In today’s remote and hybrid work landscape, providing secure access to business systems is essential. But the tools we use to do that are rapidly evolving.
If your organization still relies on traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), you may be exposing your network to unnecessary risk. Enter Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) — a modern, scalable, and secure alternative that many businesses are adopting in 2025.
In this guide, we’ll compare ZTNA and VPNs, break down the key differences, and help you determine which is the right fit for your business this year and beyond.
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between a user’s device and your internal network. It masks IP addresses and allows users to appear as though they’re working from the office.
While VPNs have been the default for remote access for decades, they were designed for a very different IT landscape — one that didn’t include widespread cloud adoption or remote work at scale.
Provides broad access to the network, increasing risk
Performance bottlenecks from centralized traffic routing
Limited visibility into user activity
High vulnerability to compromised credentials
Difficult to scale across remote and third-party users
Learn how credentials get exploited in this article: 7 Ways You Can Get Hacked Without Your Device Being Compromised
ZTNA flips the script on traditional network access by following the “never trust, always verify” model. Instead of granting access to the entire network, ZTNA only allows users to connect to specific applications and services they’re authorized to use.
ZTNA also verifies user identity, device health, and behavior continuously — not just at login. This provides better control, more visibility, and stronger protection against lateral attacks.
Application-level access rather than full network access
Strong integration with identity verification and MFA
Reduced attack surface and risk of lateral movement
Native support for cloud apps and remote work
Easier management and scalability for IT teams
For a deeper look at modern authentication, check out: What is Phishing-Resistant MFA? A Must-Know Guide for SMBs
| Feature | VPN | ZTNA |
|---|---|---|
| Access Type | Full network access | Application-specific access |
| Security Model | Perimeter-based | Zero Trust, identity-based |
| Authentication | One-time login | Continuous verification |
| Performance | May introduce latency | Cloud-native, optimized |
| Visibility | Limited | Full activity insights |
| Scalability | Difficult to manage | Designed for scale |
Traditional VPNs operate on a "trusted user, trusted device" basis. ZTNA trusts nothing by default and continuously evaluates user context before granting access.
Cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated than ever. VPNs often serve as a single point of failure — if an attacker gains access to VPN credentials, they can freely explore the network.
In fact, stolen VPN credentials have been a key attack vector in several high-profile data breaches. The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has even issued ongoing alerts about VPN vulnerabilities.
With more organizations moving to the cloud, the limitations of VPNs become even more apparent. They’re not built for cloud-first or hybrid environments — ZTNA is.
If your team uses personal or unmanaged devices, make sure you also read: BYOD Policies: Security Risks, Challenges & Solutions for Businesses
ZTNA is gaining traction with small and mid-sized businesses that want:
A stronger, more modern security posture
Easier support for hybrid work environments
Better visibility into who’s accessing what — and when
Flexibility to securely support contractors and external users
Reduced risk of internal threats and credential misuse
People remain one of your biggest vulnerabilities — which is why you shoudl read up on: Why Cybersecurity Awareness Training Is Essential for Your Business
Some businesses still have valid use cases for VPNs — especially if they're running older on-premise systems that aren’t cloud-compatible. However, for most growing SMBs, ZTNA offers far more value in terms of scalability, security, and user experience.
| Use Case | VPN | ZTNA |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy on-premise infrastructure | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Remote access to cloud applications | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Secure access for third-party contractors | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Compliance and data protection | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Granular user access control | ❌ | ✔️ |
Interested in reviewing your broader IT security posture? Read: Top SMB Cybersecurity Risks and How to Protect Your Business
ZTNA offers a more secure, scalable, and modern way to support remote and hybrid workforces. While VPNs may still play a role in specific scenarios, relying on them alone leaves your business exposed.
As more SMBs adopt cloud services and face increasing regulatory pressure, ZTNA is quickly becoming the gold standard in secure remote access.
Ready to upgrade your security approach? Our team can help you assess your current environment and develop a customized ZTNA roadmap that fits your business needs.
Contact us to schedule a no-pressure consultation.