Ziti is an open-source networking framework developed by NetFoundry that implements zero-trust network access (ZTNA) principles. It enables secure, identity-based connectivity for applications, services, and devices without relying on traditional network perimeters. By abstracting network connectivity from underlying infrastructure, Ziti allows developers and operators to securely expose and access services regardless of location—on-premises, cloud, or edge.
The framework replaces legacy VPNs and firewall rules with fine-grained access controls and cryptographic identity verification. It operates by creating a software-defined perimeter where services are invisible to the public internet and accessible only to authorized clients with valid identities and policies. This approach reduces attack surface and mitigates common threats like port scanning and lateral movement.
- Secure service exposure without opening firewall ports
- Identity-based access control using mutual TLS and policies
- Dynamic circuit creation across hybrid networks
- Integration with CI/CD and cloud-native architectures
- Support for micro-segmentation and least-privilege access
Ziti is commonly used in cloud-native, IoT, and hybrid enterprise environments where security and agility are critical. Roles such as network engineers, security architects, DevOps engineers, and platform developers often work with Ziti to build resilient and secure connectivity solutions. Expertise in Ziti includes configuring identity-based policies, managing edge routers, writing service APIs, and integrating with Kubernetes and CI/CD pipelines. Familiarity with networking fundamentals, PKI, and zero-trust security models is essential for effective implementation.