ZTNA: The Cyber Security Equivalent of a Five-Star Private Hotel

Imagine checking into a hotel so discreet, so exclusive, that you don’t even know the address until your booking’s confirmed. No lobby, no wandering corridors, no chance of bumping into someone you’d rather not. Just you, your key, and a private lift that takes you directly to your suite. Welcome to the world of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

Traditional security models are a bit like a three-star chain hotel. They are easy to find, broadly accessible, and maybe a little too welcoming. ZTNA meanwhile, is more like the hush-hush hideaway reserved for VIPs who value privacy, discretion, and a touch of mystery. You don’t get the full floor plan. You don’t even get the corridor. You get your room and nothing else.

Checking-in at Hotel Appgate

In the old-school VPN world, you log on and straight away you’ve got the master key. You’re in. You can see the whole network, even if you only needed access to one system. It’s a bit like giving the plumber access to the entire penthouse when all they needed was the utility cupboard.

ZTNA, such as the solution that we offer in partnership with Appgate, plays it very differently. Picture this: You’re verified not just by your name, but your context. Your location, time of access, and possibly whether you’re wearing your lucky socks that you got at the last tradeshow. Then, and only then, a private lift appears. It takes you exactly where you need to go, and nowhere else. You won’t even see the other rooms. In fact, you won’t even know they exist. To you, the rest of the network is just a blank wall.

Zero Trust in Action

ZTNA is built on the premise that trust is a terrible security strategy. Instead of saying “we trust you because you’re in the building,” ZTNA says “we’ll verify you again, and again, and again.” It’s not being rude. It’s just being careful.

Unlike VPNs, which essentially throw open the gates once you’re connected, ZTNA gives you a secure, encrypted tunnel into only what you need. And if you turn out not to be who you say you are (or if your access gets compromised) any damage is limited to a tiny, isolated sliver of the network. Not the whole thing.

Red Helix + Appgate = Your Five-Star Concierge

At Red Helix, we’ve partnered with Appgate to deliver ZTNA solutions that are as seamless as they are secure. This isn’t just about locking doors; it’s about crafting a smarter, safer experience for remote and hybrid workforces who need security that matches the pace of business today.

Karl Ford-Lissenden, Head of IT at So Energy, summed it up beautifully: 

“The Red Helix team made the transition to ZTNA remarkably seamless. Their expertise, coupled with a user-friendly approach, made implementation quick and completely hassle-free. Their technical teams provided first-class support throughout the entire activation and beyond. Red Helix really put the work in and now feel like an extension of our own team.”

So, if your current network access feels more like a crowded hostel than a private hotel, maybe it’s time to upgrade.