Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Readiness Assessment Checklist

This Zero Trust Network Access readiness assessment checklist ensures alignment with NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture principles, CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM) pillar requirements, and Forrester Zero Trust eXtended (ZTX) framework. Designed for Zero Trust architects and CISOs to evaluate current security posture, identify gaps, and plan the Zero Trust transformation journey. Complete annually or when initiating ZTNA projects.

Industry: Telecommunications & IT
Frequency: Annually
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Role: Zero Trust Architect / CISO
Total Items: 30
Compliance: NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture, CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM) v2.0, Forrester Zero Trust eXtended (ZTX) Framework, EO 14028 Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity, NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5 Zero Trust Controls

Identity Pillar

Identity as the new perimeter per NIST SP 800-207.

MFA enforced for ALL users (including privileged)?
Conditional access policies based on risk signals?
Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution implemented?
Identity governance and access review process implemented?
Passwordless authentication roadmap defined?

Device Pillar

Device trust and compliance enforcement.

Complete device inventory maintained (managed and unmanaged)?
Device compliance required before granting resource access?
EDR/XDR deployed on all managed endpoints?
Device patch compliance >= 95% for critical patches?
Unmanaged device access to sensitive resources blocked?

Network Pillar

Micro-segmentation and network access controls.

Micro-segmentation implemented for critical workloads?
ZTNA solution replacing legacy VPN (or roadmap exists)?
East-west traffic inspection implemented?
Software-defined perimeter (SDP) principles applied?
Internal traffic encryption strategy defined?

Application Pillar

Application access security and workload protection.

Complete application inventory maintained?
Per-application access policies defined (least privilege)?
API security controls implemented?
Application-layer segmentation implemented?
Secure SDLC with SAST/DAST implemented?

Data Pillar

Data classification, protection, and access controls.

Data classification scheme implemented?
DLP solution deployed for data in motion and at rest?
Sensitive data encrypted at rest and in transit?
Data access reviews performed regularly?
Information Rights Management (IRM) considered for sensitive docs?

Visibility and Analytics Pillar

Continuous monitoring and threat detection.

SIEM deployed with ZT telemetry integration?
User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) implemented?
Comprehensive logging across all ZT pillars?
Proactive threat hunting program established?
Zero Trust transformation roadmap documented and approved?

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Why Use This Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Readiness Assessment Checklist?

This zero trust network access (ztna) readiness assessment checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for zero trust architect / ciso professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.

Ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture, CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM) v2.0, Forrester Zero Trust eXtended (ZTX) Framework, EO 14028 Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity, NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5 Zero Trust Controls. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Readiness Assessment Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Identity Pillar, Device Pillar, Network Pillar, Application Pillar, Data Pillar, Visibility and Analytics Pillar. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Who should use this Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Readiness Assessment Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Zero Trust Architect / CISO professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.