Why Organisations Are Using Zero Trust Networks instead Of VPNs

Traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have served organisations well for decades, ensuring secure remote access to internal resources.

However, with the emergence of sophisticated cybersecurity threats and the transition towards distributed work environments, Connected Network recognises that Zero Trust Networks (ZTNs) are increasingly becoming the architecture of choice for forward-thinking enterprises.

THE LIMITATIONS OF VPNS

Traditional VPNs, while foundational in the past, now present several limitations:

• Scalability and Complexity: Scaling VPN solutions to match enterprise growth introduces significant complexity and cost.
  

• Performance: High traffic volumes can severely impact connection speeds, leading to a suboptimal user experience.
  

• Lateral Movement: Post-authentication, the extensive network access granted to users can inadvertently facilitate lateral movement for attackers.
  

• Adaptability: VPNs often struggle to keep pace with the rapid changes and demands of modern business environments.
  

ENTER ZERO TRUST NETWORKS

Zero Trust Networks dismantle the outdated trust assumptions inherent in VPNs. The ZTN model, governed by the mantra ‘never trust, always verify’, assumes potential threats can originate from anywhere and mandates continuous verification of each access request.

Why Zero Trust Networks are Gaining Traction

• Enhanced Security: By employing micro-segmentation, ZTNs significantly curtail the risk of lateral movement within networks.
  

• Adaptability and Scalability: ZTNs are designed to fluidly adapt and scale, meeting the needs of agile and evolving enterprises.
  

• Improved User Experience: Zero Trust Networks can provide superior performance and a frictionless user experience.
  

• Compliance and Data Privacy: The granular access control inherent in ZTNs simplifies compliance with stringent data protection regulations.
  

Real-world Application

The practical application of ZTNs spans various industries:

• Finance: Financial institutions leverage ZTNs to safeguard transactions, ensuring each one is fully authenticated and encrypted.
  

• Healthcare: Healthcare providers utilise ZTNs to protect patient data, aligning with HIPAA regulations.
  

• Retail: Retailers implement Zero Trust to secure customer data and financial transactions, even amidst high traffic.
  

ZERO TRUST NETWORKS WILL CONTINUE TO RISE

The pivot to Zero Trust Networks is a transformative shift in enterprise network security strategy. While VPNs have been instrumental historically, their limitations in addressing contemporary security challenges are evident. ZTNs offer a more secure, scalable and user-centric alternative, apt for the dynamic and boundary-less digital landscape of today.

Connected Networks firmly believes in the necessity of adopting Zero Trust Networks. As digital transformation becomes ubiquitous, ZTN implementation will be pivotal in safeguarding enterprise networks.

The transition to Zero Trust reflects an imperative for robust, adaptable and user-focused network security. It is a proactive stance against sophisticated cyber threats and a strategic response to evolving work environments and regulatory frameworks.

As enterprises prepare for the future, Zero Trust Networks emerge as the definitive solution for securing digital assets and upholding customer and stakeholder trust. Connected Networks stands ready to lead this transition, offering expert guidance and comprehensive support for Zero Trust implementation.

If you would like to know more about Zero Trust Networks and how it can benefit your business speak to a member of the Connected Networks team today.

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