Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are always used as one of the trusted security solutions for protecting digital assets and sensitive data. VPN encrypts the connection that helps hide your IP addresses to ensure your sensitive data is safely transmitted.
However, they aren’t suitable for modern enterprises due to limitations like the increased attack surface, performance issues, excessive implicit trust leading to lateral movement, and management and scalability complexity.
This is why organisations are leaning towards adopting secure and robust VPN Alternatives that emerged with the advancement of the technology. These VPN alternatives for businesses help combat the VPN’s limitations.
Now, you may wonder what those alternatives are, right? Don’t worry; this article will explore three cutting-edge options in 2023 that are flourishing by promising to protect your online ventures, assets and environment in new and exciting ways.
But before delving into the alternatives, let’s quickly look at the pros and cons of using VPN.
Table of Contents
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a VPN?
| Pros | Cons |
| Privacy: IP masking | Speed reduction due to encryption |
| Security: Data encryption | Cost (premium VPNs may require fees) |
| Access to geo-restricted content | Limited server choices (free VPNs) |
| Public Wi-Fi Safety | Service restrictions on some platforms |
| Remote work support | Setup complexity for beginners |
| Torrenting and P2P support | Legal concerns if misused |
Top 3 VPN Alternatives in 2023
1. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Zero Trust Network Access, also known as ZTNA, is a modern security concept offering a user-centric access control approach compared to traditional VPN methods.
Zero Trust VPN Alternative is an approach which works on the principle of “trust no one; verifies every time.” Thus, ZTNA grants the least required network and resource access after verifying each user’s identity and device health.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Key Features
| Features | Description |
| User Authentication | Strong, continuous user verification, including MFA. |
| Application-Level Access | Granular access control, limiting lateral movement by users. |
| Micro-Segmentation | Isolation of network traffic to hinder lateral movement. |
| Continuous Monitoring | Real-time user behaviour and device health monitoring. |
2. Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
Secure Web Gateways provide an alternative to VPNs, primarily related to web traffic and browsing activities. It is a cloud-based security solution that protects company data and enforces security policies by offering web filtering, threat protection and data loss prevention.
SWGs safeguard users against web-based threats and block risky or unauthorised user behaviour while ensuring access to internet resources without relying on a VPN.
Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Key Features
| Features | Description |
| Web Filtering | Blocks malicious and inappropriate websites via URL categorisation. |
| Threat Protection | Real-time scanning for threats, blocking malicious downloads. |
| Data Loss Prevention (DLP) | Enforces policies to prevent unauthorised data sharing. |
| Cloud Integration | Integration with cloud-based security services for off-network protection. |
3. Privacy-Focused Browser
Privacy-focused browsers are one of the excellent options for users seeking anonymity and privacy while browsing the web without a VPN. These browsers, including Brave, Firefox Focus, Tor Browser, etc., are designed to prioritise user privacy by blocking trackers, cookies and ads that could threaten your digital environment.
Privacy-Focused Browser Features
| Features | Description |
| Ad and Tracker Blocking | Automatic blocking of ads and trackers for enhanced privacy. |
| Private Browsing Mode | No storage of browsing history, cookies, or passwords. |
| Onion Routing (Tor) | Routes internet traffic through the Tor network for high anonymity. |
Conclusion
Though VPNs have their own pros and cons, users can overcome this potential drawback by utilising VPN alternatives like Zero Trust VPN solution, Secure Web Gateways, Privacy Focused Browsers and more, which provide enhanced security and better user performance.
Thus, determine your business security unique needs and then take action accordingly. In the end, remember to choose reliable security solutions or InstaSafe VPN alternatives to save your organisation’s sensitive data in the best way possible.