Extreme Networks introduces advanced ZTNA security features

Extreme Networks has announced new features within ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA, aimed at simplifying network access management and fortifying security measures.

The solution combines Cloud Network Access Control and Zero Trust Network Access into a single Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering, integrating a zero trust policy engine for both networks and applications.

This integration promises consistent security, unified observability, and a seamless user experience whether onsite or remote. The enhancements are designed to increase IT productivity by simplifying workflows, reducing troubleshooting time, and enabling easier identification of secure network and application access based on identity-level privileges.

A survey conducted by Dynata and Extreme highlights the importance of network security, with 96% of CIOs and IT decision-makers affirming that the network is foundational to a strong cybersecurity and risk management strategy.

In response, Extreme Networks has augmented Universal ZTNA with features that aim to further secure network environments.

A notable enhancement includes capabilities that automate the identification of private applications accessed within an organisation. This feature intends to mitigate shadow IT risks by tracking user access to non-compliant applications such as AI productivity tools. With the click of a button, IT teams can add or deny access to these applications, thereby bolstering policy enforcement and visibility.

ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA also addresses the need to quickly resolve application access issues. IT teams can make policy adjustments and identity-level changes directly from the dashboard, reducing the time typically consumed by troubleshooting and expediting problem resolution.

Additionally, the solution now supports automated policy enforcement across the entire Extreme Networks portfolio and interoperates with third-party switches and access points whether managed in the cloud or on-premises.

This functionality provides IT teams the flexibility to maintain consistent security policies across varied network environments.

David Nuti, Head of Security Strategy at Extreme Networks, commented, "We're in the midst of a significant and required evolution. Networking and cybersecurity are converging. Organisations must support hybrid work models and have struggled with the complexity caused by networking and security being siloed. Policies are cluttered and inconsistent. Licensing is complicated. With new devices and users, risk increases daily. To make a dent in this complexity, organisations are moving away from legacy VPN and firewall solutions."

"Extreme has transformed secure connectivity with a single solution that offers dynamic policy enforcement and seamless identity-based access while lowering operational costs, significantly improving time to value and removing the pain associated with managing multiple licenses. We've taken the pain and friction out of securing a network."

Brad Hough, Chief Information Officer at Beacon College, noted, "After an excellent experience migrating to Extreme Networks' high-quality, modern switching equipment last year, it was natural to explore their Zero Trust solution when we were looking to enhance our security posture. What we found was a highly responsive team who were dedicated to delivering an advanced security model that seamlessly integrated with our infrastructure. Universal ZTNA reduces the complexity of managing our network while simplifying our hybrid/remote worker experience and increasing the safety and security around their work."

James Hargadon, Associate Vice Chancellor of MIS at Keiser University, shared, "Keiser University is built on a true hybrid learning model. Our student population of roughly 20,000 spans across several campuses and remote locations, which means secure and reliable network access is a necessity. It's crucial that we're able to establish and maintain a consistent security policy across the network to both manage and enforce an identity-level Zero Trust policy for all our users."

ExtremeCloud Universal ZTNA makes the onboarding of new users and devices a breeze. It offers both network access control and switch security within a single platform, helping us significantly reduce operational costs and eliminate the tiresome tasks of managing multiple systems across our IT stack while reducing the risk of security breaches."