Many small-to-medium-sized businesses in the Caribbean believe that cyberattacks only target large enterprises. The reality is very different. SMBs are often prime targets because they rely on basic VPNs, weak authentication methods, or access controls that vary by where employees are working. As remote and hybrid work become the norm across the region, these gaps create a serious risk. Universal Zero Trust Network Access (Universal ZTNA) helps level the playing field by applying zero-trust principles consistently, no matter where users are located or how they connect.
Universal ZTNA is designed to secure access to applications everywhere, whether employees are working from the office, at home, or on the road. Instead of trusting users simply because they are “inside” the network, Universal ZTNA assumes that every connection could be a threat until it is verified.
This means:
- Users and devices must prove their identity before accessing applications
- Access can be re-validated after inactivity or changes in behaviour
- Multi-factor authentication and identity checks are enforced consistently
Unlike traditional ZTNA approaches that work differently depending on location, Universal ZTNA delivers the same experience and the same level of protection everywhere. Many Caribbean businesses still rely heavily on VPNs for remote access. While VPNs were once effective, they often create a false sense of security. If credentials are stolen, attackers can gain broad access to internal systems. This ensures attackers cannot exploit weaker remote access paths.
Universal ZTNA reduces this risk by:
- Limiting access to specific applications rather than the entire network
- Applying the same strict verification to determine whether users are local or remote
- Removing location-based trust assumptions
Universal ZTNA improves both security and usability. Employees no longer struggle with different login procedures depending on where they are working, and IT teams don’t have to manage multiple access systems.
For Caribbean SMBs, this means:
- Faster onboarding for new and hybrid employees
- Fewer access-related support tickets
- Simpler management with one unified access policy
Consistency reduces confusion, improves productivity, and strengthens security at the same time. As businesses grow and adopt cloud services, managing access becomes more complex. Universal ZTNA simplifies this by enforcing one set of security policies across all applications and environments.
This is especially important for organizations that must meet regulatory or compliance requirements. A single, consistent access model makes audits easier and ensures no part of the network is left unprotected.
- Secure remote access without complex VPN management
- Stronger protection against phishing and credential theft
- Reduced IT overhead through a single access control system
- Scalable security that supports growth and digital transformation
- Consistent policies that improve compliance and visibility
With solutions like Fortinet Universal ZTNA, Caribbean businesses can adopt enterprise-grade zero-trust security without the cost or complexity traditionally associated with it. Fortinet’s integrated approach allows SMBs to secure applications, users, and devices through a single platform, regardless of location.
In a region where businesses must balance growth, mobility, and limited IT resources, Universal ZTNA provides a practical and powerful way to protect critical data while enabling modern work.
Citation: Fortinet. (n.d.). Universal ZTNA (zero-trust network access). Fortinet Cyber Glossary. https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/universal-ztna