“Zero Trust Network Access by Design: Short-Lived Certs, No VPNs, No Keys” – Valentin Hristev

This talk covers the importance of adopting a new security strategy for modern IT systems through Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). The speaker explains how ZTNA operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," ensuring that every access attempt is thoroughly vetted rather than automatically trusting users or devices on the network. By transitioning away from traditional VPNs, organizations can create a secure, controlled environment that relies on verified identities and temporary access credentials, effectively mitigating risks associated with long-lived SSH keys. Attendees will learn how to apply ZTNA principles for infrastructure security, leverage ephemeral authentication, and outline steps to implement ZTNA successfully.