IoT devices bring major benefits to businesses, enabling automated processes and real-time data sharing. However, managing and monitoring these devices often requires outside help, since many internal IT teams don’t have the specialized skills needed. These third-party service providers usually connect to company networks using their own laptops or tablets, which introduces significant security risks.
Recent data shows that nearly half of organizations have experienced a cybersecurity incident involving a third party in the past year. This raises a critical question: if external devices are necessary but risky, how can companies stay secure?
The answer lies in clientless zero-trust network access (ZTNA) — a modern approach that limits access to only what’s needed, without requiring full network exposure.
The Problem with Traditional VPNs
For many companies, virtual private networks (VPNs) are the standard way to allow outside access. But VPNs pose serious security issues. Once a contractor logs into a VPN, they often have access to much more than they need. This opens the door for lateral movement — where unauthorized access spreads through the network.
Another issue is that companies usually don’t manage third-party devices. That means they can’t know whether those devices are secure or infected with malware. This lack of control increases the risk of breaches.
A useful analogy compares VPN access to a hotel elevator. If a technician needs to fix an HVAC unit on the 5th floor, VPN access is like letting them use the elevator freely. Nothing stops them from getting off on other floors — or worse, from being followed in by a malicious actor. This represents the danger of lateral movement and hidden malware that can infiltrate company systems through unmanaged devices.
Zero Trust: Access Only What’s Needed
With clientless ZTNA, the technician is virtually dropped directly into the room on the 5th floor — and can’t go anywhere else.
Zero-trust principles work by denying all access by default. Only specific permissions are granted by policy. A strong clientless ZTNA solution also isolates the third party’s interactions with business applications in a secure cloud container. This means even if malware exists on the contractor’s device, it cannot reach or infect the company’s internal systems.
This approach offers two main benefits:
- No lateral movement – Access is limited to just the required IoT devices or applications, following a “least privilege” principle.
- Malware protection – All interactions happen in a secure, isolated portal, so company systems remain safe even if the connecting device is compromised.
Beyond Contractors: BYOD Use Cases
Clientless ZTNA is also ideal for companies with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies. Some businesses can’t afford to provide laptops for every employee. With ZTNA, personal devices can safely connect to work applications without putting the network at risk.
Through admin-defined policies, employees get access only to approved resources. Their personal devices never interact directly with company infrastructure, reducing the chance of malware infections or unauthorized access.
Securing Large IoT Deployments
As IoT and operational technology (OT) devices continue to expand — often using 4G and 5G wireless networks — many businesses rely on external contractors for maintenance. These devices are frequently difficult to update, and their default credentials make them a favorite target for cybercriminals.
Clientless ZTNA provides a safe way to give contractors secure access to these devices without handing them the keys to the full network. It offers IT teams a way to balance scalability with security, offloading the management of IoT and OT systems without sacrificing control.
Looking Ahead
The number of IoT deployments is expected to surge in the coming years. Companies need a way to support this growth securely. Clientless ZTNA offers a future-ready solution — ensuring third parties and employees can connect safely while keeping company networks protected from lateral movement and malware.
Whether it’s managing IoT infrastructure or enabling secure BYOD access, clientless ZTNA is laying the foundation for secure, scalable, and flexible enterprise networks.
