#Japan #Tokyo #Zero Trust #Netskope #UZTNA

Netskope Enhances Universal ZTNA with AI

In a significant development in the realm of secure access and network technology, Netskope (NASDAQ: NTSK) has announced enhancements to its Universal Zero Trust Network Access (UZTNA) solution. Part of the company's ongoing evolution in cloud and AI security, these enhancements aim to provide users and devices located in both remote and local environments with fast, consistent, and secure access.

Netskope's UZTNA solution comprises two key components: Netskope One Private Access and Netskope Device Intelligence. Together, they create a powerful architecture for protecting a diverse range of device ecosystems and securing private application communications.

Key to this enhancement is the eradication of dependence on outdated systems such as VPNs, Network Access Control (NAC), and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), which often fail to meet the needs of modern hybrid organizations. Netskope provides a straightforward yet scalable framework for companies looking to transition away from these traditional solutions. Numerous organizations are now adopting integrated UZTNA, which allows them to effectively safeguard users and IoT/OT devices across varied tech environments while providing a seamless user experience no matter their location.

Gartner has forecasted that Universal ZTNA will see over 40% growth by 2027, signaling a robust market demand for such solutions. Furthermore, Netskope achieved top scores in Gartner's reports, including the 2025 Critical Capabilities for Security Service Edge, highlighting their excellence in Private Application Access and effective networking for coffee shop settings.

Key Features of Enhanced UZTNA

• - Context-Aware Device Intelligence: Netskope's UZTNA solution extends its coverage to include IoT/OT devices—including those without agent software—such as machines and robots. Through the 5G Netskope One Gateway, risks associated with various devices can be automatically discovered and categorized, enabling the implementation of zero trust policies. The Device Intelligence feature integrates with major third-party NAC vendors to boost remediation and access control in lateral communications across networks.

• - Integrated Threat Protection and Data Protection: Enhanced UZTNA employs advanced threat detection and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) engines to inspect all private application communications, both local and remote. This unified approach utilizes common policies and a management console, effectively halting threats before they penetrate the network and safeguarding sensitive data.

• - AI-Powered Policy Optimization via Copilot: With the introduction of AI, the management of ZTNA is simplified; fine-tuned policies can be auto-generated for discovered applications, facilitating ongoing improvements and audits in the configurations. This enhancement aims to streamline the deployment of ZTNA in organizations, reduce complexity, and mitigate risks while expanding their zero trust capabilities.

• - UZTNA at the Edge: By directly hosting Netskope's ZTNA publisher functionality on the 5G Netskope One Gateway, businesses can efficiently extend access to private applications within their site networks. This advancement ensures consistent access governance based on the principle of least privilege across IT, IoT, and OT environments.

John Martin, Netskope's Chief Product Officer, emphasizes the importance of these enhancements by stating, "Traditional VPNs, NAC, and early ZTNA tools were not designed with the scale, speed, and diversity required by modern enterprises. With Universal ZTNA, Netskope is redefining secure access, providing a coherent and consistent way to protect users and devices, whether remote or local. Advanced risk-based policies, integrated protection features, and superior performance help reduce complexity and risks, turning secure access into a business driver rather than a barrier."

Netskope's UZTNA solution, which includes the Netskope One Private Access and Device Intelligence, is now available for organizations looking to enhance their security posture in today’s cloud-first world. For more detailed information, you can visit Netskope’s blog or their official website.