Let’s face it - the way most companies handle secure access now, doesn’t cut it any more. Old school VPNs were dependable at a time when everyone worked from the office, and cloud applications weren’t a thing.
However, working styles have changed fast. Now, VPNs are at best an outdated security system that not just have glaring gaps, but also increase friction in everyday operations.
Traditional VPNs are no longer adequate to handle the security requirements of the modern organization. This is especially true if your organization is undergoing digital transformation, has remote workers or if you work with cloud applications.
Here are some reasons why traditional VPNs do not suffice the security requirements of the modern organization:
Centralized ‘choke’ points
Imagine redirecting all cars in a city traffic through one lane, during rush hour. The result? Everything is slowed down, and there is chaos. VPNs send all your traffic through a single gateway, which is usually at HQ. If the gateway crashes, everyone is stuck.
Zenarmor Solution: Peer-to-peer mesh connectivity using ZTNA
Zenarmor helps connect each user directly and securely to the information they need. Zenarmor’s ZTNA implementation creates encrypted, point-to-point tunnels between the endpoint and the target application or server without detouring through a VPN hub or a data centre. This helps your organization significantly:
- Eliminates centralized network congestion
- Limits the attack surface for bad actors and improves security
- Improves scalability and flexibility through an easily adaptable solution (ZTNA)
Dependence on VPN Gateway
If your VPN application or cloud PoP has issues, your users get kicked out or rerouted through slower routes. This means network lags, session drops, frustrated users, and your IT teams getting calls throughout the day.
Zenarmor Solution: Endpoint based inspection
Zenarmor flips the script - Zenarmor runs right on your device, eliminating any issues of gateway getting choked. This means security checks happen locally - no need for a VPN, no detours or bottlenecks. As a result? Smoother and safer remote work for everyone, and IT teams are not burdened with calls throughout the day.
- Improved performance due to minimal reliance on centralized infrastructure (20-1500 times faster than traditional VPN or SD-WAN solutions)
- Consistent, reliable connections with no ‘single-point-of-failure’
- True Zero Trust Security with unlimited micro-segmentation
Threat surface increases significantly - including all systems on the network
Once a VPN connection is active, a compromised device can open the floodgates to the entire network. Think about it - when a laptop gets infected with malware or falls victim to a phishing attack (quite common), the attacker has the same network access as your employees. What should ideally be an isolated instance on one remote worker’s device, quickly becomes a company-wide security nightmare.
Zenarmor Solution: Microsegmented ZTNA + Default-Deny Access
With Zenarmor, the control is in your hands. You can restrict access to per user and per application. Every connection is explicitly granted, giving you full visibility into access. Even if a device is compromised, access is blocked by default, which means bad actors cannot move laterally.
- Peer-to-peer secure connectivity, minimizing exposure and bottlenecks
- Default-Deny Access model as an approach to enforce Zero Trust Security
- Granular control of applications and user access to reduce exposure and risk
The Bottom Line
Traditional VPNs were built for a different era and were useful long back. The modern environment of remote teams, distributed workforces, and evolving threats needs a more modern approach to security.
Zenarmor is built on a fundamentally modern approach - on Zero Trust, endpoint intelligence, and peer-to-peer connectivity. The result? Faster, safer, and more resilient access, without the usual bottlenecks and breakdowns. It’s time to give your network security a fresh, new upgrade it deserves. Talk to us today to learn how Zenarmor can help strengthen your security posture.
