In an era where remote work has become the standard, ensuring the security of network access has never been more critical. With as many as 40% of Generation Z employees planning to embrace “workcations” in 2022, the need to safeguard sensitive data across various locations is paramount. VPNs have long been the gold standard of remote network security, but they are unable to keep up with the rapidly evolving workforce needs.
Traditional VPNs work by enclosing network assets or operations within a perimeter, allowing only users within the perimeter to interact, assuming that whatever lies inside is trustworthy. Conversely, the zero trust paradigm revolutionizes this model, shunning the confinement of security to a limited network perimeter. Instead, it blankets security across the complete network and its information assets, meticulously verifying every user and device before granting access to designated applications.
The zero trust model is built on the foundation of identity. Only after a user’s identity is authenticated are they granted access to applications, content, or systems. Even then, their identity continues to be continuously authorized to detect any unusual behavior or attributes. Access privileges are determined and enforced in alignment with organizational policies, ensuring a granular level of control.
The rise of remote work, global connectivity expectations, and the ever-expanding attack surface have made traditional perimeter-based network security obsolete. Cyberattacks are growing in sophistication, and VPNs are struggling to meet the demands of a workforce that seeks alternative work environments, diversified devices, and applications.
Zero trust addresses typical VPN challenges effectively. Unlike zero trust, VPNs consolidate users into a single system, increasing the risk of a breach across the entire network. Since traffic is routed through data centers, VPNs often perform slowly, especially remotely, whereas zero trust, primarily cloud-based, ensures rapid and efficient connections. Compared to VPNs, zero trust streamlines scalability and provides real-time security policy adjustments via an easy-to-use web interface, reducing IT workload and costs.
In a world where the only constant is change, companies must adapt their security strategies to stay ahead of evolving demands. While VPNs offer connectivity, zero trust is tailored to meet the comprehensive security needs of modern businesses, including remote work, speed, performance, and robust security. As organizations gear up for the future of work, integrating zero trust into their security framework is not merely an option but a necessity to thrive in this dynamic landscape.