As cyber threats evolve, organizations must prioritize secure remote access solutions. Traditionally, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are the go-to for secure connectivity. However, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is emerging as a higher alternative, offering enhanced security and flexibility.
This article compares ZTNA and VPNs, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for modern cybersecurity challenges.
What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?
Thanks to Aztech
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a cybersecurity framework that implements strict access controls based on identity, device security posture, and contextual factors. Unlike VPNs, ZTNA follows the Zero Trust principle—”never trust, always verify.”
Three Key Principles of a Zero-Trust Security Model
- Ongoing Verification: No user or device can be trusted, and verification should be an ongoing process. Verification involves authenticating users and devices through various methods, such as multi-factor authentication or biometric data, and verifying the user and device status even after the initial access is granted.
- Minimal access: By segmenting the network to create minor zones of control, organizations can control access to applications, data, and resources and grant least-privilege access based on need or role. This approach lessens the attack surface and limits the potential damage from a breach.
- Assume breach: Organizations should plot as if attackers are already inside and outside the network. This mindset requires organizations to forgo the traditional concept of a “trusted zone,” such as “in the office,” and adopt a more flexible and adaptable approach to security.
Also read: Top 15 Essential Open Source Cyber Security Tools for 2025
How ZTNA Works
ZTNA functions on a software-defined perimeter (SDP) that verifies user identity, device security posture, and contextual data before granting access. Instead of allowing broad network access, ZTNA enables users to connect only to authorized applications and resources through a cloud-based broker or gateway. This architecture enhances security by segmenting access and reducing the attack surface.
ZTNA works with an identity provider to authenticate users and devices and applies multi-factor authentication (MFA) to additional secure remote connections.
It doesn’t rely on the public internet connection but also integrates with the cloud environment to ensure secure, seamless remote access solutions for remote and hybrid workers.
Use Cases of ZTNA
- Remote Workforce Security: It provides secure access to corporate applications without exposing the network.
- Cloud and Hybrid Environments: Smooths secure access across multi-cloud and hybrid infrastructure.
- Third-Party and Vendor Access: Ensures controlled, least-privileged access for external users.
- Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Helps organizations meet strict security standards and compliance mandates.
What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
Thanks to Aztech
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection that encrypts data and routes it through a private server, masking the user’s IP address. VPNs are widely used for remote access, enabling employees to connect to corporate networks securely.
VPNs generally rely on protocols such as secure socket tunneling protocol (SSTP), Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), and Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2) to build a secure connection over the public Internet.
This means the user’s traffic is routed through the VPN client, which encrypts their data and gives them access to the necessary corporate resources, though often with less granular control than ZTNA.
Also Read: Unlock Unlimited Streaming with 10 Best VPNs
Benefits of VPNs
- Secure Data Transmission: Encrypts data to prevent interception.
- Remote Access: Allows users to connect to corporate networks from any location.
- Anonymity: Hides IP addresses to enhance privacy.
- Compatibility: VPNs work across multiple operating systems and devices, offering secure remote access to various endpoints.
Limitations of VPNs
- Broad Network Access: Once authenticated, users have access to the entire network, increasing the risk of lateral movement by attackers.
- Performance Issues: VPNs can slow down connections due to encryption overhead and server congestion.
- Scalability Challenges: Managing VPNs for a large workforce can be complex and costly.
- Legacy technology: Some VPN solutions are outdated and may not integrate well with modern cloud or hybrid infrastructures.
ZTNA vs VPN: A Detailed Comparison
| Feature | VPN | ZTNA |
| Security Model | Perimeter-based security | Zero Trust principle |
| Access Control | Broad network access | Granular, least-privilege access |
| Performance | Can be slow due to encryption overhead | Optimized cloud-native connectivity |
| Scalability | Difficult to scale for large enterprises | Easily scalable across cloud and hybrid environments |
| Attack Surface | Higher risk due to full network access | Reduced attack surface with application-specific access |
| Implementation | Easier but may require more security measures | More complex but offers superior security |
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Thanks to Fortinet
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between ZTNA and VPN depends on your organization’s security needs and infrastructure:
Use VPN if
- You need a quick and cost-effective solution for remote access with minimal security restrictions.
- There are scenarios where broad network access is needed or working within legacy systems requiring network-level access.
- VPNs are a good fit for smaller businesses with a few remote employees, protecting unsecured Wi-Fi.
Use ZTNA if
- You prioritize security, need granular access control, and want a scalable solution for cloud and hybrid environments.
- There are larger organizations with remote or hybrid teams, as they enforce stricter access controls for sensitive data and applications.
ZTNA vs VPN: Factors to Consider When Choosing Them
Here are the factors to consider while choosing ZTNA and VPN solutions:
Security needs
If minimizing the attack surface and controlling access to specific applications are top priorities, ZTNA offers better protection through granular control.
Scalability
ZTNA solutions are usually more scalable, especially in the cloud environments. VPNs may become less efficient as more remote workers connect.
Integration with modern IT systems
If your organization uses a fusion of on-premise and cloud resources, ZTNA may be the better option, as it flawlessly integrates with cloud platforms.
User experience
VPNs can sometimes cause performance issues, while ZTNA offers a more seamless user experience with fewer slowdowns.
Cost
VPNs are usually cheaper upfront, but the higher security risks and management complexity can increase costs in the long run.
Summing Up
While VPNs have been a trusted solution for years, ZTNA offers a more advanced and secure approach to remote access. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, businesses should consider transitioning to ZTNA to enhance security, reduce attack surfaces, and improve performance. The future of cybersecurity lies in Zero Trust models, making ZTNA the preferred choice for modern enterprises.
FAQs
What is the difference between a traditional VPN and SASE?
The key difference between a traditional VPN and SASE is that VPNs secure only the connection, while SASE combines network and security services in the cloud. SASE offers more comprehensive protection for remote and cloud environments, whereas VPNs are more traditional and limited to access networks.
What is the difference between an Always-On VPN and Zero Trust?
An always-on VPN provides continuous, broader access to networks, while ZTNA operates on a zero-trust principle, granting access to particular applications after verifying the user’s identity and device security. This means ZTNA offers more secure and limited access to networks than VPNs.
Is ZTNA harder to implement than VPN?
While ZTNA can be more complex to implement due to its integration with identity and cloud services, its long-term security benefits make it valuable.
What are the advantages of ZTNA over VPN?
ZTNA has many advantages over VPN, including broader checks of both user and device, more granular access granted, and ongoing checks. These measures make it more difficult for bad actors to gain and maintain access to resources.
