NordLayer

What is NordLayer? 

NordLayer is a cloud-based security tool that helps businesses protect their data against cyber threats and enable secure access to resources. 

It’s ideal for companies with remote or hybrid teams, making it easy to access remote networks and workspaces securely without changing existing infrastructure. 

NordLayer supports SSO login methods with identity providers like Okta, Google, and OneLogin, Entra ID, and Jumpcloud and has user provisioning integrations with popular SCIM platforms. 

Its security-rich platform also helps businesses control who can access their resources and keep sensitive data safe.

If you’re unsure whether NordLayer is the right choice for your business, this NordLayer review covers its features, pricing, benefits, and drawbacks to help you decide.

Quick Overview of the NordLayer 

Pros and Cons of NordLayer

Pros

• Easy to use: The platform is easy to set up and manage with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to deploy and integrate with your systems, allowing network security operations to be well organized. 

• Zero Trust Security: NordLayer makes it easy to implement Zero Trust policies, ensuring that all users and devices are continuously verified before accessing your network. This approach strengthens security by preventing unauthorized access and reducing the risk of data breaches through constant validation of identities and devices.
  
• Fast & Secure VPN: NordLayer offers secure VPN connections with minimal latency using the NordLynx protocol. This ensures smooth, encrypted access to company resources, increasing your team’s productivity. 

• Bundled Cybersecurity Solutions: NordLayer integrates with additional Nord security solutions, like NordStellar for managing threat exposure and NordPass for secure enterprise password management. These tools, when combined, offer an advanced security solution that helps businesses safeguard against various types of threats.

Cons

• Limited Free Trial: NordLayer does not offer a traditional free trial, which may deter some businesses from testing the service before committing.

• Limited Number of Server Locations: It has fewer server locations, which could affect businesses that require access to servers in specific regions or countries and result in slower connections. However, NordLayer is expanding its network to improve service coverage.

NordLayer Pricing 

When considering NordLayer pricing, you can choose from their four-tier plan catered to meet your business needs. 

The network service offers flexible pricing based on the number of users, with the option for monthly or annual billing. 

By opting for the annual billing plan, you enjoy a discount on each tier, significantly reducing the costs compared to the monthly billing option.

NordLayer Features 

Shared Gateways

NordLayer’s shared gateways allow users to connect through servers in over 30 locations worldwide, creating virtual locations. This hides their real IP address, improves security, and allows access to region-restricted content. 

When combined with IP-based split tunneling, shared gateways help to route only specific traffic through the VPN. This reduces network latency, optimizes bandwidth usage, and improves overall performance. 

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

NordLayer’s advanced VPN encrypts data in transit while allowing businesses to securely access their resources. It enables remote connections to devices, hybrid networks, and cloud tools without compromising security. 

Companies can use dedicated servers to establish encrypted connections to both cloud and on-premises resources. These servers support IP allowlisting and network segmentation, ensuring that only authorized users with a fixed IP can access sensitive data like financial records and confidential documents.

User Authentication and Management

Features like multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometric authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and user provisioning provide secure access to sensitive data.

SSO lets users access multiple apps with one login, reducing password fatigue and improving security. 

Nordlayer’s integration with identity providers like Azure AD, Google, JumpCloud, Okta, and OneLogin makes authentication seamless. 

User provisioning allows admins to automate user onboarding by connecting NordLayer to their SCIM platform.

Internet Access Security

NordLayer’s internet access security features provide strong protection for businesses with tools like Business VPN and Shared Gateways for secure connections. Web protection, DNS filtering, and download protection help block malicious websites and unsafe downloads, keeping your team safe online. 

With Deep Packet Inspection (Lite), users can also identify and block unauthorized ports, protocols, and apps, to safeguard business networks against web-based threats.

Cloud Firewall

The Cloud Firewall (FWaaS) acts as a security layer within the Security Service Edge (SSE) framework, offering a scalable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional firewalls. 

It helps organizations control which teams and network gateways can access internal systems, strengthening security in hybrid cloud environments. With stricter access controls, businesses can minimize lateral movements across the network and protect critical resources and prevent unauthorized access.

Network Monitoring & Analytics

NordLayer provides businesses with advanced network monitoring tools, including activity and device posture monitoring, to enforce security policies and optimize performance. 

Activity reports offer visibility into user connections, displaying member names, devices, and source IPs, while device posture monitoring detects and flags non-compliant devices. 

The NordLayer Control Panel streamlines network management, allowing users to oversee accounts, configure security settings, and manage teams from a single interface.

Security Controls

NordLayer offers security controls like Auto-Connect, Always On VPN, split tunneling, and custom session durations to ensure continuous protection. Businesses can adjust these settings to keep connections secure and reliable. 

Auto-Connect activates the VPN automatically when an internet connection is detected, preventing employees from forgetting to turn it on. 

NordLayer Support Quality

NordLayer provides 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and a detailed help center. 

However, support quality varies by plan. Lite and custom users receive standard 24/7 chat and email support, while premium users get priority assistance and a dedicated account manager. 

Enterprise users benefit from premium live support, a dedicated manager, and access to a technical solution architect. 

While live chat is generally responsive, email replies can be slow, and some users report difficulties reaching a human agent via the chatbot. For faster and more personalized service, consider opting for a premium or enterprise plan.

Summary 

NordLayer is a leading network security solution, offering advanced protection, flexible security controls, and 24/7 support. Its scalable plans suit businesses of all sizes, with premium users benefiting from priority support. 

While email response times can sometimes be slower, NordLayer delivers reliable security and responsive service. 

Its advanced features and dedicated support make it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a secure and efficient network solution.

Try out NordLayer now

Protect your remote and hybrid teams with NordLayer’s advanced security features. Sign up today for a 14-day risk-free trial of a secure, scalable business network.

Get Started