What is Jump Server Replacement?
Jump Server Replacement refers to the process of modernizing or eliminating traditional jump servers (also known as jump hosts or bastion hosts) in favor of more secure, scalable, and efficient remote access solutions. A jump server is a system placed between a user and a secure environment, commonly used to manage access to isolated networks such as OT or DMZ zones. However, jump servers are increasingly being replaced by technologies that offer zero trust access, protocol isolation, and strong session control without requiring users to connect through intermediary systems.
Why is Jump Server Replacement Important?
Traditional jump servers were designed to create a chokepoint for access control, but they introduce operational and security challenges. They typically require network-level access, static credentials, and manual configuration, making them difficult to scale, audit, or secure against modern threats. If compromised, a jump server can become a launchpad for lateral movement, exposing critical systems to attackers.
In today’s risk landscape, especially across critical infrastructure, ICS, and remote OT environments, organizations need solutions that provide user-specific access, real-time visibility, and strong authentication, without the fragility or maintenance overhead of legacy jump hosts. Compliance mandates such as NERC CIP, IEC 62443, NIS2, and TSA SD02E also call for fine-grained, auditable access that jump servers alone cannot deliver.
How Does Xona Help with Jump Server Replacement?
Xona replaces traditional jump servers with a disconnected, browser-based access gateway that eliminates the need for any intermediary server or network exposure. Users connect through the hardened Xona gateway to authorized systems via isolated, proxied protocols like RDP, VNC, SSH, or WEB, without ever touching the network or system interfaces directly.
With credential injection, role- and time-based access, multi-factor authentication, and session recording, Xona provides everything jump servers were meant to offer and more, within a modern, secure, and scalable architecture. Organizations benefit from simplified operations, strong compliance alignment, and reduced cyber risk across all remote access use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are organizations replacing traditional jump servers?
Jump servers are being replaced due to their security limitations, maintenance complexity, and inability to meet modern zero trust and compliance requirements for segmented or high-risk environments.
What are the risks of continuing to use legacy jump servers?
Legacy jump servers can expose credentials, require broad network access, and, if compromised, act as pivot points for lateral movement within sensitive environments.
What capabilities should a jump server replacement solution include?
How does jump server replacement support compliance requirements?
Can jump server replacements work in OT or air-gapped environments?
How does Xona function as a jump server replacement?
Xona eliminates the need for jump servers by providing a browser-based, disconnected access platform that proxies sessions, enforces identity-based policies, and prevents network-level exposure to critical OT and IT systems.
