Akamai vs Zero Networks

About Zero Networks

Zero Networks automatically creates and enforces least-privilege controls across every asset, identity, and connection. Assets, identities, and AI agents are segmented automatically.^[5][8]

Zero divides a network into smaller, isolated micro-segments through automated security policies for assets and AI. Zero automatically discovers every asset, identity, and AI agent on the network. For 30 days, Zero observes real network traffic. Every generated rule runs against real traffic first, showing how the rule would function in the live environment. Zero enforces granular least privilege policies that dynamically adapt as the network changes.^[5][10]

Zero applies JIT MFA to network layer 3, which protects critical assets and privileged pathways like RDP, SMB, SSH, WinRM, and RPC. Network-layer MFA keeps admin ports, sensitive systems, and critical services closed by default and open only after just-in-time verification. RPC Firewall allows only legitimate and crucial RPC traffic and blocks unwarranted operations. RPC Firewall addresses threats including lateral movement, remote code execution, internal discovery, and relay attacks. Domain Controllers, Certificate Authorities, and Federation Services are essential services covered by the solution.^[5][10][12]

Zero sets access controls based on the identity of users, devices, AI agents, or applications to stop privileged account abuse. Zero restricts privileged account access to operational needs only to remove the risk of credential theft. Zero applies the concept of microsegmentation to identities, AI agents, and non-human accounts. Zero learns all logon activities, account behaviors, and asset access patterns to create automated policies based on legitimate behavior. Service, admin, and agent accounts are restricted to pre-approved assets and logon types, so lateral movement and unauthorized access are blocked even if credentials get stolen. Admins can only log on to pre-approved assets after MFA. Zero revokes excessive logon rights for AI agents, admin, and service accounts. Multi-factor authentication is integrated into the logon process, and temporary access is granted only after successful authentication. Zero discovers service accounts and automates access controls based on operational needs.^[1][5][11]

Zero Networks Connect is a solution for secure remote access. Zero combines the speed of VPN with the security of ZTNA to connect remote employees and vendors. Policies allow user access to all or pre-approved apps and services. Zero remote access enforces access controls, tracks user activity, creates audit trails, and enforces MFA user authentication.^[1][12]

Agentless microsegmentation protects legacy systems from lateral movement without requiring network redesigns. Network-layer MFA can be enforced on legacy systems, databases, and other hard-to-protect assets. Zero works over existing infrastructure using native OS components such as IPTables, WFP, ACLs, and NFTables. Zero Networks segments modern IT, legacy systems, OT, IoT, and devices that were never built to host security software through the infrastructure already in place. Policy is applied through host-based firewalls on IT devices and ACLs on the switches connecting OT devices. PLCs, HMIs, and unmanaged devices get segmented without anyone touching them. Zero observes actual connections over a learning period and generates least-privilege rules. An eBPF-based pod on each node captures network activity. The Kubernetes Access Matrix maps every namespace-to-namespace, app-to-app, and workload-to-workload connection in real time. Zero enforces through eBPF and native Kubernetes Network Policies. App owners keep pushing policy as YAML through CI/CD, and Zero automatically detects and translates it into a unified rule view.^{[8][9][13][14]}

Zero Networks contains risk by design, and a deterministic enforcement layer keeps every tool, agent, and workflow governed. Zero automatically discovers each AI agent and enforces least agency at the identity layer. Every segmentation policy, access event, and enforcement action is logged automatically and continuously. Zero automatically maps every asset, identity, and communication path in an acquired environment. Full segmentation across an acquired environment follows within 90 days. Zero builds a containment architecture with automated, identity-based microsegmentation to stop attacks before they spread. Privileged ports are closed by default and opened only temporarily after MFA is satisfied. Zero Networks continuously maps what every identity and system can reach and updates policies. Continuously enforced segmentation and MFA controls generate evidence of cyber resilience for insurers, regulators, and board-level reporting.^{[1][3][5][7][8][9][13][15][17]}