OpenZiti, a revolutionary open-source project, is changing the way people think about connectivity by embedding zero-trust networking principles directly into applications. Developed by NetFoundry, OpenZiti serves as both a networking platform and a development platform, allowing developers to build applications with enhanced security features.
According to Philip Griffiths, VP – Head of Global Business Development and Alliances at NetFoundry, OpenZiti provides developers with the ability to create applications with superpowers, including strong identity, mTLS, E2EE, private DNS, smart routing, mobile endpoints, and more. Each client in an OpenZiti system is required to have a unique identity with provisioned certificates to establish secure communication channels and authenticate their access to network applications. If a client’s access is denied or revoked, any open network connections will be terminated, ensuring that clients can only access applications for which they have explicit authorization.
Aside from certificate-based client authentication, OpenZiti also utilizes certificates to authorize communication between its components, further enhancing the security of the system. As more companies embrace the technology to integrate zero-trust networking principles into their products, OpenZiti is set to gain widespread adoption in various industries.
Griffiths revealed that OpenZiti is already being utilized by US defense contractors, large OT/ICS automation OEMs, critical infrastructure organizations, and a cybersecurity company based in Israel. Additionally, several open-source projects have started adopting OpenZiti, highlighting its versatility and potential for widespread adoption.
Looking towards the future, Griffiths shared that many companies will soon go public on their use of OpenZiti, helping to increase adoption among organizations seeking to enhance their offerings with zero-trust networking capabilities. OpenZiti is currently available for free on GitHub, making it accessible to developers and organizations looking to leverage its advanced security features.
With its innovative approach to networking and security, OpenZiti is poised to transform the way applications are built and secured, offering a new level of protection against cyber threats and unauthorized access. Developers and organizations alike can benefit from integrating OpenZiti into their products, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for their users.