Top 8 zero trust vendors & providers in 2025

Your employees probably connect to your company network from coffee shops, airports, or home offices; they access sensitive customer data, and nobody questions whether those laptops are actually secure or if they've been compromised.

Sounds risky? That's because it is. Traditional security assumes everything inside your network is safe, but that assumption breaks down the moment someone works remotely or a device gets compromised.

Zero trust flips this approach entirely. Instead of trusting by default, zero trust verifies every user, device, and connection before granting access to anything. It's the security model that assumes breach is inevitable and builds protection accordingly. 

However, implementing zero trust can be quite a challenge. Choosing the wrong zero trust solution can leave you with expensive tools that don't integrate well, create user friction, or miss critical security gaps. 

The right vendors make zero trust feel invisible while providing comprehensive protection. 

We’ll explore those top zero-trust vendors in this guide and help you understand which solutions actually deliver on the promises.

What is zero trust?

Zero trust is simply a security model that requires strict identity verification for every person and device trying to access your network, regardless of whether they're inside or outside your organization. 

The core idea is simple: never trust, always verify. Nobody gets automatic access to anything just because they're on the company network or using a company device.

The model operates on several key principles that work together:

• Least privilege access: Users get the minimum access necessary to do their jobs, nothing more.

• Continuous verification: Identity and device security get checked constantly, not just at login.

• Micro-segmentation: Networks and applications are divided into small, isolated segments.

• Assume breach: Security systems operate under the assumption that attackers are already inside.

Zero trust isn't just a single product you can buy and install. It's an approach that requires multiple security tools working together to verify identities, monitor behavior, control access, and respond to threats. 

The goal is creating a security posture that protects against both external attacks and insider threats while enabling legitimate business activities.

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Types of zero trust security tools

Implementing zero trust requires several categories of security tools that work together:

1. Identity and access management (IAM) platforms

IAM software controls who can access what resources and under which conditions. These platforms manage user identities, enforce authentication requirements, and apply access control policies based on user roles, device health, and other factors. They're the foundation of zero trust because they handle the "who" and "what" of access decisions.

2. Endpoint detection & response (EDR) tools

Endpoint security solutions monitor devices for threats and suspicious activity. In zero trust, device security is important because compromised endpoints can't be trusted to access sensitive resources. EDR tools help ensure that only healthy, properly configured devices can connect to your network and applications.

3. Secure web gateways (SWG)

SWG tools filter web traffic and block access to malicious websites, preventing users from accessing dangerous content that could compromise their devices. They also enforce policies about which websites and online services employees can access from corporate devices.

4. Zero trust network access (ZTNA) solutions

ZTNA creates secure, encrypted connections between users and specific applications without giving them broad network access. Users can only reach the applications they're authorized to use, and they can't see or access anything else on the network. ZTNA replaces traditional VPNs with more granular access controls.

5. User behavior analytics tools

These systems monitor how users typically behave and flag activities that seem unusual or suspicious. For example, if someone normally works during business hours but suddenly accesses sensitive data at 3 AM from an unusual location, the system can require additional verification or block the access entirely.

Critical components of zero trust

A comprehensive zero trust architecture requires several essential elements working together:

Identity verification & management

Every user must be properly authenticated and continuously verified throughout their session. This includes not just initial login but ongoing verification based on behavior patterns, access requests, and risk factors. Strong identity management ensures you always know who is accessing what and whether that access is appropriate.

Least privilege access policies

Users and devices should only have access to the specific resources they need for their role, nothing more. Access permissions should be regularly reviewed and updated as responsibilities change. This principle limits the potential damage from compromised accounts or insider threats.

Micro-segmentation of networks and applications

Networks and applications should be divided into small, isolated segments with controlled access between them. If one segment gets compromised, the attack can't easily spread to other parts of your environment. This containment approach limits the scope of potential breaches.

Continuous risk assessment & monitoring

Security systems must constantly evaluate the risk level of users, devices, and access requests. This includes monitoring for unusual behavior, assessing device health, and considering contextual factors like location and time of access. 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Strong authentication requires multiple verification factors beyond just passwords. This might include something you know (password), something you have (phone or token), and something you are (biometric data). MFA methods should be adaptive, requiring stronger authentication for higher-risk access requests.

