Extreme Networks (News - Alert) rolled out new features in its ExtremeCloud Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

This solution is known for being one of the simplest and most complete identity-based network access options available. It combines cloud Network Access Control and ZTNA into one easy-to-use Software as a Service (SaaS (News - Alert)) platform. With a single zero-trust policy engine, it protects both networks and applications, providing consistent security, clear visibility, and a smooth experience for users, whether they are working remotely or on-site.

Cybersecurity remains a priority for CIOs and IT leaders. According to a recent survey conducted by Dynata and Extreme, 96 percent of decision-makers view the network as foundational to a strong cybersecurity and risk management strategy. This underscores the demand for streamlined and cohesive security solutions.

“Organizations must support hybrid work models and have struggled with the complexity caused by networking and security being siloed. With new devices and users, risk increases daily. To make a dent in this complexity, organizations are moving away from legacy VPN and firewall solutions,” said David Nuti, Head of Security Strategy, at Extreme Networks. “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.”

To further enhance network security, Extreme also introduced several new capabilities including:

• Mitigating Shadow IT Risks: The platform now automates the identification of private applications accessed within an organization, allowing IT teams to monitor how and when these applications are used. This feature helps reduce the risks associated with shadow IT by curtailing unauthorized access to non-compliant applications, including AI productivity tools. With Universal ZTNA, administrators can easily add or deny applications with a single click, reinforcing consistent policy enforcement and providing comprehensive visibility.
• Reducing Troubleshooting Time: The updated dashboard allows teams to quickly assess application access issues and adjust policies or identity levels, streamlining troubleshooting and accelerating resolution times. This enhancement supports a unified Zero Trust security policy across applications, users, and IoT devices.
• Consistent Policy Management: Universal ZTNA now facilitates automated policy enforcement throughout the entire Extreme Networks ecosystem, as well as third-party cloud-managed and on-premises switches and access points. This enables IT teams to maintain uniform security policies across hybrid network environments, enhancing flexibility in controlling access for both remote and on-site users.