Verizon Business supercharges IT security offering with Trusted Connection cybersecurity launch

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon Business (VZ) has launched Trusted Connection, a pioneering cybersecurity solution that provides end-to-end network-native security for businesses. The solution implements Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to secure devices, networks, and cloud-hosted applications by continuously verifying access credentials.

The service is specifically designed for larger midsize businesses and enterprises, offering Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities including Cloud Secure Web Gateway, Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Firewall-as-a-Service. Key features include per-user policy definitions, encrypted pathways, performance insights, and centralized control through a single portal.

According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 77% of basic web application attacks and 31% of breaches involved stolen credentials in the past decade. Trusted Connection addresses this by enforcing ZTNA, device security checks, and multi-factor authentication.

Positive

• Launch of comprehensive end-to-end cybersecurity solution expanding VZ's security portfolio
• Targets growing mid-size business market segment
• Single-provider solution reducing complexity and integration costs
• Addresses critical security threats highlighted in 2024 Data Breach Report

Negative

• None.

Insights

Cybersecurity and Technology Analyst

Verizon Business's launch of Trusted Connection represents a strategic expansion of its cybersecurity portfolio that could meaningfully contribute to its enterprise revenue streams. The product targets a critical market gap by offering sophisticated Zero Trust Network Access capabilities with simplified management, particularly appealing to midsize businesses lacking dedicated security resources.

The timing is opportune, as organizations increasingly struggle with securing distributed workforces accessing cloud resources. Verizon's 2024 Data Breach Report highlighting that 77% of web application attacks involve stolen credentials underscores the market need. By embedding security directly into network services, Verizon differentiates itself from point-solution providers while leveraging its core network expertise.

The comprehensive feature set—including Security Service Edge (SSE), Cloud Secure Web Gateway, Cloud Access Security Broker, and Firewall-as-a-Service—positions this as an enterprise-grade solution that could command premium pricing while requiring minimal additional infrastructure investment from Verizon, potentially driving higher-margin service revenue.

Most significantly, this launch aligns with the industry shift toward converged network-security offerings. By becoming a single provider for both connectivity and security, Verizon creates potential for increased customer retention, higher ARPU, and expansion of its business services footprint beyond traditional telecommunications.

Financial Analyst

This product launch represents a positive strategic move that could meaningfully impact Verizon's business services revenue diversification. With Verizon Business generating $31.3 billion in 2023 revenue, expanding high-margin cybersecurity offerings creates potential for improved profit contribution from this division.

The midsize business market targeted by Trusted Connection is particularly attractive from a financial perspective. These customers typically seek enterprise-grade solutions without enterprise-scale IT departments, creating an opportunity for Verizon to capture higher-margin managed security revenue while strengthening relationships with existing connectivity customers.

The integrated security-network approach should drive operational efficiencies for Verizon, as it can leverage existing network infrastructure and business relationships rather than building entirely new sales channels. This reflects a capital-efficient growth strategy that potentially improves return on invested capital compared to traditional telecom infrastructure investments.

By positioning itself as both connectivity and security provider, Verizon creates a compelling bundling opportunity that could increase average revenue per business customer while improving retention metrics. Each 1% improvement in business customer retention represents significant value given the high customer acquisition costs in this segment.

While financial impact will depend on execution and market adoption, this represents a logical expansion of Verizon's business services portfolio that addresses growing customer demand while potentially enhancing margins.

Verizon Business takes first-of-its-kind approach to network-native security for business with end-to-end solution that can be embedded in customer networks

What you need to know:

• Trusted Connection is a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) service for businesses that allows them to secure their devices, network, and cloud-hosted applications. It constantly verifies who’s accessing what and from where.
• It’s powerful technology that’s easy to use and ideal for midsize businesses. Trusted Connection combines networking and security services into an integrated secure access offering from a single provider in Verizon Business, with a simple interface that nearly any sized IT team can manage.
• It enables anywhere, anytime secure access regardless of the location of the authorized user (office, remote, mobile, multisite) or the location of the application or digital resource they are accessing (web/cloud, SaaS, or private application), all through a simple centralized portal and with a single console to set policies once and see them enforced consistently.
  

