Which of the following best describes Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

The concept of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) fundamentally hinges on the principle of never trusting any user or device by default, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter. This approach means that before granting access to any application or resource, user verification is essential. This user verification process can include multiple factors such as identity confirmation, device posture checks, and contextual information like the user's location.

By demanding validation prior to access, ZTNA mitigates the risks associated with potential breaches and unauthorized access, ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users can reach sensitive resources. This is a crucial aspect of modern security strategies where traditional perimeter defenses are increasingly inadequate due to the rise of remote work and cloud services.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of ZTNA. For instance, assuming all users are trustworthy contradicts the foundational principles of ZTNA. Similarly, restricting ZTNA to internal networks overlooks its applicability in cloud environments where access must also be tightly controlled. Finally, a strategy for open access runs counter to the ZTNA framework, which is designed specifically to enforce minimum necessary privileges and controlled access based on stringent verification processes.