ZTNA vs. VPN: A Comparison of Secure Access Technologies

As organizations increasingly adopt remote work and cloud services, the need for secure access to corporate resources has grown. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Virtual Private Network (VPN) are two popular technologies for securing remote access. While both serve the purpose of providing secure access to applications and data, they operate on different principles and have distinct advantages and use cases.

What is ZTNA?

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a modern security approach that follows the “never trust, always verify” principle. ZTNA assumes that no user, device, or connection can be inherently trusted, even if they are inside the corporate network. Access to resources is granted based on continuous verification of identity, device posture, and other contextual factors.

Key Features of ZTNA:

  1. Zero Trust Security Model
    ZTNA implements the zero trust security principle, meaning users and devices must be authenticated and authorized before they can access any resource, regardless of their location.
  2. Application-Centric Access
    Unlike VPNs, ZTNA provides access on a per-application basis, ensuring users can only access specific resources they are authorized for, not the entire network.
  3. Granular Control and Continuous Monitoring
    ZTNA continuously verifies the identity and device status of users throughout their session, adjusting permissions in real-time based on policy changes or detected risks.
  4. Cloud-Native and Remote-Friendly
    ZTNA is designed for cloud environments and remote work, providing secure access to applications hosted in the cloud, data centers, or on-premises environments without exposing the internal network.

What is VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a traditional method of securing remote access by creating an encrypted tunnel between a user’s device and the corporate network. VPNs have been widely used to allow remote users to securely access corporate resources as if they were on the internal network.

Key Features of VPN:

  1. Network-Level Access
    VPNs provide users with access to the entire corporate network once connected. This means users can access any resource on the network, even those not required for their tasks.
  2. Encryption of Traffic
    VPNs encrypt all traffic between the remote user and the corporate network, protecting data from interception or eavesdropping.
  3. Remote Access
    VPNs allow users to connect to internal resources from any location as if they were physically present in the office.
  4. Device Agnostic
    VPNs work across a wide variety of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, and are compatible with various operating systems.

ZTNA vs. VPN: Key Differences

FeatureZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Security ModelZero trust: Always verify, never trustImplicit trust: Trusted once connected
Access ControlApplication-specific accessFull network access once connected
Granular ControlGranular access based on identity and device postureLimited control, broader access after connection
User ExperienceSeamless, cloud-native, and optimized for remote workCan be slower due to routing all traffic through VPN servers
Device SecurityVerifies device security posture before granting accessLess focus on device security; any device can connect
Network ExposureNo exposure of internal networksExposes the internal network to remote users
Continuous MonitoringContinuous verification throughout the sessionVerification only at the start of the session
ScalabilityScalable, cloud-native architectureCan be complex and expensive to scale for large organizations
PerformanceTypically better performance for cloud-based applicationsMay cause latency issues, especially with cloud services
Use CaseIdeal for remote work, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), cloud-based applicationsIdeal for legacy systems, access to full internal resources

Advantages of ZTNA

  1. Improved Security
    ZTNA operates on a zero trust model, providing better security by restricting access to only the specific applications or data users need. Continuous monitoring ensures that threats are quickly identified and mitigated.
  2. Granular Access Control
    With ZTNA, access is restricted on a per-application basis. This reduces the risk of lateral movement across the network in case of a compromised user account or device.
  3. Optimized for Cloud and Remote Work
    ZTNA is designed for modern, cloud-centric environments and remote work scenarios. It provides seamless and secure access to applications, whether they are hosted on-premises or in the cloud.
  4. Less Network Exposure
    ZTNA minimizes exposure to the internal network by only granting access to specific resources, not the entire network. This reduces the attack surface.

Advantages of VPN

  1. Established Technology
    VPNs are a well-established and widely used technology with decades of adoption in securing remote access.
  2. Full Network Access
    VPNs are ideal for users who need full access to the corporate network, including legacy applications and systems not accessible through cloud-based applications.
  3. Encryption of All Traffic
    VPNs provide end-to-end encryption of all traffic between the user and the corporate network, ensuring data is protected in transit.

When to Choose ZTNA

  • You need to support a remote or distributed workforce.
  • Your organization uses cloud-based applications or multi-cloud environments.
  • You want more granular control over user access, limiting exposure to only necessary applications.
  • You’re implementing a zero trust security model to minimize risks of unauthorized access.

When to Choose VPN

  • Your organization has legacy systems that require full network access for remote users.
  • You have a smaller user base or limited resources and need a simple solution for securing remote access.
  • You need to encrypt all network traffic and ensure privacy for users connecting over public networks.

Conclusion

While both ZTNA and VPN provide secure remote access, they cater to different security needs. ZTNA is a more modern solution, offering granular control and continuous verification for cloud environments and remote work, while VPN provides broader network access for users who need to connect to legacy systems or on-premises resources. As businesses continue to evolve towards cloud-based infrastructures and adopt remote work models, ZTNA is becoming the preferred option due to its enhanced security, scalability, and efficiency.

For more information on ZTNA and VPN solutions and how they can improve your network security, contact SolveForce at 888-765-8301.

- SolveForce -

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