In our company, security is not optional; it is a priority. Knowing that we keep our customers’ data safe while ensuring operational continuity is something we cannot overlook. That’s where NordLayer comes in: a network security solution that, with its three-pillar strategy, enables us to connect offices and subsidiaries and embrace remote work with the peace of mind that every session, every device, and every piece of data is protected under a layer of security.
What NordLayer is and why it’s key for businesses
NordLayer is an enterprise-grade network security platform that protects us on three fronts: with its cutting-edge business VPN, Zero Trust Network Access, and content filtering and endpoint protection. NordLayer’s modular approach creates a perimeter that we can classify by identity and context, allowing us to know what we cover and how. In environments where Mac, iPhone, Windows, Android, Linux devices, and browser extensions intermingle, NordLayer’s simplicity and power enable companies of any size, from small to large organizations, to improve their security posture with ease.
In fact, with great ease, because the entire suite offers toggle-ready protection: all we need to do is install the service and turn it on to benefit from its capabilities. From minute one, we will reduce our exposure to malware and phishing, and we cut internal risks with policies applied centrally. Less work for IT and better adoption by our users.
Add to this a guided rollout, an exceptionally clear control panel, and an architecture built to scale quickly, and what we have is a foundation on which we can standardize controls without interrupting business processes at any time.
Lastly, we must highlight that NordLayer is built on the technology, customer trust, and experience of NordVPN, which is evident in its performance and reliability. VPN tunnels, route optimization, and the NordLynx protocol are key components in achieving connectivity that can sustain real, at-scale workloads with peaks of up to 1 Gbps with ease.
Architecture ready to scale
NordLayer’s architecture is based on a system of identities, device postures, locations, and networks. Every connection enters a continuous verification framework that applies our policies according to who is accessing, from which device, to which resource, and in what context. This microsegmentation enables us to manage virtual private gateways and provides us with a Cloud Firewall (FWaaS) to separate environments and define exposure layers.
Updates, capacity scaling, and high availability are native to cloud services, freeing us from hardware-related tasks and maintenance windows, which is key when teams grow, change locations, or incorporate new workflows.
Apps and compatibility for any team
Client coverage spans Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and it’s even available as a browser extension. With native apps, Always On VPN, and auto-connect options, what more could we ask for? The experience is consistent whether we connect from a laptop, a phone, or a browser.
Key use cases: NordLayer’s three pillars
NordLayer takes care of our security by leaning on three pillars: cutting-edge business VPN, Zero Trust Network Access, and threat protection. With these parts—clearly distinct yet well integrated—it can cover everything from connectivity for remote work to proactive incident prevention.
Cutting-edge business VPN for the best performance and control
NordLayer’s business VPN is one of the most interesting parts of the security platform when it comes to managing hybrid work. The NordLynx protocol ensures optimal performance, precisely routes traffic through split tunneling, and browser extensions simplify access. With this, we can use corporate apps knowing the traffic will follow paths aligned with our policies. Worth highlighting here are the IP allowlist, key for specific integrations, and the Site Connectors that build bridges between our sites and different clouds.
Always On VPN mode keeps protection active even when switching networks or transitioning to mobile access. With the auto-connect system and the network rules we can configure, each device will automatically follow the established policies. While security follows the user—not the other way around—centralized monitoring gives us visibility into any incident.
Zero Trust Network Access for verified access
NordLayer transforms our Zero Trust strategy into a system of continuous identity, device, location, and network verification. The system can enforce access decisions with surprising granularity and always without interrupting workflows. It features SCIM integration with directories like Entra ID or Okta, which is key to streamlining both provisioning and offboarding.
NordLayer’s Cloud Firewall enables us to segment traffic by application and apply rules according to context. We can roll out policies by groups, resources, and environments centrally, so device posture and compliance monitoring determine whether a device gains access or, conversely, is quarantined. Session expiry completes the framework to limit risk windows and meet our security and regulatory requirements.
Threat protection with proactive prevention
The last of NordLayer’s pillars lies in endpoint protection. Application blocker, DNS filtering, the Web Protection system, and Download Protection block malware, ransomware, and unsafe downloads before potential damage spreads. Its proactive behavior prevents escalations and maintains integrity across all devices. By acting both within the network and on the endpoint, the system is optimally positioned to block access to malicious domains, cut off known vectors, and later provide us with signals to improve our decisions.
For support or security teams, this prevention reduces tickets and, above all, response times. Category-based rules, allowlists, and blocklists can be edited with a few clicks, and their impact is reflected in the metrics quickly. Visibility into all events makes periodic reviews easier and supports a system of continuous learning and improvement within the IT team.
What makes NordLayer special: compliance, centralization, and integration
Beyond its feature suite, NordLayer stands out for the quality and capabilities it offers. Its infrastructure aligns with ISO 27001, passes SOC 2 Type 2 audits, complies with PCI-DSS, and meets the objectives of the HIPAA Security Rule thanks to ciphers like AES-256 and ChaCha20. This framework significantly simplifies audits, fosters customer trust, and accelerates verification processes with third parties.
From our centralized console, we can manage users, policies, and access, and generate reports on activity, devices, and events. Full traceability for later investigations and automated responses reduce manual tasks, providing the tools IT needs to fulfill its mission without being overwhelmed.
