WAN
Prisma Access combines Palo Alto’s next-generation firewall capabilities with ZTNA and secure SD-WAN. This provides:
- Strong threat prevention
- Wide coverage for remote and mobile users
- Consistent security controls across networks
It’s a good fit for organizations looking to unify multiple security functions under one vendor ecosystem.
Cisco (Duo & Secure Access by Cisco): Identity-Driven Zero Trust
Cisco delivers ZTNA through Duo and its broader Secure Access platform. Its strengths include:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Device identity and health checks
- Strong IAM integration
- Centralized access policy management
For organizations prioritizing identity verification and access governance, Cisco offers a powerful identity-first approach.
Netskope: Cloud Security + ZTNA Together
Netskope integrates ZTNA into its wider cloud security platform, giving organizations benefits such as:
- Deep visibility into cloud application usage (CASB)
- Data loss prevention (DLP)
- Cloud threat protection
- Fine-grained access to private applications
Netskope’s CASB roots give it real strengths in data protection and SaaS visibility
Cloudbrink: High-Performance ZTNA for the Hybrid Workforce
Cloudbrink leapfrogs the legacy vendors and brings a next-generation approach to ZTNA with a focus on simplicity, Security, and user experience. Unlike traditional ZTNA solutions that rely on centralized gateways,Â
Cloudbrink uses:
- FAST Edges — globally distributed, autonomous edges for ultra-low latency
- Software-only deployment — no hardware, no appliances
- Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) — constantly shifting attack surface
Instant high-speed routing to optimize user connectivity - SASE-ready architecture built for distributed workforces
Cloudbrink targets organizations that want secure, zero-trust access without sacrificing performance, especially for remote and hybrid users who rely on cloud applications.
Comparing ZTNA Vendors
| Vendor | Core Strength | Deployment Focus |
| Zscaler | Cloud-native ZTNA | Cloud |
| Palo Alto Networks | Unified security + ZTNA | Cloud & hybrid |
| Cisco | Identity & access control | Cloud & on-premises |
| Netskope | Cloud app security + ZTNA | Cloud |
| Cloudbrink | High-performance ZTNA & software-only edge architecture | Distributed / hybrid workforce |
Why It Matters
Choosing a ZTNA vendor isn’t just about picking a product — it’s about aligning with your organization’s needs and architecture. Key factors include:
- How cloud-first your environment is
- Whether you support large remote or hybrid teams
- Your identity and access control requirements
- The performance expectations of your users
- Existing investments in firewalls, IAM, or cloud security
ZTNA strengthens security while enabling flexible, scalable access. With companies increasingly embracing distributed work, the right ZTNA platform can dramatically improve both protection and user experience — especially when modern, performance-focused options like Cloudbrink are part of the evaluation.