Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Why Zero Trust Access is the Future of Secure Connectivity

Not long ago, remote access meant a VPN connection into the corporate network. It worked well enough in a world where employees mostly worked in the office, applications were hosted on-premises, and trust was granted once someone “got inside.” But the way we work — and the way attackers operate — has changed.

The Shift from Traditional Remote Access

• Traditional Remote Access (VPN): Once a user authenticated, they were often granted broad access to the corporate network. This model assumes that anyone inside the perimeter can be trusted.
• The Challenge: In today’s environment of hybrid work, cloud apps, and advanced threats, that assumption doesn’t hold up. A compromised VPN credential can give attackers the keys to everything.

Enter Zero Trust Access (ZTA)

Zero Trust Access is built on a different principle: never trust, always verify. Instead of assuming users or devices can be trusted once connected, ZTA continuously evaluates identity, device posture, and context before granting access to specific resources.

The Security Benefits of ZTA

• Granular Access Controls: Users only get access to the applications and data they need — nothing more.
• Continuous Verification: Authentication isn’t a one-time event. Risk signals are monitored in real time.
• Reduced Attack Surface: By eliminating broad network access, ZTA minimizes opportunities for lateral movement.
• Better User Experience: Unlike clunky VPNs, ZTA can deliver seamless, secure access to apps whether they’re in the cloud, on-prem, or hybrid.
• Adaptive Security: Access policies can adapt dynamically based on user role, device health, location, and risk profile.

Why Cisco Secure Access?

Cisco Secure Access delivers ZTA in a way that simplifies adoption and scales with your business. It brings together identity, network, and application controls into a unified solution that strengthens security without slowing down productivity.

• Protects both cloud and on-prem applications
• Provides consistent, policy-driven access across the enterprise
• Integrates with your existing Cisco Secure ecosystem for end-to-end visibility and control

Take Action

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, rethink how your organization handles remote access. VPNs were built for another era. Zero Trust Access is built for today — and tomorrow.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how Cisco Secure Access can help you adopt Zero Trust and protect your business in the modern threat landscape.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re securing your home Wi-Fi, protecting sensitive work data, or teaching kids about online safety, every action counts. This October, let’s commit to making cybersecurity a priority and building a more secure digital future together.

Take control of your cybersecurity this Cybersecurity Awareness Month with Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI) and Cisco’s industry-leading security solutions. Don’t let cyber threats compromise your business—partner with NSI to build a unified, AI-driven cybersecurity strategy that simplifies protection and ensures peace of mind. Schedule a free consultation today to assess your security gaps and start your journey toward a secure digital future.

Learn more about NSI at https://www.nsi1.com/solutions-security.  Contact the experts at NSI by calling (888) 247-0900, email info@nsi1.com to get started, or schedule to talk with us below!