Enhancing Security and Simplifying Management with C1’s Managed Services and Cisco’s ZTNA Solution

However, implementing ZTNA can be complex. That’s where C1’s Managed Services come into play. With our expertise in managing and optimizing Cisco’s ZTNA solutions, we help enterprise customers not only achieve a higher level of security but also reduce the burden on IT teams and cut costs. Here’s a closer look at Cisco’s ZTNA solution, the challenges enterprises face with ZTNA implementation, and how C1’s Managed Services can deliver a streamlined, cost-effective experience. 

Cisco’s ZTNA Solution: A Comprehensive Approach to Security 

Cisco’s ZTNA solution includes a suite of technologies that provide end-to-end protection based on zero-trust principles. Key components include:  

• Cisco® Secure Access by Duo™: Duo provides multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device trust capabilities. It continuously verifies the identities of users and the security posture of devices, ensuring that only trusted users and devices can access applications.  
• Cisco® Identity Services Engine (ISE): ISE offers deep visibility into who and what is accessing the network, applying context-based policies to control access. By integrating identity and security context, ISE ensures that ZTNA policies are consistently enforced across the network.  
• Cisco® AnyConnect™ with Secure Client: This secure remote access solution integrates with Duo to continuously verify user identities, device health, and security posture. It supports zero-trust principles by restricting access to trusted users and devices, even in remote environments.  
• Cisco® Umbrella™: Cisco Umbrella provides secure internet access and DNS-layer security, enforcing ZTNA policies by controlling access to cloud applications and resources. Integration with identity solutions enables granular, identity-based access control.  
• Cisco® Secure Network Analytics (Stealthwatch™): Stealthwatch uses advanced network visibility and behavioral analytics to detect anomalies and enforce access policies, ensuring that users and devices adhere to ZTNA’s continuous verification requirements.  
• Cisco® Secure Workload (formerly Tetration™): Secure Workload provides micro-segmentation and workload protection, applying strict access controls to limit lateral movement. This aligns with ZTNA’s goal of restricting access to only the resources users need.

Together, these tools create a robust ZTNA framework that enforces continuous verification based on identity, device trust, and behavior. While Cisco’s ZTNA solution offers strong protection, implementing and managing these tools can be challenging, especially for enterprises with limited IT resources.

The Challenges of ZTNA Implementation for Enterprise IT Teams  

ZTNA is critical for securing access in modern, distributed environments, but it requires significant expertise to implement correctly. For many enterprises, adopting ZTNA means reconfiguring existing infrastructure, setting up complex identity and access management (IAM) systems, and continuously monitoring network behavior. This often places a heavy burden on IT teams, which are already stretched thin managing other aspects of cybersecurity and IT operations.  

Additionally, the continuous monitoring and analysis needed to maintain a zero-trust environment can be resource-intensive. Without the right expertise, it can be challenging to keep up with policy enforcement, respond to anomalies, and adjust to evolving threats. These challenges not only complicate ZTNA adoption but also increase the costs and risks associated with maintaining a zero-trust environment.  

How C1’s Managed Services Simplify Cisco’s ZTNA Implementation

C1’s Managed Services are designed to alleviate these challenges by offering end-to-end support for Cisco’s ZTNA solution. Our team of experts handles the complexities of implementing, configuring, and maintaining Cisco’s ZTNA tools, making it easier for enterprises to achieve robust security without overwhelming their internal IT teams. 

Here’s how C1’s Managed Services enhance Cisco’s ZTNA solution:  

1. Expert Implementation and Configuration: We start by assessing your current infrastructure and designing a customized ZTNA solution that fits your unique needs. Our team configures each Cisco component—Duo™, ISE, AnyConnect™, Umbrella™, Stealthwatch™, and Secure Workload—to ensure they work seamlessly together. This means you can rely on a fully optimized ZTNA setup from day one.  

2. 24/7 Monitoring and Incident Response: Continuous verification is central to ZTNA, but monitoring network behavior 24/7 can be challenging. With C1’s Managed Services, we take on this responsibility, providing round-the-clock monitoring and incident response. We catch anomalies early and enforce policies consistently, ensuring that your zero-trust environment remains secure.  

3. Simplified Policy Management and Compliance: As security policies evolve, so too must your ZTNA configuration. C1’s team manages policy updates, compliance requirements, and adjustments to security settings. This simplifies policy management and ensures your organization remains compliant with industry regulations.   

4. Cost Savings through Operational Efficiency: By outsourcing ZTNA management to C1, enterprises reduce the need for additional in-house cybersecurity resources, lowering operational costs. C1’s Managed Services provide cost-efficient access to top-tier ZTNA expertise, allowing you to achieve comprehensive security without the high costs of expanding your IT team.  

The Benefits of C1’s Managed Services for ZTNA  

Partnering with C1 for Cisco’s ZTNA solution offers a range of benefits for enterprises: 

• Reduced IT Burden: We handle the day-to-day management of ZTNA, freeing your IT team to focus on other strategic initiatives.

• Enhanced Security Posture: With 24/7 monitoring and proactive incident response, we ensure that security is maintained continuously.

• Cost Efficiency: Avoid the high costs of building an in-house zero-trust team by leveraging C1’s expertise.

• Scalable Support: As your organization grows, we adapt your ZTNA solution to meet evolving security needs.

Conclusion

Cisco’s ZTNA solution provides a powerful foundation for zero-trust security, but implementing and maintaining it requires significant resources and expertise. By partnering with C1 Managed Services, enterprises gain a trusted ally in deploying and managing Cisco’s ZTNA tools. Together, Cisco and C1 deliver an end-to-end solution that enhances security, reduces complexity, and cuts costs—empowering organizations to focus on growth with confidence in their cybersecurity.  

To learn more about how ZTNA can benefit your organization, please contact our C1 Security Experts.