ZTNA vs VPN: Choosing the Right Secure Remote Access Solution

Today’s businesses are facing a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Cyberattacks have grown more sophisticated, targeting the increasing volumes of sensitive data stored and processed by organizations. At the same time, the modern workforce demands seamless access to this data from virtually anywhere, whether from offices, home networks or on the go via mobile devices.

Traditional security models often struggle to keep up with these demands, which can leave critical assets exposed to risks such as data loss and ransomware. But as remote and hybrid environments have become the norm, businesses must adopt secure and flexible access strategies that keep sensitive data safe without compromising productivity.

The shift towards remote and hybrid work has significantly expanded the digital landscape businesses must secure. In the UK, for example, 63 percent of employees work remotely either all or some of the time, reflecting a broader global trend towards flexible work arrangements.

However, while beneficial for productivity and work-life balance, the flexibility does introduce new cybersecurity challenges. Traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient as attackers are able to exploit vulnerabilities in remote access systems and unsecured personally-owned devices. Notably, zero day vulnerabilities in widely used remote access software have become prime targets for cybercriminals, underscoring the need for more robust security measures.

Implementing comprehensive security strategies that encompass endpoint protection, user education and advanced threat detection is therefore essential to safeguarding against these evolving threats.

For most businesses, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have long been a cornerstone of remote access solutions, enabling employees to connect securely to corporate networks from various locations. Indeed, according to one study by Cybersecurity Insiders, 96 percent of organizations use VPNs to connect securely to private applications, with four in five (80 percent) using this technology to support remote access for their workforces.

However, while VPNs offer advantages such as encrypted connections and the ability to access internal resources remotely, they also come with significant security drawbacks. One major concern is that once a user is authenticated, VPNs often grant broad network access. This potentially allows malicious actors to move laterally within the network if credentials are compromised and they can bypass perimeter access controls.

VPNs can also be susceptible to vulnerabilities like misconfigurations or outdated encryption protocols that expose sensitive data to interception. Split tunneling can also inadvertently route traffic outside the secure VPN tunnel, increasing exposure to threats.

The technology may be targeted by attackers exploiting zero day vulnerabilities in VPN software, leading to unauthorized access and data breaches. As cyberthreats grow more sophisticated, the reliance on perimeter-based security models inherent in traditional VPNs is increasingly inadequate, underscoring the need for more robust, adaptive solutions.

To address these concerns, new technology such as zero trust network access (ZTNA) may be required. This offers a modern, flexible way to secure remote connections by eliminating the implicit trust often granted by traditional VPNs.

Instead of broad network access, ZTNA works by requiring every user and device to be continuously verified before they can access specific resources. This ensures that even if credentials are compromised, attackers have a harder time moving laterally within the network.

ZTNA can be deployed for various applications including third-party contractor access, bring-your-own-device policies and protecting sensitive cloud applications. For organizations managing critical or regulated data, ZTNA’s granular, identity-based controls make it especially attractive.

The technology also pairs well with strategies like microsegmentation, which further reduces the attack surface by isolating workloads and limiting east-west movement within networks. As cyberthreats become more sophisticated, ZTNA is a vital component of a resilient and secure remote access strategy.

While both VPNs and ZTNA enable secure remote access, they differ in their security approaches and impact on network protection. Understanding the key features and differences of each is important when deciding whether it will be beneficial to transition from VPN to ZTNA.

Key factors of VPN technology include:

• Broad network-level access after login
• Encrypted tunnels between devices and corporate networks
• Relies on perimeter-based security
• Allows potential lateral movement by attackers

Meanwhile, features of ZTNA alternatives include:

• Application-level, granular access controls
• Continuous verification of users and devices
• Enforces zero trust, assuming every request could be malicious
• Reduces the attack surface by isolating resources and verifying each connection

Shifting from traditional VPNs to a zero trust data protection approach can strengthen security and enable more flexible remote access. However, it’s essential to approach this transition thoughtfully to avoid common pitfalls. Below are some best practices that organizations need to consider to make any transition a success.

• Start with a risk assessment to identify critical applications and user groups that will benefit most from ZTNA.
• Deploy in phases, beginning with low-risk applications before expanding to more sensitive areas.
• Educate users on new access protocols to minimize disruption and increase adoption.
• Integrate ZTNA with existing security tools, such as endpoint protection and identity management systems, for seamless operation.
• Monitor usage and refine policies continuously to ensure secure and efficient access.

It’s also important to recognize that this is likely to represent a significant change for many businesses. Adopting this technology is a complex process with many potential points of failure. However, by understanding what the challenges are likely to be and having a plan to deal with them early, firms stand the best chance of success.

Key issues to look out for include:

• Complexity of implementation, especially in environments with legacy systems that may lack compatibility with ZTNA solutions.
• User resistance to change, which can hinder adoption if not managed through effective communication and training.
• Higher initial investment costs compared to VPNs, requiring careful budgeting and ROI analysis.
• Potential vendor lock-in, making it essential to choose flexible solutions that integrate with existing infrastructure.

While both VPNs and ZTNA have their place in enabling remote access, ZTNA offers a more modern, flexible and secure approach for today’s distributed workforce. As part of a layered security strategy, ZTNA should be considered alongside measures like patch management and anti data exfiltration to protect against threats such as zero day exploits.

This holistic approach ensures businesses can maintain productivity while safeguarding sensitive data in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.