Features To Look For In an Effective VPN Alternative

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been a very popular choice for securing remote connections, but they have several limitations and security concerns. As a result, many organisations are exploring VPN alternatives that offer better performance, security and user experience. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the key features to look for in an effective Zero Trust VPN Alternative for businesses.

Effective Zero Trust VPN Alternative Features

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

One of the most crucial features to consider in a VPN alternative is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). By default, this security model doesn’t trust any person or device, even if they are on the company network. Instead, every user and device must be verified and authenticated before gaining access to specific resources.

With ZTNA, organisations can implement granular access controls based on user identities, device posture and other contextual factors. Unlike standard VPNs, this method reduces the danger of unauthorised access and lateral movement.

• High Performance

VPNs are known to introduce latency and performance issues, especially when users are located far from the VPN gateway. This might lead to a poor user experience and potentially discourage employees from using the VPN, compromising security.

An effective VPN alternative should prioritise high performance, ensuring that remote access is seamless and does not negatively impact productivity. Modern alternatives leverage technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN) and cloud-based architectures to deliver optimal performance, regardless of the user’s location.

• Always-On Security

Traditional VPNs require users to manually establish a connection, which can lead to security gaps if employees forget or choose not to connect. A robust VPN replacement should provide always-on security, ensuring that all remote connections are automatically secured without user intervention.

This feature not only enhances security but also improves the user experience by eliminating the need for manual connections and reducing the potential for human error.

• Location-Based Access Controls

With traditional VPNs, users can potentially access corporate resources from anywhere, including high-risk locations associated with cybercrime activities. 

An effective VPN replacement should offer location-based access controls, allowing organisations to restrict access based on geographic regions or known threat locations.

This feature helps mitigate the risk of unauthorised access from compromised devices or locations associated with cyber threats, which provides an additional layer of security for remote access.

• Seamless Integration With Security Tools

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, visibility and centralised monitoring are essential. A VPN alternative should seamlessly integrate with an organisation’s existing security tools, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions, providing comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities.

This integration enables organisations to gain visibility into remote access activities, detect potential threats, and respond promptly to security incidents.

• User-Friendly Experience

While security is crucial, user experience should not be overlooked when considering a VPN alternative. Solutions that are complex or difficult to use may lead to user resistance and potential security risks.

An effective VPN alternative should prioritise a user-friendly experience with intuitive interfaces and minimal disruption to existing workflows. This can help promote user adoption and ensure that security measures are consistently followed, reducing the risk of human error or circumvention.

• Scalability and Flexibility

As businesses grow and evolve, their remote access needs may change. An ideal VPN alternative should be scalable and flexible, allowing organisations to adapt to changing requirements without compromising security or performance.

This may include the ability to support a growing number of remote users, integrate with new applications or cloud services, and accommodate various device types and operating systems.

Conclusion

By considering these key features, organisations can find the best VPN alternative that meets their unique security, performance and user experience requirements. With the right solution in place, businesses can enable secure and efficient remote access while mitigating the risks associated with traditional VPNs.