Zero Trust Network Access vs VPN: Why Companies Are Switching
Remote-access VPNs have connected employees to company networks for decades. They work — but once connected, a user (or an attacker with their credentials) can often reach far more of the network than they need. Zero Trust Network Access takes a different approach.
How a VPN grants access
The user authenticates and is placed on the internal network. Firewall rules may limit what they reach, but the default posture is “inside means trusted”. VPN gateways are also exposed to the internet, and vulnerabilities in them have been widely exploited.
How ZTNA grants access
- Users connect to specific applications, not to the network.
- Every request is checked against identity, device health and context — and re-checked continuously.
- Applications are hidden from the internet; there is no open gateway to attack.
- Access is logged per user and per application.
Practical differences for users
Done well, ZTNA is smoother than VPN: there is no “connect” step, and traffic to SaaS does not detour through the office.
Migrating safely
- Inventory internal applications and who uses them.
- Start with web applications and a pilot group.
- Integrate with your identity provider and enforce multi-factor authentication.
- Move groups over in phases and retire VPN access for each group once it is done.
ZTNA is a core part of our SASE service. Plan your VPN replacement.
