Why Replace VPN Solutions with Zero Trust Security?

Overview: Why organizations are replacing VPNs with zero trust

Organizations have traditionally relied on virtual private network (VPN) solutions to protect their networks and enable employees to work from anywhere. Over time, though, it became clear that these once-reliable gateways carry hidden complexities. Their overreliance on implicit trust and lack of visibility leaves environments more vulnerable than many leaders realize.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the foundation of VPNs, discuss their growing challenges, and explain how zero trust security is emerging as a stronger approach to securing resources while accommodating modern business needs. By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to assess whether it’s time to move beyond legacy VPN connections toward a more adaptive, cloud-native security model.

What are VPN solutions?

VPNs establish an encrypted tunnel between a user’s device and a corporate network. By doing so, they shield sensitive data from prying eyes, making it seem as though the user is physically part of the organization’s internal environment. For a long time, installing VPN software on endpoints was the staple for remote workers needing to securely access critical databases or applications.

The problem, however, lies in this implicit trust model. While VPNs effectively guard data in transit by validating credentials, they then grant broad, network-level access. They operate on the assumption that once a user is inside the perimeter, they are “trusted.” As operating systems continue to evolve and cybercriminal strategies grow more cunning, companies find that older security measures tied to VPNs may be too rigid. That’s where a modern trust architecture, grounded in zero trust philosophies, paves the way for a more comprehensive defense.

Increasing limitations and challenges of VPN solutions

Although VPNs were once  the gold standard for enterprise connectivity, they come with several pressing issues in complex environments. Below are the key hurdles organizations frequently encounter:

• Limited scalability: As organizations grow, a single VPN server and its related configurations can become difficult to maintain.
• Complex administration: VPN software needs frequent patches and troubleshooting on numerous endpoint devices.
• Security blind spots: A trust model that assumes legitimacy can fail to screen certain network traffic for threats.
• High latency: Routing data through a single hub or data center can slow performance, which frustrates teams.
• Inconsistent access control: Granting uniform privileges to everyone makes it harder to meet the nuanced needs of various user groups.

Zero trust security: A modern VPN alternative

Zero trust security revolutionizes how companies defend data, verifying every connection rather than automatically trusting a device or location. It advances beyond the belief that a single perimeter can protect the entire network, continuously checking each activity using context before granting permissions. As a result, more businesses are turning to this mindset as a robust successor to traditional VPNs, particularly in our era of remote operations and continuous cloud adoption.

What is zero trust security?

Zero trust is a security model designed to eliminate implicit trust from every segment of the network. Built on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” it treats users and devices as inherently untrusted until they prove otherwise, which better defends against internal and external threats alike. While the principle behind zero trust is straightforward, it requires planning and strategy to put into practice.

A distinctive feature of zero trust is its focus on continuous  authentication, often including multifactor authentication (MFA) and granular permissions to thwart unauthorized logins. With zero trust, a user’s physical location no longer confers special privileges, diminishing the need for a rigid perimeter. Whether your infrastructure is on-premises or off site, zero trust continually examines each request, as even the slightest irregularity can indicate a potential breach. This adaptable framework distributes scrutiny throughout the entire system rather than depending on a single checkpoint for overall protection.

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Key benefits of zero trust security over VPN solutions

Organizations adopting zero trust enjoy stronger protection and a smoother user experience. Below are five clear advantages over older VPN solutions:

• Stronger access control: Fine-grained permissions ensure individuals only see what they need, reducing lateral movement.
• Enhanced visibility: Constant monitoring goes beyond checking an IP address to detect suspicious behavior in real time.
• Reduced attack surface: By making applications invisible to the open internet and never exposing the network, intruders struggle to find exploitable weak points.
• Better user experience: Fewer steps are needed to securely open resources, improving productivity for distributed teams.
• Scalable cloud integrations: A comprehensive trust architecture aligns seamlessly with decentralized environments to support future growth.

Overcoming challenges in shifting away from VPN solutions

Moving from a familiar VPN setup to a zero trust approach can feel daunting, yet proper planning makes it more manageable. Consider the following best practices:

1. Perform a complete asset inventory: Before changing permissions or policies, map out which applications and data are most critical.
2. Engage stakeholders early: Make sure leadership, IT professionals, and end users understand the limitations of legacy VPN connections.
3. Pilot new policies: Implement zero trust security measures with a small group of remote workers or test environments to refine your strategy Before a full rollout.
4. Adopt flexible tooling Choose a platform that aligns with your existing workflows and operating systems so implementation runs smoothly.
5. Train and communicate: Provide open forums and resources so everyone can quickly adapt to the updated security stance.
    

How Zscaler zero trust solves VPN challenges

Zscaler empowers organizations to move beyond the limits of legacy VPN by offering a zero trust network access (ZTNA) solution that delivers secure, seamless connectivity for today’s distributed workforce. Purpose-built for the cloud era, Zscaler reduces business risk and streamlines operations with a modern architecture that connects users directly to applications—never the network—while eliminating the need for traditional VPN infrastructure. By adopting Zscaler, organizations benefit from:

• Stronger security: Reduce attack surface and lateral threat movement with inside-out, user-to-app segmentation.
• Consistent user experience: Provide fast, reliable access to private applications from anywhere, with no need for backhauling or complex routing.
• Simplified management: Consolidate policy enforcement and remote access for all users and devices through a unified, cloud-delivered platform.
• Lower costs and complexity: Eliminate expensive legacy hardware, reduce operational overhead, and accelerate cloud and M&A initiatives.

Upgrade to zero trust—cut costs, boost security. Request a demo today.