In recent years, the way companies operate has changed drastically – especially for smaller and mid-sized businesses. With more teams working remotely and relying on cloud apps every day, traditional security tools like VPNs have started to show their age. They’re simply not built for the way we work now.
That’s where ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) comes in.
This article breaks down the key differences between ZTNA and VPN, explains why VPNs are no longer enough, and shows why Remote WorkForce ZTNA is the standout solution for businesses needing a smarter, more manageable approach to access and security.
First Things First: What Are VPNs and ZTNA?
Let’s start with the basics.
VPNs – Virtual Private Networks – have been used for years to give users remote access to their office networks. They work by creating an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and the internal network. The problem? Once you’re in, you’re in. Most VPNs don’t offer much in the way of fine-tuned control.
ZTNA, on the other hand, flips that logic on its head. It follows a “never trust, always verify” model. Every single access request is checked – based on who’s asking, what device they’re using, and what they’re trying to access. Only then is access granted, and even then, it’s limited to just what’s needed.
This shift changes everything about how businesses protect their data.
VPN vs ZTNA: What Really Sets Them Apart?
1. Access Scope
- VPN: Once a user logs in, they often get access to the full network – even if they only need one app.
- ZTNA: Access is granted at the application level – users see only what they’re supposed to.
2. Security Approach
- VPN: One-time login. After that, it’s all or nothing.
- ZTNA: Every access request is evaluated in real-time. If anything looks off, access is denied.
3. User Visibility
- VPN: Hard to tell what users are doing once they’re connected.
- ZTNA: Tracks activity at the app level – giving you clearer oversight of what’s happening.
4. Performance and Speed
- VPN: Tends to slow things down, especially when traffic is routed through company servers.
- ZTNA: Routes users directly to apps – cutting out the middleman and improving response time.
5. Scalability
- VPN: Difficult to scale quickly without hardware upgrades or major IT support.
- ZTNA: Cloud-native and built to scale on demand – no extra equipment required.
Why Remote WorkForce ZTNA Is the One to Beat
There’s no shortage of ZTNA products on the market, but Remote WorkForce ZTNA was built specifically with SMEs in mind. It strikes the right balance between top-tier security and everyday usability – without weighing your team down.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- No complex setup: Deploys in a matter of hours – not weeks. No specialist hardware needed.
- Easy to manage: A clean, user-friendly dashboard gives full visibility and control without being overwhelming.
- Tailored access: Granular control ensures staff, freelancers, and partners can only access the specific apps or systems they need.
- Seamless for end-users: No clunky VPN software or awkward login flows – just smooth, secure access.
- Covers remote and BYOD needs: Verifies device health before each connection – so users on personal devices don’t introduce risk.
Reducing the Damage When Breaches Happen
When using a VPN, once someone’s in, they can roam around the entire network. So if an attacker gets access – say, through stolen credentials – they can often do a lot of damage before anyone notices.
With Remote WorkForce ZTNA, access is limited by design. Each request is checked, every session monitored. If someone tries to access something outside their permissions, it’s blocked. If a device shows signs of compromise, access is denied.
This kind of microsegmentation means that even if something does go wrong, the impact is tightly contained. It’s a much more controlled and thoughtful way to manage risk.
Built for MSPs and Non-Technical Teams
Not every business has an in-house IT team. In fact, many lean on managed service providers (MSPs) or handle things internally with limited staff. That’s why Remote WorkForce ZTNA was made to be approachable and practical.
- For MSPs: Easily manage multiple clients from a central dashboard, and reduce setup and maintenance time.
- For internal teams: No need to learn complex scripts or technical jargon – most tasks are just a few clicks.
- For everyone: Built-in reporting means you’re ready for compliance checks whenever they come up.
It’s powerful enough for professionals, yet simple enough for generalists. And that’s a rare combination.
Making the Move from VPN to ZTNA
Switching to ZTNA doesn’t mean you have to throw everything out and start over. Most businesses do it in stages, rolling out access policies bit by bit while continuing to support legacy systems where needed.
Here’s a rough idea of what the transition might look like:
- Review how your VPN is currently being used
- Identify high-risk or high-value apps to secure first
- Deploy Remote WorkForce ZTNA to a test group
- Refine your access policies based on real-world use
- Expand gradually until full ZTNA adoption is complete
The whole point is to move towards stronger security – without causing unnecessary disruption.
VPN vs ZTNA: A Quick Side-by-Side
| Feature | VPN | ZTNA (Remote WorkForce) |
|---|---|---|
| Access Scope | Broad network access | Per app, per user access only |
| Verification | One-time at login | Every request is verified |
| Device Security | Often ignored | Checked every session |
| Speed and Performance | Often sluggish | Direct-to-app for faster experience |
| Ease of Management | Can be complex | Designed to be simple |
| Remote Work Support | Limited flexibility | Built for remote and hybrid teams |
| Setup Time | Days or weeks | Typically within a day |
If your business still relies on VPNs alone to support a remote or hybrid workforce, it’s worth looking closely at the risks – and the alternatives. ZTNA is quickly becoming the new standard for secure access, and Remote WorkForce ZTNA makes that transition achievable without the typical complications.
It offers enterprise-grade protection in a format that makes sense for smaller operations. Fast to deploy, easy to manage, and ready to scale with you – it’s a tool that works as hard as you do.
Contact our experts today to discuss Private Communications Corp Solutions
👉 https://exertisenterprise.com/private-communications-corp/
