Still using a VPN? If so, it might not be working as effectively as you’d like.

Since their creation in the mid-1990s, virtual private networks (VPNs) have been a cybersecurity staple for businesses. Their simple, effective method of connecting remote employees to company networks and protecting sensitive data made them the gold standard — until recently.

The way we do business is changing, and so are the tools we rely on. In this article, I’ll share a better VPN alternative to consider and whether or not you should consider the switch now.

VPNs: A Legacy Solution

You probably began using a VPN to give your employees secure access to internal, on-premise company resources — things like file servers, intranets, and applications hosted within your company’s own network. Decades ago, when most companies operated exclusively on-premise, this approach made sense.

But that’s no longer the case.

With the rise of cloud computing, remote work, and SaaS platforms like Google Drive, Microsoft SharePoint, and Salesforce, most employees aren’t accessing on-premise servers; instead, they’re working entirely in the cloud.

VPNs aren’t built for that.

If you’ve already moved your tools and files to cloud-based services, the only thing a VPN is doing is encrypting your internet traffic — something modern tools can handle more efficiently and with better control.

Additionally, VPNs are “all or nothing” tools. Once you’re in, you’re in — meaning users get access to the full network. That creates a wider attack surface and makes it harder for IT to manage risk.

VPN Alternatives: Smarter & More Secure

There are two major types of VPN alternatives worth considering, depending on your needs:

1. Web Protection & Web Isolation Tools

Ideal for companies fully operating in the cloud, web protection and isolation tools monitor and filter web traffic. They ensure users only access safe sites, and keep a detailed log for IT auditing. They also provide real-time threat protection without the complexity of VPN infrastructure. {Taylor, provide an example here}

Unlike a VPN, which protects traffic only when it’s connected, Web Protection and Isolation tools are tied directly to the user’s account or device. Whether in the office, at home, or on the road, all traffic is automatically inspected and filtered. IT still gets consistent logs and real-time threat blocking — without relying on users staying connected to their VPN.

2. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Solutions

A much more secure alternative to VPNs, especially if you still have on-premise apps, is ZTNA. ZTNA is identity-based, meaning access is granted based on the user’s identity and role, not just if they’ve connected via VPN.

Part of what makes ZTNA solutions so appealing is that they provide granular, time-limited access. Instead of giving users full access to the network, ZTNA gives them access only to the apps or data they need, and continuous verification ensures a higher level of protection against unauthorized access.

Add Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Tools For Even More Protection

Even with modern access controls, what happens after someone accesses sensitive data matters just as much. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools restrict users from downloading, copying, or sharing restricted data. Cloud-based DLP tools can enforce restrictions directly on endpoint devices (like laptops), making these tools more accessible and cost-effective than ever for small and mid-sized businesses.

When might a VPN still make sense?

You may not need to ditch your VPN right away.

If you’re a small business still relying heavily on internal servers and VPN is working reliably, there isn’t necessarily an urgent reason to change. However, you may want to start thinking about the future. VPN probably won’t fit your needs better in five years than it does today, so it’s something to begin evaluating now (even if you don’t make the switch immediately).

What should your next steps be?

Replacing VPNs isn’t just about security — it’s also about having better visibility, stronger control, and a user experience that’s better suited to how your team actually works today (versus 30 years ago).

If you’re still using a VPN regularly, ask yourself: Is it still doing what we need it to? If not, what would a better solution look like? The answer might not be limited to security—it could also have to do with making your operations simpler and more efficient.

We’d love to help you explore your options and find the right fit for you. Email us today to start a conversation.