Support Login for new users Login for legacy users
puredome_logo_new
Home » Blog » A Beginner’s Guide to VPN vs ZTNA

A Beginner’s Guide to VPN vs ZTNA

The digital landscape is changing rapidly, and so are the threats that organizations face. By 2025, 70% of organizations are expected to adopt Zero Trust frameworks as cyberattacks continue to rise (Source: Gartner). While VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) have been the go-to solution for secure remote access, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is gaining traction as a more robust alternative. Did you know that businesses using ZTNA have reported a 50% reduction in unauthorized access attempts within the first year of implementation? This guide dives deep into the differences between VPNs and ZTNA, providing actionable insights and real-world use cases to help you make an informed decision.

Providers like PureDome are at the forefront, offering tailored solutions to help organizations transition smoothly to modern security frameworks.

Understanding VPN: Traditional Remote Access

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that allows employees to securely access their company's network from anywhere. It creates a private, encrypted connection over the internet, making it seem like the user is directly connected to the company's internal network. This helps keep sensitive data safe. 

VPNs have been widely used for years to enable remote work, but they were designed when company resources were mostly kept within a secure network perimeter. As technology has evolved and more resources are now stored in the cloud, the limitations of traditional VPNs have become more apparent.

The Evolution of Network Security: What is ZTNA?

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Zero Trust Network Access is a security framework that enforces strict identity verification and least-privilege access to applications and data, regardless of a user's location.

Key Features:

  • Dynamic Access Control: Grants access based on user identity, device posture, and context.

  • Micro-Segmentation: Isolates resources to limit attack surfaces.

  • Continuous Verification: Continuously monitors and verifies user activity.

Use Cases:

  • Securing hybrid and remote workforces.

  • Replacing traditional VPNs with modern solutions.

  • Enhancing third-party vendor access security.

A Beginner’s Guide to VPN vs ZTNA

ZTNA: Key Insights

Market Growth Rate: The Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.86% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2029.

Drivers for Adoption: Adoption of cloud computing and security enhancements are significant drivers behind the substantial growth of the ZTNA market, with organizations increasingly relying on ZTNA to safeguard remote access to applications and services as they migrate to the cloud.

Regional Dominance: North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the ZTNA market, driven by strong growth in cloud computing adoption and government investments in cloud security, particularly in response to cybersecurity threats.

A Beginner’s Guide to VPN vs ZTNA-1

Key Differences Between VPN and ZTNA

Aspect VPN (Virtual Private Network) ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
Access Control Grants broad network access once authenticated Limits access to specific applications and resources
Security Model Trusts users inside the network; less stringent Assumes no implicit trust; verifies each request
User Authentication Single authentication allows broad access Continuous verification of identity and access
Network Perimeter Designed for fixed network perimeters Designed for distributed, cloud-based environments
Scalability Limited scalability; requires extensive infrastructure Highly scalable; adapts to cloud and hybrid networks
Attack Surface Larger attack surface due to broad access Reduced attack surface with restricted access
Deployment Complexity Can be complex to deploy and manage Simplifies management with policy-based access control
Resource Access Typically all-or-nothing access to network segments Granular access to specific applications
Flexibility Less flexible in dynamic environments Highly flexible, adapts to changing conditions
Monitoring and Logging Basic monitoring and logging Advanced monitoring with detailed access logs

Benefits of ZTNA Over VPN

Enhanced Security: ZTNA assumes zero trust by default, verifying each access request individually, and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Granular Access Control: ZTNA provides specific access to only the applications and resources needed, unlike VPNs which grant broad network access.

Reduced Attack Surface: By limiting access to necessary resources, ZTNA minimizes potential entry points for cybercriminals.

Better Scalability: ZTNA easily adapts to cloud and hybrid environments, making it more scalable than traditional VPNs.

Improved Flexibility: ZTNA is designed for modern, distributed networks, providing better support for remote and hybrid work scenarios.

