Term · 27. Emerging Categories 2024-2026
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) ZTNA
Definition
Architectural pattern for remote application access without VPN — based on continuous identity verification, contextual signals (device posture, geo, behavior), and fine-grained per-application authorization. Replaces traditional perimeter-based VPN. Category coined by Gartner in 2019, evolved from Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP). Core component of Zero Trust Architecture and SSE (Security Service Edge) platforms.
- Synonyms
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- Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) — predecessor term
- Identity-Driven Network Access
- Discouraged variants
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- Zero Trust VPN (conceptual contradiction — ZTNA replaces VPN)
- Application
- Regulatory: Gartner Magic Quadrant / Hype Cycle
- Standards & regulations
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- Gartner
- Sources
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- Gartner — ZTNA market guide primary source
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