Security at scale: Lessons from NordLayer’s first five years

In just five years, NordLayer has grown from a Business VPN into a comprehensive network security platform. Its evolution has been shaped by hybrid work, rising threats, and the growing demand for flexible, low-maintenance tools.

Launched in 2019 by the team behind a globally trusted NordVPN brand, NordLayer started with a clear mission: to protect remote teams. However, as hybrid work became the norm, the platform expanded. Today, it’s built around Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), a modern security model that assumes no one is trusted by default.

“NordLayer is a network security platform that makes it easier for businesses to stay secure without the complexity,” says Donatas Tamelis, Managing Director at NordLayer. “Our goal is to provide robust protection without interrupting workflows.”

Adapting to how businesses work today

Businesses need tools that secure hybrid and remote work without slowing teams down. NordLayer fits into any environment—on-premises, cloud, or hybrid—and helps organizations manage access easily.

It integrates with identity providers like Okta, Google Workspace, JumpCloud, Entra ID, and OneLogin, making it easier for teams to manage user authentication across platforms.

It runs on NordLynx, a lightweight VPN protocol designed for speed and strong encryption, to ensure fast, secure connections worldwide.

The platform also follows Security Service Edge (SSE) principles and includes:

• ZTNA for access control
• Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) for network segmentation
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG) for safe browsing

SSE and ZTNA are critical for companies navigating hybrid work, as they provide security without sacrificing agility.

Easy to manage, easy to scale

NordLayer is cloud-native, so there’s no hardware to install or maintain. Setup is quick, and updates happen automatically.

IT admins can manage the platform through a clear, centralized Control Panel, where they can set access rules, monitor activity, and adjust settings as needed—all without requiring deep security expertise.

This kind of simplicity is essential for growing companies, especially those navigating hybrid work without large IT teams to handle complex infrastructure.

How companies are using NordLayer

The platform supports real-world business needs with features like:

• Site-to-Site connections to link private networks securely
• Device Posture Security to check if devices meet security policies
• Cloud Firewall to divide networks into secure access zones
• Download Protection to scan and block malicious files
• Global gateway coverage with 30+ locations for better performance and flexibility

These features help businesses reduce risk while staying agile and connected.

Recognized by the industry

NordLayer’s approach has earned multiple awards, including:

• UK Business Security Award
• Tekpon’s Top Cloud Security Software Tool
• Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Network Access Control

These recognitions reflect NordLayer’s practical impact in helping organizations address modern security challenges.

Part of a bigger ecosystem

NordLayer is also part of a broader security suite. Businesses can pair it with:

• NordStellar, for proactive threat intelligence and incident response
• NordPass, for secure team password management

All three products are built with the same goal: to reduce risk while staying user-friendly and scalable.

“NordLayer allows businesses to focus on their work, while we handle security,” adds Tamelis. “We’ve built a platform that’s powerful yet easy to use, even for teams without dedicated security staff.”

Looking forward

NordLayer’s growth mirrors a wider shift in cybersecurity. Companies want tools that are flexible, cloud-first, and designed for hybrid work.

As more businesses adopt Zero Trust models and SSE-based architectures, platforms like NordLayer will play a bigger role—not just protecting data, but making security easier to manage.

For many companies, that’s the real win: strong protection without the hassle. As your business grows, see how NordLayer can simplify your security strategy.

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• Cybersecurity
• Data Protection