Data encryption & secure access controls

All data should be encrypted both in transit and at rest, with access controls that ensure only authorized users can decrypt and access sensitive information. Encryption provides protection even if other cybersecurity controls fail or data gets copied to unauthorized locations.

Automated policy enforcement and response

Security policies should be enforced automatically rather than relying on manual processes. When threats are detected or access violations occur, the system should respond immediately to contain the threat and prevent further damage. Automation ensures consistent policy application and rapid response times.

Top 8 zero trust vendors and providers

Here's how the leading zero trust providers compare across key capabilities:

1. Rippling

Rippling IT takes a unique approach by combining zero trust security with comprehensive employee lifecycle management. The platform integrates identity management, device security, and access controls with HR and IT systems, creating seamless zero-trust policies that adjust automatically as employees join, change roles, or leave.

The solution provides granular policy enforcement based on employee data, device health, and contextual factors. When someone gets promoted or moves departments, their access permissions update automatically. Device management ensures that only properly configured, monitored devices can access company resources. The integrated approach eliminates gaps between security policies and actual business operations.

Key features of Rippling’s zero trust security approach include:

• Streamlined setup: With natively built IAM and MDM software, you can deploy protocols in minutes.

• Layered security: Keep devices secure with a variety of conditional access rules, from granular access control to role-based MFA.

• Precise targeting: Get granular with your security requirements and access rules by customizing based on user and device attributes.

• Consistent compliance: Meet compliance standards like SOC 2, GDPR, and more.

2. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access

Prisma Access delivers a cloud-native SASE platform powered by Precision AI, providing security in a solution that protects users, apps, devices, and data everywhere. The platform combines multiple security capabilities, including ZTNA, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), and remote browser isolation (RBI) to deliver real-time threat prevention.

Prisma Access integrates with Palo Alto's broader security ecosystem. The platform works for organizations with distributed workforces requiring secure access to applications and data across multiple locations.

3. Cisco Zero Trust Security

Cisco's zero trust approach focuses on embedding access controls across users, devices, apps, networks, and clouds in multi-environment IT infrastructures. The platform operates on four core functions: establish trust, enforce trust-based access, continually verify trust, and respond to changes in trust. 

Cisco's solution covers user and device security, network and cloud security, and application and data security through its integrated portfolio. It integrates with existing Cisco infrastructure and is positioned for organizations operating in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

4. Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD)

Microsoft Entra ID is a cloud identity and access management solution that provides conditional access policies and authentication controls for zero trust implementations. The platform offers single sign-on (SSO) across multicloud environments, MFA, passwordless authentication, and identity protection capabilities. 

Entra ID manages identities and access for both cloud and on-premises applications from a centralized location. The solution integrates with Microsoft's broader ecosystem, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and on-premises Active Directory environments. 

5. Okta Identity Cloud

Okta Identity Cloud provides identity and access management with customer Identity cloud and workforce identity cloud offerings, positioning identity as the central control point for zero trust implementations. The platform extends zero trust access controls to applications, Windows and Linux servers, and APIs. 

Okta includes SSO, lifecycle management, MFA, API access management, and access gateway for on-premises applications. The solution integrates with network security, cloud access security brokers, unified endpoint management, and security analytics tools across the security stack. 

6. Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange is a cloud-native security platform that uses a proxy architecture to broker one-to-one connections between users and applications based on identity, context, and business policies. It operates on the principle of least-privileged access and provides full TLS/SSL inspection at scale. 

The solution covers security for the workforce, cloud workloads, IoT/OT devices, and B2B partners through its global security cloud infrastructure. Zscaler also integrates AI/ML capabilities for cyberthreat and data protection across the platform. 

7. Cloudflare Access

Cloudflare provides ZTNA through Cloudflare Access as part of its connectivity cloud platform that delivers multiple networking, security, and performance services. The platform verifies context, including identity and device posture for every request to provide access across self-hosted, SaaS, and non-web applications. 

Cloudflare Access also includes web application firewall, bot management, L7 DDoS protection, API security, secure web gateway, and cloud access security broker functionality within its broader SASE offering. The product operates through Cloudflare's global network infrastructure to deliver secure access without traditional VPN requirements.

