As more businesses shift to using cloud services and remote work models, it’s clear that virtual private networks (VPNs) are starting to show their age. Originally created to secure fixed network perimeters, VPNs don’t mesh well with today’s decentralized, cloud-centric setups.
Modern IT environments demand solutions that go beyond just encrypting data. Almost 70% of VPN providers don’t effectively conform to privacy regulations. In light of this, alternative remote access solutions not only provide better security but also simplify the experience with fewer privacy issues.
Let’s take a look at why VPNs are losing their effectiveness. They were essential for securing remote connections, but they were built for a time when employees were usually in one place. Now, with the rise of remote work and cloud apps, VPNs are struggling to keep pace.
One significant challenge is scalability. When too many users connect, performance suffers—resulting in slow speeds and frustrating lags. VPNs also follow a perimeter-based security model, which assumes that anything inside the network is safe. This assumption opens doors to internal threats.
Another limitation is control. VPNs lack precise security policies; once a user is connected, they may access more resources than necessary. If their credentials get compromised, it can lead to security breaches. Securing sensitive data often requires extra protective measures.
VPNs aren’t designed for cloud environments either, which makes safeguarding distributed resources tricky.
Now, let’s talk about the software-defined perimeter (SDP). This modern security framework is tailored for secure remote access, hiding network resources from unauthorized individuals. Unlike traditional models that rely on a fixed perimeter, SDP operates on a zero-trust principle—no one is trusted by default.
SDP establishes secure, encrypted connections dynamically between users and only the specific resources they need. It verifies the user’s identity, device, and context before permitting access, allowing connections solely to the resources they’re authorized to use.
By keeping unauthorized users unaware of even the existence of certain resources, SDP minimizes the attack surface. It’s also cloud-native, securing connections across on-site and cloud environments, which is perfect for remote work and hybrid infrastructures.
In addition, SDP limits the risk of lateral movement in a network. If a cybercriminal gains entry into one area, they can’t freely navigate through others. Coupled with multi-factor authentication and other identity verification systems, SDP significantly boosts security.
Let’s not forget about secure access service edge (SASE). It merges networking and security functions into one cloud-based service. Unlike the traditional approach, where security tools and networking operate separately, SASE integrates both for a seamless experience. This makes it well-suited for the modern, distributed workforce and cloud applications.
SASE offers critical security features like firewall-as-a-service and zero-trust network access. These elements collaborate to provide users with secure access to necessary resources from anywhere, without reliance on outdated, on-premise security.
The scalability of SASE stands out. It fits into various environments—whether hybrid, multi-cloud, or remote work—without the need for complicated on-site setups, thus reducing costs and simplifying management.
Performance is another area where SASE excels. Instead of routing traffic through a central datacentre—which can lead to slowdowns—it directs traffic through the nearest cloud service point. This approach not only speeds up data transmission but also enhances the user experience. Studies reveal that SASE significantly reduces latency compared to traditional VPNs, leading to higher productivity for remote teams.
When deciding between VPNs, SDP, and SASE, consider your organization’s unique remote access needs. VPNs might still work for smaller companies with limited remote access needs. They’re easy to set up and cost-effective for securing simpler networks.
But as larger organizations turn to AI for processes like customer service and data analysis, the security landscape gets more complex. Conventional VPNs, which rely on old perimeter security, often can’t handle the advanced threats that come with AI integration.
AI-driven systems manage sensitive information and are vulnerable to new attack forms. The question becomes whether the improvements in efficiency justify the increased risks.
This urgency pushes companies to explore more advanced security options like SDP and SASE. SDP’s zero-trust model is crucial for protecting sensitive data and AI infrastructures. Meanwhile, SASE effectively combines networking and security in a cloud-based format, making it suitable for larger teams and multi-office setups.
When should you consider switching from VPNs to SDP or SASE? It depends on your organization’s size and security requirements.
If your business is heavily reliant on remote work or hybrid setups, VPNs might struggle to manage the number of connected users, leading to decreased performance.
If you’re looking for better security, the perimeter-based model of VPNs can leave you vulnerable. SDP’s zero-trust method ensures strict verification for users and devices, crucial for organizations that handle sensitive data.
If managing a complex or distributed environment is becoming cumbersome, SASE provides an integrated solution that combines networking and security. This simplifies managerial processes and enhances performance.
Finally, if you’re facing performance issues because your network is too complicated, switching to SASE may be the answer. It improves user experience by lowering latency through efficient traffic routing.
The landscape of secure remote access is evolving, driven by the need for more flexible and robust solutions. Traditional VPN models can’t keep up with our current cloud-based realities.
As remote work expands and cyber threats grow, adopting modern solutions like SDP and SASE can provide the added security and adaptability that businesses require.