NEW YORK, March 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Businesses of all sizes can now bolster cybersecurity along the complete digital pathway from their connected devices through their IT networks all the way to cloud-hosted SaaS applications with Trusted Connection, a new cybersecurity solution from Verizon Business. Instead of simply forming a secure perimeter around your digital landscape, Trusted Connection secures the connection and endpoints from any user device to any digital resource, spanning web/cloud, SaaS, private apps and more.

Trusted Connection is particularly suitable for larger midsize businesses that need enhanced security but don’t have the resources or dedicated expertise to install and run it themselves, or for enterprises looking to simplify the management of their security.

“Having the right cybersecurity architecture in place is one of the most important responsibilities technology decision-makers face. Ensuring end-to-end security is critical,” said Kyle Malady, CEO, Verizon Business. “If a perimeter is breached, bad actors can wreak havoc. Trusted Connection creates a protected environment within the outer walls of security, protecting each specific entry point and pathway that could lead a bad actor to a valuable digital asset. It’s sophisticated security technology combined with an ease of use that makes cybersecurity accessible to businesses of all sizes.”

“Cloud-related security is an urgent and escalating problem, but few enterprises have the resources to keep safe in real time as exploitable technologies gain ground. The service can dramatically reduce attack surface by encrypting paths between cloud and endpoint,” said Camille Mendler, Chief Analyst, Service Provider Enterprise, Omdia. “Trusted Connection's seamless network-native security offers a huge step forward in functionality and control -- especially for mid-sized companies that face similar threats as large enterprises but often lack the resources to address quickly evolving security threats comprehensively.”

Trusted Connection includes the following features and capabilities:

• Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities, a collection of tightly integrated, cloud-centric security capabilities facilitating safe access to websites, software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications and private applications. This includes Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS).
• Per-user or per-group policy definitions from a single console to control access to sensitive data.
• Secure connectivity along encrypted paths from any device endpoint to digital resources, covering SaaS apps, multi-cloud/hybrid cloud, data centers, multiple office/worksite locations and/or remote workers.
• Performance insights, automated alerts and anomaly detection with response options, with single-pane-of-glass visibility and control via a centralized portal.
• Single-provider for both network services and embedded security to connect to curated SaaS providers and additional managed service options from Verizon Business.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), a cloud-based policy enforcement software that secures the data flowing between users and cloud applications and facilitates compliance with corporate requirements. Trusted Connection CASB helps users define policies across applications from a single location, simplifying policy management and providing consistency across apps.

According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 77% of basic web application attacks and 31% of all breaches in the past 10 years involved the use of stolen credentials. Trusted Connection can help contain the negative impacts of stolen credentials by enforcing ZTNA on network connections, checking device security posture, providing access from a managed device and by enforcing multi-factor authentication on access as designated by administrators.

Learn more about Trusted Connection here and reach out to your Verizon Business representative today.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Matt Conte
matthew.conte@verizon.com
(917) 848-3040

FAQ

What security features does Verizon's new Trusted Connection service include?

Trusted Connection includes SSE capabilities, ZTNA, Cloud Secure Web Gateway, CASB, Firewall-as-a-Service, encrypted pathways, and centralized policy management through a single portal.

How does Verizon's Trusted Connection protect against stolen credentials?

It enforces Zero Trust Network Access, checks device security posture, requires managed device access, and implements multi-factor authentication as specified by administrators.

Which businesses are the target market for Verizon's Trusted Connection?

The service targets larger midsize businesses needing enhanced security without dedicated expertise, and enterprises looking to simplify security management.

What cybersecurity statistics did Verizon report in their 2024 Data Breach Report?

77% of basic web application attacks and 31% of all breaches in the past 10 years involved stolen credentials.