Cloud Secure remote access is essential for modern infrastructure, but SSL VPN and Global VPN clients, once the backbone of connectivity, are now aging technologies that lack the flexibility, scalability, and security today’s environments demand .I remember when SonicWall’s Global VPN was first introduced back in 2001, followed by SSL VPNs nine years later. Back then, businesses turned to VPNs as a convenient, cost-effective way to connect users securely to corporate networks. But today’s reality is different. With hybrid cloud environments and remote work now standard, network access has outgrown the model of a single VPN tunnel into an on-premises data centre. It’s clear to me now that traditional VPN solutions no longer meet the demands of modern infrastructure.
The Problem with Traditional VPNs
Limited Scalability – Traditional VPNs were designed for a time when only a small percentage of employees worked remotely. Today, businesses need a solution that scales without performance bottlenecks.
Security Risks – VPNs provide broad access to the internal networks, increasing the risks if a user’s credentials are compromised. Cybercriminals frequently target VPNs as an entry point into corporate networks.
Patching & Maintenance Issues – Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and IT teams struggle to keep up with constant CVE (Common Vulnerabilities & Exposures) updates, requiring immediate patching, making VPNs difficult to maintain securely across your customer base while ensuring that you are no longer exposed to new threats.
The Shift to Security Service Edge (SSE)
The cybersecurity market has evolved, and in recent years, I’ve seen a shift toward Security Service Edge (SSE) as a replacement for traditional VPNs. VPNs act like an ‘on/off’ switch, they authenticate the user once and then stay connected for as long as the user remains logged in. This isn’t ideal as there could be compromises on the device after the authentication process has happened, so it’s important we now look at a solution that is more granular and constantly rates the security of the user while they are working.
Why SonicWall Cloud Secure Edge (CSE) is the Future of Remote Access
SonicWall specifically designed Cloud Secure Edge (CSE) for a new era of cybersecurity that no longer relies on outdated VPN technologies.
- Embrace a Simple, Secure Zero-Trust Approach – Give employees and third parties secure access to private and cloud-based resources, no matter where they are.
- Boost Performance and Scalability – Unlike traditional VPNs that slow down traffic with outdated protocols, CSE connects users swiftly to the apps and data they need, cutting latency and enhancing performance.
- Minimise the Attack Surface – CSE enforces micro-segmentation and least privilege access, preventing attackers from moving freely across the network even if they compromise user credentials.
- Streamline Management and Deployment – Forget constant firewall firmware updates. CSE delivers security through a cloud-based, securely patched, and fully managed model, freeing MSSPs from hands-on maintenance and strengthening their overall security posture
My Take – Brandon Madeley – Technical Manager Exertis Cybersecurity
Over the years, I’ve watched countless security technologies rise and fade. One thing is clear: it’s time to move on from traditional VPNs. They’ve served businesses well, especially SMBs, as a cost-effective solution. But with hybrid working, widespread cloud adoption, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, legacy VPNs no longer offer the security modern networks demand.
I tested SonicWall’s Cloud Secure Edge (CSE) first-hand, and it truly impressed me. SonicWall’s CSE gives modern businesses exactly what they need, robust security, effortless scalability, and simplified remote access management, all without the ongoing hassle of VPN maintenance and patching. If you’re still relying on traditional VPNs, now’s the time to explore a better way. I strongly recommend booking a demo to see CSE in action. As a cloud-delivered security solution, it’s a game-changer for small businesses aiming to future-proof their remote access strategy. CSE also empowers our channel partners with a new recurring revenue stream through SonicWall’s SSP programme, while saving engineers both time and money by eliminating the need to patch firewalls and Secure Mobile Access (SMA) devices, especially during out-of-hours callouts.