Continuous Verification: ZTNA continuously verifies user identity and access, enhancing security compared to VPN's one-time authentication.

Simplified Management: Policy-based access control in ZTNA simplifies management and reduces complexity for IT teams.

Advanced Monitoring: ZTNA offers detailed access logs and advanced monitoring, improving visibility and security response capabilities.

How to Migrate from VPN to ZTNA

Steps to Transition:

  1. Assess Your Current Infrastructure: Identify VPN dependencies and critical applications.

  2. Choose a ZTNA Provider: Select a solution that aligns with your organization's needs.

  3. Pilot the Deployment: Start with a small group to test and refine the implementation.

  4. Implement in Phases: Gradually transition teams and applications.

  5. Train Your Workforce: Educate users on the benefits and functionality of ZTNA.

ZTNA Cloud Service Providers

  • PureDome: A leader in providing cost-effective, scalable, and easy-to-deploy ZTNA solutions tailored for SMBs. PureDome excels in simplifying secure access management, ensuring SMBs can adopt enterprise-grade security without the complexity or cost associated with larger providers.

  • Zscaler

  • Palo Alto Networks

  • Cisco Umbrella

Hybrid VPN: Is It Still Relevant?

While ZTNA offers numerous advantages, hybrid VPNs—which combine traditional VPNs with cloud security features—remain relevant for:

  • Legacy systems that don’t support ZTNA.

  • Organizations with specific compliance requirements.

  • Temporary solutions during ZTNA migration.

 

Zero Trust vs VPN: Market Trends

  • Growth: ZTNA adoption is growing rapidly, with Gartner predicting significant market expansion by 2025.

  • Challenges: VPNs face increasing limitations in scalability and security, prompting organizations to explore ZTNA.

  • Innovation: Vendors are integrating AI and machine learning to enhance ZTNA capabilities.

Challenges and Considerations When Adopting ZTNA

Implementation Complexity: Setting up ZTNA can be complex and may require significant changes to existing infrastructure.

Cost: Initial deployment of ZTNA can be expensive, including costs for new software, hardware, and training.

Integration: Ensuring ZTNA works smoothly with current systems and applications can be challenging.

User Experience: Users might face a learning curve and initial resistance as they adapt to new access protocols.

Policy Management: Creating and maintaining detailed access policies requires continuous effort and expertise.

Vendor Selection: Choosing the right ZTNA solution from various vendors can be difficult and time-consuming.

Security Gaps: Incomplete or improper implementation might leave security gaps, undermining the benefits of ZTNA.

Performance: Ensuring that ZTNA does not negatively impact network performance and user productivity is crucial.

Future Trends in Remote Access Security

Increased Adoption of Zero Trust Models: More organizations will adopt Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to enhance security by continuously verifying users and limiting access to only necessary resources.

Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Advanced technologies like AI and machine learning will be used to detect and respond to threats more quickly and accurately, improving overall security.

Greater Focus on Cloud Security: As remote work continues to grow, securing cloud-based applications and data will become a top priority, driving innovations in cloud security solutions.

How PureDome Works

For businesses ready to embrace the future, migrating to ZTNA can enhance security, performance, and compliance. Providers like PureDome are leading the charge with innovative solutions tailored to modern needs. PureDome is especially beneficial for SMBs, providing cost-effective, simple, and robust ZTNA frameworks that ensure top-notch security without unnecessary complexity. Whether you’re considering a full transition or a hybrid approach, understanding the differences between VPN and ZTNA is the first step toward a secure digital future.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

ZTNA is a modern security approach that verifies each access request individually, regardless of the user's location or network.

How does ZTNA differ from traditional VPNs?

Unlike VPNs, which grant broad network access once authenticated, ZTNA provides specific access to only the necessary applications and resources.

Why is ZTNA important for remote work security?

ZTNA enhances security by reducing the attack surface, continuously verifying user identity and access, and offering granular access control in dynamic environments.