Citrix and IGEL deliver industry’s first ZTNA solution for IGEL OS devices

Updated on October 17, 2024 with a link to the Citrix Secure Access app in the IGEL App Portal at the end of this article.

Organizations attempting to reduce exposure to threats and vulnerabilities need to take a comprehensive approach towards securing application access and protecting corporate data. VPNs are no longer suitable for remote access because of the unrestricted access they provide, the lack of continuous enforcement, and the lack of controls for admins to restrict access.

Citrix has been a pioneer in delivering zero trust network access (ZTNA) to virtual applications and desktops, private web and SaaS applications, and client-server applications across all types of devices, including devices using IGEL OS.

IGEL OS is a Linux-based operating system designed for enterprise browsers, SaaS, DaaS, and VDI that can run on almost any x86 64-bit device. It delivers a Preventative Security Model^TM that removes the endpoint attack vectors targeted by bad actors, dramatically reducing the risk of an endpoint cyberattack. IGEL OS enables organizations to extend the lifecycle of existing hardware by up to 100 percent while also reducing endpoint hardware spending and reducing e-waste.

Citrix Secure Private Access makes it easy for enterprises to transition users on devices with IGEL OS from VPN to zero trust access

Today we are announcing an industry first: The availability of Citrix Secure Access agent — a key component of Citrix Secure Private Access — integrated into IGEL OS to provide ZTNA to all private applications. With this integration, you can transition users from VPN to ZTNA to enable least-privilege access and enforce continuous security for your hybrid workforce. Citrix Secure Access agent is a pre-verified application in the IGEL App Portal that you can seamlessly deploy on IGEL OS. This integration offers the following key benefits:

• Automated provisioning of Citrix Secure Access agent onto IGEL OS devices
• ZTNA with least-privilege access to private applications
• Contextual access policies based on device posture, identity, location, and device-type checks
• Continuous enforcement and dynamic revocation of access
• Simplified management and observability

ZTNA with least-privilege access to private applications

Citrix Secure Access agent comes pre-configured on IGEL OS with always-on ZTNA connectivity to applications within your data center or in the cloud, offering an easy transition from VPN to ZTNA. With IGEL OS devices, you can deploy and enable ZTNA for secure per-application connectivity across tens of thousands of devices enterprise-wide, which will significantly reduce the attack surface and improve the overall performance of authorized end-user connections.

Continuous enforcement and dynamic revocation of access

Citrix Secure Private Access console enables administrators to define ZTNA policies for application access based on various contextual parameters such as user identity, device posture, geolocation, network location, and end-user device type. A user’s access to applications can be automatically adjusted based on the risk profile. For example, a user attempting to access sensitive applications may be required to provide additional verification.

Your administrators can ensure real-time assessment of the device’s security posture, which includes checking for antivirus status, OS updates, and other compliance requirements.

If the device posture or user’s risk context changes, resource access automatically gets restricted to ensure access is only allowed under a trusted context. Administrators can also manually or via API block user access in case a device is stolen.

Simplified management and observability

You can deploy Citrix Secure Private Access as a cloud-based SaaS service or as a self-hosted on-premises solution, giving you the flexibility to choose the right deployment method that suits your organization’s needs. Administrators will gain visibility into all application traffic and can investigate application access details to better understand why access was allowed or denied.

IGEL Universal Management Suite provides an easy-to-use web-based management of IGEL OS-based endpoints. It enables easy application deployment and configuration via profiles.

Citrix and IGEL together ensure that administrators can easily manage and deliver secure access to their end users.

Get started with Citrix Secure Private Access for IGEL OS devices

• Customers can request a technical preview through their IGEL pre-sales representative, TRM, or support contacts. The Citrix Secure Access app for IGEL OS devices is available on the IGEL App Portal.
• To learn more about how Citrix Secure Private Access works with IGEL OS to protect your users and data with ZTNA, watch the Citrix Secure Private Access with IGEL OS demo video on Citrix blogs

Visit the IGEL website to learn more about how IGEL OS delivers a secure end-point platform.