The system integrates with SSO, SCIM, and virtually all corporate tools without altering existing workflows, which is key for onboarding and maintaining the prior tech stack’s operational integrity. Its modular structure lets us activate different functions as we evolve while also keeping costs under control.
Plans and pricing designed to scale
NordLayer offers four subscription options that cater to a range of needs, from the most basic to large-scale rollouts. Each plan includes malware protection and a set of features that scale with the level of control and segmentation we want for our teams.
Plan Lite
- Minium Users: 5
- Monthly price (USD): 8.00 USD
- Key features: Essential internet access security with basic internet threat prevention features, multi-platform apps
- Guarantee & trials: 14-day money-back guarantee
- Ideal for: SMBs that want security with ease
Plan Core
- Minium Users: 5
- Monthly price (USD): 11.00 USD
- Key features: Essential internet access security with basic internet threat prevention features, multi-platform apps
- Guarantee & trials: 14-day money-back guarantee
- Ideal for: Growing teams with mixed needs
Plan Premium
- Minium Users: 5
- Monthly price (USD): 14.00 USD
- Key features: Advanced internet access security and basic network access controls (NAC)
- Guarantee & trials: 14-day money-back guarantee
- Ideal for: Demanding multi-environment organizations
Plan Enterprise
- Minium Users: 100
- Monthly price (USD): 7.00 USD
- Key features: Flexible terms, premium support, bespoke account and architecture
- Guarantee & trials: Enterprise-specific conditions
- Ideal for: Large-scale deployments and compliance
Lite puts secure internet access in our hands and offers basic threat prevention. Core adds advanced internet access controls and basic network access control features. It also enables the option to set up a Dedicated IP Server for 40 USD per month.
Premium raises the bar with access to granular segmentation and the ability to interconnect our sites and devices. It enables private gateways, the Cloud Firewall, and connectors between environments. Lastly, Enterprise is tailor-made for teams starting at 100 seats. This model offers a managed account, premium support, and technical guidance.
Black Friday: the ideal chance to improve security with a discount
Convinced to give NordLayer a try? Between November 3 and December 10, as new customers, we will enjoy a 28% discount on annual plans with the code BLACKLAYER-28. A more than interesting offer that also comes with a 14-day money-back policy, so the only options are that we end up happy with the trial or we decide to subscribe to the service that will protect our company.
All we have to do is start signing up on NordLayer’s website and apply the code during checkout. A modest financial boost, such as choosing a higher-tier plan or covering a larger number of licenses, can be crucial in maintaining security across our fleet and infrastructure.
Still thinking about it? Let’s clarify a few points
Let’s address the most frequently asked questions about deployment, licensing, security, performance, and support so that we can make an informed decision.
What sets NordLayer apart from a traditional VPN?
NordLayer doesn’t offer isolated features but a comprehensive approach to security. It combines a cutting-edge business VPN, Zero Trust Network access, and threat protection on a single platform. A VPN, as its name suggests, covers only one of NordLayer’s three protection pillars.
How does it fit hybrid teams?
Native apps for Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and a browser extension ensure that, regardless of device, we are covered with Always On VPN, auto-connect, and maximum performance and speed.
What does Zero Trust imply day-to-day?
Continuous verification applies to identity as well as device, location, and network. Each access is determined based on its context, the use of MFA, device posture, session times, and segmentation. Teams work without noticing the security that keeps the infrastructure protected.
Why is a dedicated IP relevant in Core and Premium?
Specific integrations and corporate flows work best with static ranges. The Core and Premium plans require a dedicated IP at an additional $ 40 per month per server.
What initial rollout can we expect?
The go-live follows a very well-guided, straightforward path. Organization sign-up, team and policy configuration, and agent installation can be completed in minutes.
How does the 14-day guarantee work?
Direct purchase includes a period to assess the fit. For 14 days, we can validate performance, fine-tune rules, measure the impact on our productivity, and request a refund if we’re not satisfied with the results.
How does it integrate with identity and user management?
The platform connects to our directories. SSO, MFA, and SCIM let us enjoy centralized sign-in and automated provisioning and offboarding with Entra ID or Okta.
What visibility and control does the IT team get?
The console displays activity by user, device, and resource, along with configurable reports and dashboards, device posture alerts, and metrics designed for audits.
What support do we receive during and after deployment?
NordLayer supports us with expert guidance at all times. The technical support team is available 24/7 via chat and email with very low response times. If we prefer to research on our own, the documentation includes step-by-step guides to resolve questions and a set of best practices to start off right.
Ready to improve our company’s security?
Protecting a company today means accepting that we operate in hybrid environments, work on the move, manage data across multiple clouds, and use an ever-growing catalog of applications. In this context, NordLayer offers us a practical, scalable, and very well-executed way to watch over security. A single platform that connects, protects, detects, and responds in real time. The result is security that integrates as part of the company’s operations.
We can request a personalized demo or start our own trials with the 14-day money-back guarantee. The combination of a rollout in just minutes, always-available expert support, and the functions of Business VPN, Zero Trust, and threat protection can only leave us surprised.
Decided? We can access the peace of mind NordLayer offers by applying the code BLACKLAYER-28 to receive a 28% discount on any annual plan. Ready to improve our company’s security?