8. CrowdStrike

CrowdStrike Falcon Identity Protection provides identity security as part of a zero trust strategy across identities, endpoints, cloud, and data. The platform uses a cloud-native architecture with a single lightweight agent that unifies endpoint and identity protection. 

It also includes AI-driven threat detection that establishes behavioral baselines to detect anomalies, adaptive conditional access with risk-based MFA, and auto-MFA features across applications. The platform aims to reduce complexity by combining identity and endpoint protection in a single agent.

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How to choose the best zero trust solution

Selecting the right zero trust vendor requires careful evaluation of several key factors:

Evaluate reputation and customer reviews

Look for vendors with proven track records and positive customer feedback, particularly from organizations similar to yours. Check references and case studies to understand how well solutions work in real-world deployments. Pay attention to customer support quality and vendor stability.

Check for comprehensive identity management features

Identity management is the foundation of zero trust, so ensure vendors provide robust authentication, authorization, and identity governance capabilities. Look for features like adaptive MFA, conditional access policies, and integration with your existing identity systems.

Ensure scalability for future needs

Choose solutions that can grow with your organization and adapt to changing cybersecurity requirements. Consider both user growth and expanding technology environments. Scalable solutions prevent the need to replace security tools as your business evolves.

Compatibility with existing infrastructure

Evaluate how well potential solutions integrate with your current security tools, applications, and infrastructure. Seamless integration reduces deployment complexity and ensures better security coverage. Consider both technical compatibility and operational fit.

Ease of deployment and user experience

Complex deployments can create security gaps and user resistance. Look for solutions that minimize disruption during implementation and provide good user experiences that encourage adoption. Poor user experience often leads to workarounds that undermine security.

Rippling: The best choice for a zero trust vendor

Rippling enables organizations to deploy zero trust security through unified device and identity management, giving the right users the right level of access to company resources. The platform combines natively built identity and access management (IAM) and mobile device management (MDM) software with streamlined security controls that strengthen security without hurting employee productivity.

Key capabilities include:

• Device trust deployment: Customize and deploy device trust protocols in minutes with layered security, including granular access controls, role-based MFA, and conditional access rules

• Lifecycle automation: Automate user provisioning and deprovisioning across the entire user lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding with policy automations for SSO, permissions, and devices

• Dynamic policies: Deploy precise security requirements and conditional access rules based on any combination of user and device attributes like department, role, operating system, and encryption status

• Behavioral detection: Monitor suspicious activity with behavioral-based triggers that require MFA when suspicious IP addresses are detected

• Device management: Control Apple and Windows devices with MDM, endpoint protection, zero-touch deployment, remote locking, and wiping capabilities

• Compliance automation: Meet standards such as SOC 2 and GDPR by ensuring users only have appropriate access levels, with activity audit logs and compliance reporting

• Native integration: Leverage over 600+ integrations, including custom SCIM and SAML with a single source of truth combining IdP and HRIS data

The platform operates on native user and device data, providing total visibility and control across identity, devices, and inventory throughout the user lifecycle while automatically adjusting access as employees change roles or leave the organization.

Zero trust vendors FAQs

What role does identity management play in zero trust?

Identity management serves as the foundation of any zero trust architecture. Since zero trust operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," every access decision must start with confirming who is requesting access and whether that request is appropriate. Effective identity management also enables granular access controls based on user attributes like department, role, and employment status, ensuring users get exactly the access they need—nothing more, nothing less.

How long does it take to implement zero trust?

Zero trust implementation timelines vary significantly based on your approach and existing infrastructure. Organizations using unified platforms that combine identity management with device and policy management can often deploy basic zero trust controls in minutes to weeks, while those relying on multiple point solutions may require months of integration work. 

What features should I prioritize in a zero trust platform?

Prioritize strong identity and access management capabilities, comprehensive device security, and seamless integration with your existing tools. Look for adaptive authentication, continuous monitoring, and policy automation features. The ability to scale and provide good user experience is also needed for successful adoption.

How does implementing zero trust impact user experience?

Well-implemented zero trust should minimally impact user experience while providing stronger security. Users might notice additional authentication steps initially, but features like single sign-on and adaptive authentication reduce friction over time. Poor implementations can create significant user friction, so choosing solutions with good user experience design is important.