Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) once formed the backbone of secure remote access. Today, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) redefine what it means to connect safely.
The shift focuses on verifying user identity, device posture, and ensuring precise microsegmentation for internal resources. Still, VPNs retain value in securing public networks or protecting internet-bound tooling from prying ISPs.
What does this mean for data teams? Stay put as we explore whether VPNs still have a role in your security strategy.
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Understanding Zero Trust Principles for Modern Data Access
Zero Trust operates on the idea that no user, device, or connection should be trusted by default. Instead of granting broad access, it verifies identity and evaluates devices before granting permission.
This framework employs strict authentication methods and restricts users to only the resources they require. For data teams, this reduces exposure while safeguarding workflows against threats.
However, having a VPN to browse safely online remains relevant in certain cases. It can protect traffic on unsecured networks or maintain privacy when handling internet-bound tasks outside an organization’s protected systems.
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How SASE Simplifies Security for Remote and Cloud Workflows
SASE integrates networking and security into a single cloud-based framework. It combines tools like ZTNA, firewalls, and secure web gateways to provide seamless access without relying on traditional hardware.
Data teams working across multiple locations or cloud platforms benefit from the fact that SASE streamlines connections while maintaining consistent security policies and best practices. It ensures identity-aware authentication and applies protections at every access point.
This approach minimizes complexity compared to managing separate VPN setups for each scenario. By consolidating tools into a single system, SASE enables flexible workflows without compromising data security or user experience across different environments.
Comparing VPNs, ZTNA, and SASE: Key Differences in Practice
VPNs are part of a market that’s growing 17.7% annually, and they establish encrypted tunnels between users and networks, granting broad access once connected. In contrast, ZTNA evaluates identity and device posture before granting permission to specific resources.
SASE expands on ZTNA by merging it with network services, such as secure web gateways, to offer end-to-end protection within a single cloud platform. While VPNs are effective for securing traffic over public networks or ISPs, they lack the granular control of ZTNA or SASE.
For data teams handling sensitive projects across platforms, combining these tools thoughtfully ensures both internal security and external browsing safety without unnecessary exposure.
When VPNs Still Make Sense
As mentioned, VPNs remain useful in scenarios where Zero Trust models don’t fully apply. Public Wi-Fi networks, for example, pose risks that encrypted VPN tunnels effectively mitigate by safeguarding data traffic.
They also help mask browsing activity from ISPs, offering privacy when working on internet-bound tasks. Specific legacy tools or external systems may still require the broader network access VPNs provide.
For data teams that frequently use public hotspots during travel or interact with less-secure third-party platforms, having a VPN as part of their toolkit ensures additional protection, while ZTNA handles internal applications and workflows securely.
The Bottom Line
VPNs, ZTNA, and SASE each serve distinct purposes in today’s security landscape. Understanding their roles ensures the right tool is used for the job at hand.
While Zero Trust handles internal access with precision, having a VPN to browse safely online or protect external-facing tasks still holds practical value.