As cyber threats evolve, organizations need to prioritize secure remote access solutions. Traditionally, virtual private networks (VPNs) are the go-to for secure connections. However, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) has emerged as a higher alternative, offering increased security and flexibility.
In this article, we compare ZTNA and VPN to analyze strengths, weaknesses, and suitability to the latest cybersecurity challenges.
What is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?
Thank you to Aztech
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) A cybersecurity framework that implements strict access control based on identity, device security attitude, and contextual factors. Unlike VPNs, ztna Continued in Zero Trust Principles– “Never trust me, always check.”
Three key principles of the Zero Trust Security Model
- Continuous verification: You cannot trust users or devices. Verification must be a continuous process. Verification involves authenticating users and devices using a variety of methods, including multifactor authentication and biometric data, and verifying the status of users and devices even after initial access is granted.
- Minimum access: By segmenting the network and creating minor control zones, organizations can control access to applications, data and resources, and grant minimal access based on their needs or roles. This approach reduces the offensive surface and limits the potential damage caused by violations.
- Assume a violation: Organizations should plot as if the attacker was already inside or outside the network. This idea requires organizations to abandon traditional concepts of “trusted zones” such as “in-office” and adopt a more flexible and adaptive approach to security.
Also Read: Top 15 Key Open Source Cybersecurity Tools of 2025
How ZTNA works
ZTNA Function Software-Defined Boundary (SDP) This validates the user’s identity, device security attitude, and contextual data before granting access. Instead of allowing wide range of network access, ZTNA allows users to connect only to authorized applications and resources. Cloud-based broker or gateway. This architecture enhances security by segmenting access and reducing attack surfaces.
ZTNA works with identity providers to authenticate users and devices, and applies multi-factor authentication (MFA) to additional secure remote connections.
Instead of relying on public Internet connections, it integrates with cloud environments to ensure a secure, seamless remote access solution for remote and hybrid workers.
ZTNA Use Cases
- Remote Workforce Security: Provides secure access to corporate applications without exposing the network.
- Cloud and Hybrid Environments: Smooth secure access across multi-cloud and hybrid infrastructures.
- Third Party and Vendor Access: Guaranteed the most uncontrolled, most main access for external users.
- Compliance and regulatory requirements: Help your organization meet strict security standards and compliance obligations.
What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
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a Virtual Private Network (VPN) Masking the user’s IP address with a secure connection that encrypts data and routes it through a private server. VPNs are widely used for remote access, allowing employees to securely connect to their corporate networks.
VPNs generally rely on protocols such as Secure Socket Tunnel Protocol (SSTP), Point-to-Point Tunnel Protocol (PPTP), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEV2) to build secure connections over the public Internet.
This means that the user’s traffic is routed through vpn Clients encrypt data and provide access to the required corporate resources, but often have less granular control than ZTNA.
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Benefits of VPN
- Secure data transmission: Encrypt data to prevent interception.
- Remote Access: Users can connect to the corporate network from anywhere.
- Anonymous: Hide your IP address and enhance your privacy.
- Compatibility: VPNs operate on multiple operating systems and devices, providing secure remote access to a variety of endpoints.
VPN Limitations
- Wide range of network access: Authentication allows users to access the entire network, increasing the risk of attackers lateral movement.
- Performance issues: VPNs can slow connections due to encryption overhead and server congestion.
- Scalability challenges: Managing a VPN for a large workforce can be complicated and expensive.
- Legacy Technology: Some VPN solutions are outdated and may not be able to integrate well with modern cloud and hybrid infrastructure.
ZTNA VS VPN: A detailed comparison
| Features | vpn | ztna |
| Security Model | Perimeter-based security | Zero Trust Principles |
| Access Control | Wide range of network access | Granular, minimal access |
| performance | Can be slow due to encryption overhead | Optimized Cloud Native Connection |
| Scalability | It’s difficult for large companies to expand | Easy to scalable across cloud and hybrid environments |
| Attack surface | Full network access is at increased risk | Reduced attack surfaces with application-specific access |
| implementation | It’s easier, but you may need more security measures | It’s more complicated, but offers better security |
Thank you to Fortinet
Which should I choose?
Choice between ZTNA and VPN It depends on your organization’s security needs and infrastructure.
Use a VPN
- To minimize security restrictions, a fast and cost-effective solution for remote access is needed.
- There are scenarios where a wide range of network access is required within legacy systems that require network level access.
- VPNs are suitable for small businesses with a small number of remote employees and protect unsecured Wi-Fi.
Use the case of ZTNA
- Security is prioritized, detailed access control is required, and scalable solutions for cloud and hybrid environments.
- There are large organizations with remote or hybrid teams to enforce stricter access controls for sensitive data and applications.
Also Read: Cybersecurity: Key Tips and Best Practices for Securing Personal and Business Data in the Digital Age
ZTNA vs VPN: Factors to consider when choosing them
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a ZTNA and VPN solution:
Security needs
If minimizing the attack surface and controlling access to specific applications is your top priority, ZTNA offers better protection with granular control.
Scalability
Typically, ZTNA solutions are more scalable, especially in cloud environments. As more remote workers connect, VPNs can become less efficient.
Integration with modern IT systems
If your organization uses a fusion of on-premises and cloud resources, it could be a better option as ZTNA integrates perfectly with the cloud platform.
User Experience
While VPNs can cause performance issues, ZTNA offers a more seamless user experience with less slowdown.
Fee
VPNs are usually cheaper, but the higher the security risks and complexity of management, the more cost can increase over the long term.
total
meanwhile vpns It’s been a reliable solution for years, ztna Remote access provides a more sophisticated and secure approach. As cyber threats become more refined, businesses should consider Migration to ZTNA To improve security, reduce attack surfaces and improve performance. The future of cybersecurity lies in the zero trust model, and ZTNA has become a favourable choice for modern companies.
FAQ
What is the difference between a traditional VPN and a SASE?
The main difference between traditional VPNs and SASE is that VPNs only protect connections, while SASE combines networks and security services in the cloud. SASE offers more comprehensive protection for remote and cloud environments, but VPNs are more traditional and are limited to access networks.
What is the difference between a Always On VPN and Zero Trust?
While a VPN that is always on provides continuous and widespread access to your network, ZTNA works on the Zero Trust principle, allowing access to specific applications after checking the user’s identity and device security. This means that ZTNA provides more secure and limited access to secure and restricted networks than VPNs.
Is ZTNA more difficult to implement than a VPN?
ZTNA can be more complicated to implement due to its identity and integration with cloud services, but its long-term security benefits are valuable.
What are the advantages of ZTNA over VPN?
ZTNA has many advantages over VPNs, including extensive checking for both users and devices, more detailed access allowed, and ongoing checks. These measures make it even more difficult for bad actors to gain and maintain access to resources.
