What does ZTNA provide for remote users connecting to private applications?

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) specifically focuses on securing remote access to applications by verifying the identity of users and their devices before granting access. This approach contrasts with traditional network security models that assume users inside a network perimeter are trusted.

By relying on identity verification, ZTNA ensures that only authenticated and authorized users can connect to private applications, thereby significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and enhancing security. Each connection attempt is evaluated based on the user's identity, device health, and other contextual factors before access is granted, creating a more tailored and secure access mechanism.

In this context, open access to all applications would lead to significant security vulnerabilities, as it does not require any form of identity verification. Encrypted communication without identity checks fails to ensure that only legitimate users are accessing sensitive resources. An automatic VPN connection could offer some level of security but lacks the granular control and verification inherent to the ZTNA model. Thus, the emphasis on secure connections based on identity verification aligns perfectly with the core principles of ZTNA, making it the correct answer.