Cisco Secure Access vs Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) comparison

Cisco Secure Access is a comprehensive Security Service Edge (SSE) solution (a key component of a SASE solution) that addresses the complexities of securing a hybrid enterprise. Cloud-delivered and grounded in zero trust, it delivers a unique blend of user simplicity and IT efficiency for frictionless, secure access to all applications—SaaS (with gen AI), private apps, and the internet—regardless of user location or device. Secure Access protects users, data, and devices against relentless, sophisticated, and constantly evolving threats including AI-driven attacks and identity breaches.

Provides all core SSE components (ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and FWaaS) plus extended capabilities.

• Includes VPN-as-a-Service (VPNaaS), data loss prevention (DLP), AI Assistant, visibility/control/guardrails for generative AI use, digital experience monitoring (DEM), reserved IP, remote browser isolation (RBI), DNS-layer security, flexible security enforcement (in cloud or on-premises), policy verification, and more.

• Protects users as they seamlessly access resources and apps with no extra steps needed, regardless of protocol, port, or level of customization

• Simplifies IT operations through a single client, single dashboard, single license, and unified policies.

• Lowers risk with least privilege, granular controls backed with unmatched threat intelligence of Cisco Talos.

• Eases interoperability with other products from Cisco and third-party vendors with common administrative controls, data structures, and policy management.

Robust integrations

• Integrates with Cisco Identity Intelligence to protect against the startling increase in identity-based attacks.

• Integrates with many SAML Identity Providers (IDPs) such as AD, Azure AD, Okta, Ping, etc.

• Integrates with Cisco offerings including SD-WAN, Splunk, XDR, Thousand Eyes, third party technologies such as Menlo RBI, Chrome Enterprise Browser, and AppOmni for SSPM.

Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) enhances security by restricting network access based on identity verification and continuous assessment. It ensures that users connect to applications or resources only when authenticated and authorized, offering continuous protection against threats.

This robust approach caters to dynamic modern environments, providing granular access controls that adapt to real-time security conditions. By leveraging contextual analysis and policy enforcement, it ensures secure, seamless access tailored to user roles. It's fine-tuned to combat sophisticated cyber threats and limits exposure by connecting users directly to the applications they need, bypassing traditional network-based threats.

• Adaptive Access Control: Dynamically adjusts access based on user and device trust levels.
• Granular Policy Application: Enables fine-tuned access policies for different users and devices.
• Identity-Centric Security: Verifies identities before granting access to resources.
• Continuous Monitoring: Keeps an eye on user activities to minimize risks.

• Enhanced Security: Reduces risk by limiting access and constantly verifying trust.
• Improved Compliance: Assists in maintaining regulatory requirements with detailed access control.
• Scalability: Easily expands to support growing access needs without compromising security.
• Cost Efficiency: Potentially lowers costs by streamlining security operations and reducing breach incidents.

Symantec Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is especially beneficial for industries like finance and healthcare, where secure data access is crucial. In finance, it provides secure remote banking services, while in healthcare, it ensures protected access to sensitive patient data, maintaining privacy and compliance.