| name | deploying-palo-alto-prisma-access-zero-trust |
| description | Deploys Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access for SASE-based zero trust network access, configuring GlobalProtect agents, ZTNA Connectors, security policy enforcement, and Strata Cloud Manager integration for unified management. Use when implementing enterprise-grade SASE with integrated ZTNA/SWG/CASB/FWaaS, replacing both VPN and branch firewalls with cloud-delivered security, or integrating ZTNA with an existing Palo Alto NGFW estate. |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | zero-trust-architecture |
| tags | ["prisma-access","palo-alto","ztna","sase","globalprotect","strata-cloud-manager","zero-trust"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | mahipal |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| nist_ai_rmf | ["GOVERN-1.1","MEASURE-2.7","MANAGE-3.1"] |
| nist_csf | ["PR.AA-01","PR.AA-05","PR.IR-01","GV.PO-01"] |
| mitre_attack | ["T1133","T1078","T1071.001","T1572"] |
Deploying Palo Alto Prisma Access Zero Trust
When to Use
- When implementing enterprise-grade SASE with integrated ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and FWaaS
- When replacing both VPN and branch office firewalls with cloud-delivered security
- When needing advanced threat prevention (WildFire, DNS Security) for remote access traffic
- When deploying zero trust for both mobile users and remote network (branch) connections
- When integrating ZTNA with existing Palo Alto NGFW infrastructure via Strata Cloud Manager
Do not use for small organizations (< 200 users) where simpler ZTNA solutions suffice, for environments requiring only web application access without full network security, or when budget constraints preclude enterprise SASE licensing.
Prerequisites
- Prisma Access license (Business Premium or equivalent)
- Strata Cloud Manager (SCM) tenant configured
- GlobalProtect agent for endpoint deployment
- ZTNA Connector VM: 4 vCPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB disk (VMware, AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Identity provider: Okta, Entra ID, Ping Identity (SAML 2.0)
- Palo Alto Cortex Data Lake for log storage
Workflow
Step 1: Configure Prisma Access Infrastructure in Strata Cloud Manager
Set up the cloud infrastructure for mobile user and remote network connections.
Strata Cloud Manager > Prisma Access > Infrastructure Settings:
Mobile Users Configuration:
- Service Connection: Auto-selected based on user location
- DNS Servers: 10.1.1.10, 10.1.1.11 (corporate DNS)
- IP Pool for Mobile Users: 10.100.0.0/16
- Authentication: SAML with Okta (Primary), Entra ID (Secondary)
- GlobalProtect Portal: portal.company.com
- GlobalProtect Gateway: Auto (nearest Prisma Access location)
Infrastructure Subnet:
- Range: 172.16.0.0/16
- Allocation: /24 per Prisma Access location
Step 2: Deploy ZTNA Connectors for Private Application Access
Install ZTNA Connectors to provide secure access to internal applications.
aws cloudformation create-stack \
--stack-name prisma-ztna-connector \
--template-url https://prisma-access-connector-templates.s3.amazonaws.com/ztna-connector-aws.yaml \
--parameters \
ParameterKey=VpcId,ParameterValue=vpc-PROD \
ParameterKey=SubnetId,ParameterValue=subnet-PRIVATE \
ParameterKey=InstanceType,ParameterValue=m5.xlarge \
ParameterKey=TenantServiceGroup,ParameterValue=TSG_ID \
ParameterKey=ConnectorName,ParameterValue=dc-east-connector-01
