Identity-Aware Proxy Unified Access Proxy
An Identity-Aware Proxy (IAP) is more than a gate. It checks identity before any request lands inside your network. A Unified Access Proxy (UAP) takes this further. It consolidates access controls for web apps, APIs, SSH, RDP, and databases into one enforcement point. Together, Identity-Aware Proxy and Unified Access Proxy replace scattered, brittle perimeter defenses with a single, identity-driven access layer.
Identity-Aware Proxy Unified Access Proxy solutions authenticate each user and device at the edge. They verify against your identity provider—Okta, Google Workspace, Azure AD, or your own SSO. They enforce role-based policies, multi-factor authentication, and context checks on device posture, network, and time. Every connection is logged. Every action is traceable.
A Unified Access Proxy links all protocols through one managed ingress. Instead of separate VPNs, bastion hosts, and reverse proxies, it routes all traffic through the same access plane. Policies apply consistently, whether the user loads a dashboard, calls an API, or SSHes into a production node. This eliminates the configuration drift that breeds vulnerabilities.
When Identity-Aware Proxy and Unified Access Proxy architectures merge, they create a Zero Trust access model without extra client software. The browser or native client talks to the proxy. The proxy checks identity, enforces policy, and forwards only what is allowed. Internal resources stay invisible to the internet. Attack surface shrinks. Lateral movement is blocked.
Engineering teams choose this setup to simplify access control, centralize logging, and scale security without friction. Managers choose it to cut tool sprawl, reduce operational overhead, and meet compliance. The net result: faster onboarding, stronger defense, and clear visibility across all user activity.
Build it right, and you get one URL for secure entry to everything. Build it wrong, and you get lag, leaks, and silent failure. The difference is in the proxy’s design, protocol support, and ability to integrate smoothly with your identity and policy engines.
See a live example of Identity-Aware Proxy Unified Access Proxy done right at hoop.dev—you can have it running for your team in minutes.