NordLayer’s evolution unveiled: Here’s how it plans to stay ahead in the rapidly changing cybersecurity space

In today’s hyperconnected world, the threat of cybersecurity breaches looms larger than ever before. 

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, so do the tactics and techniques employed by those seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital world. 

The consequences of cyberattacks are far-reaching, affecting not only individual users but organisations of all sizes across every industry. 

From ransomware attacks that paralyse businesses to data breaches that compromise sensitive information, the potential consequences of cyber threats are financially and reputationally devastating.

As a result, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical.

Amid this ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, NordLayer (previously NordVPN Teams), a leading cybersecurity solutions provider, recognises the pressing need to enhance its offerings to serve businesses better. 

What is NordLayer?

Founded in 2019, NordLayer, developed by Nord Security, is specifically designed to address the growing security needs of businesses. 

It is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses from Nord Security.

NordLayer assists organisations of all sizes in fulfilling the challenges of scaling and integrating modern and secure remote access solutions within an ever-evolving SASE framework.

NordLayer says that the hassle-free cybersecurity solution that can be easily integrated with existing infrastructure, requires no additional hardware, and is built for effortless scalability. 

It caters to the varying growth pace and ad-hoc cybersecurity requirements of agile businesses and distributed workforces of today.

The company prioritises Security Service Edge (SSE) principles. It facilitates the Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) approach, incorporating Secure Web Gateway (SWG) and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) solutions to focus on providing top-notch network security services.

In order to stay ahead of the curve, NordLayer is also launching new state-of-the-art features such as Cloud Firewall and Device Posture Security to bolster its capabilities. The company is also introducing new pricing structures to cater to businesses of any size or work model.

What is a Cloud Firewall?

Cloud firewall is another name for Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS). 

Like a traditional firewall, a cloud firewall is designed to prevent or lessen unauthorised access to private networks by removing potentially harmful network traffic. 

Cloud-based firewalls create a barrier around cloud platforms, infrastructure, and applications, similar to how traditional firewalls protect internal networks. This technology enables secure remote access to on-premise infrastructure.

With this feature, organisations can be more selective over who (members or teams) and how ( gateways and services) have access to their internal resources and cloud tools. 

The need for a cloud-based firewall: With the increasing number of businesses adopting cloud infrastructure providers and migrating their applications to the cloud, it’s logical to shift firewalls to the cloud too. 

Cloud-based firewalls are the sole solution that can adjust to the evolving environment and deliver top-notch security. A Cloud Firewall provides:

• Full protection for work from anywhere users
• Granular user access control
• Secure DNS without compromised performance

NordLayer’s upcoming Cloud Firewall will also be part of the unified Cloud Security Service Edge (SSE). 

To reiterate, Secure Service Edge (SSE) is a framework that contains multiple features to secure and protect a business network. Network security solutions like FWaaS, CASB, SWG, and ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) are combined into a single, cloud-native service via the SSE framework.

What is Device Posture Security?

As a part of the ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) concept, this feature monitors the types of devices connecting to the network through NordLayer. 

If a device does not meet predefined rules, the organisation’s admin is notified and can choose to block non-compliant devices if necessary.

These features are driven by Nord Layer’s commitment to staying ahead of the cybersecurity curve and providing its clients with state-of-the-art tools and services.

According to NordLayer, ZTNA is defined as “A security framework that requires strict identity device and context verification when accessing a network’s perimeter. It also requires continuous reauthorisation and check of compliance with predefined company policies.”

NordLayer’s Features

In addition to the Cloud Firewall and Device Posture Monitoring, NordLayer offers a wide range of key features that enhance its comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. 

They are:

• 2FA: Provide an additional layer of protection on your device by setting up multi-factor authentication to log in to NordLayer.
• SSO: Single Sign-On (SSO) allows you to use one set of security credentials to access your multiple cloud applications.
• Biometric authentication: It allows you to set an additional layer of security through face recognition and fingerprint scanning.
• Auto-connect: NordLayer can be set to auto-connect to a VPN server as soon as an internet connection is detected.
• Network segmentation: Through network access control, you can set user permissions to limit access to specific resources.
• Site-to-site: It lets users connect to internal business LAN securely via Virtual Private Gateways.
• Shared Gateways: Lets users safely connect to NordLayer from anywhere with one of our servers in 30 locations globally.
• AES 256-bit encryption: NordLayer utilises military-grade tunnel encryption to hide traffic and online activity from users on the open internet.
• ThreatBlock: Protects users and devices from malware, ransomware, and viruses.
• Custom DNS: It lets the user select their preferred DNS server with faster request processing, increased server reliability, and phishing protection.
• NordLynx (Wireguard): NordLynx, a WireGuard based protocol, will allow the user to experience WireGuard’s performance benefits without compromising your privacy.
• Dedicated IP / Fixed IP: Lets users set up virtual locations for your organisation and prevent unauthorised data access.
• Smart Remote Access: Enables file sharing from endpoint to endpoint when multiple user devices are connected to NordLayer.
• DNS Filtering (Beta): Harmful or dangerous websites can be blocked, while inappropriate content is filtered out. This ensures corporate data security and allows users to control resources on company-managed networks.
• Deep Packet Inspection (Lite): Data provided across a computer network can now be thoroughly examined and appropriate actions such as blocking of certain protocols and ports can be taken.
• User provisioning: In addition to creating user identities in cloud apps, automatic provisioning also includes maintaining and removing such user identities as status or role changes.

New Pricing Structures

NordLayer offers businesses of all sizes the flexibility to choose from different pricing plans based on their cybersecurity needs. Let’s take a closer look at these plans:

• Lite Plan: This plan provides essential internet access security with basic threat prevention features for $10 per user per month or $96 per year, resulting in savings of $24.
• Core Plan: The Core plan is a suite of advanced internet access security and basic network access control solutions available at $14 per user per month or $132 per year, saving $36.
• Premium Plan: The Premium plan combines network access control solutions with more granular network segmentation and the ability to interconnect sites and devices at $18 per user per month or $168 per year, saving $48.
• Custom Plan: For larger companies, NordLayer offers a custom plan that allows tailoring the solution to their specific cybersecurity needs. To acquire a quote for this plan, businesses can consult with NordLayer specialists for a free consultation.

Note: *All plans are subject to a minimum of 5 seats.

Nord Security: What you need to know

Based out of Lithuania, Nord Security was founded by Tom Okman and Eimantas Sabaliauskas in 2012 to create internet security and privacy tools that are easily accessible to everyone. 

At present, Nord Security’s product suite includes NordVPN, NordPass, NordLayer, and NordLocker. Nord Security operates in more than 20 markets and employs around 2,000 professionals globally.

In September 2023, Nord Security raised $100M (approximately €95M) at a valuation of $3B in a funding round from Warburg Pincus, Novator Ventures and Burda Principal Investments. To date, the company has raised a total funding of $200M (approximately €188.5M).