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Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been a main go-to solution for securing remote connections. For a whistle-stop tour of VPN and a run-down of a few alternatives including TSplus Advanced Security , read on.
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Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been a main go-to solution for securing remote connections. Recent shifts in work dynamics have nonetheless exposed their limitations. Our first section emphasizes the historical role of VPNs in providing secure access to corporate data for a limited remote workforce. It then exposes concerns and evolutions in context.
To wrap up on VPN background, we will consider a variety of structural options at hand. Then only shall we name some alternatives, describing in more depth our TSplus software as well as a few others of note. Lastly, we will be able to draw conclusions on VPN alternative solutions.
From a VPN's "raison d'être", through what it is and does and the purpose it can serve, to the context and structural possibilities available as an alternative, this section is dedicated to background information. We even found some advantages, disadvantages, potential issues and the like. Part 2 will then present a few key players in the VPN and alternatives field as well as detail a couple of the above-mentioned alternative structures.
Historically, as stated, VPNs were, if not THE way to secure corporate remote connections, at least one of the main paths businesses would follow. However, the mass adoption of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has strained the capabilities of traditional VPNs. Moreover, those changes in habits are proving to be ongoing. Add the fact a VPN is only as secure as its entry-point to realize why an alternative to VPN is so attractive.
The surge in remote employees has sometimes led to an over-reliance on VPNs, impacting employee productivity and user experience. Additionally, the unforeseen challenges of using VPNs at such a large scale contributed to create a security nightmare for IT teams.
What a VPN does in practice is encrypt communications end-to-end and keep user-identity hidden from outside visibility. These are the two aspects which have made them such a favourite.
Let us delve into the fundamental concepts behind VPNs, elucidating how they establish private and encrypted connections over the internet, ensuring confidentiality and integrity in data transmission.
A Virtual Private Network enables a secure connection is established between a network and either a second network or a single device. It is best described as a tunnel, for which the two ends are the device or other network and the initial server or LAN.
A VPN therefore enables secure data exchanges and communication. IT provides IP invisibility, which can for instance be declined into obtaining regional content which would normally be blocked in our current location.
The way both ends establish a connection is both the source of a VPN’s strength and weakness. The “hand-shake” they exchange to establish their tunnel means anything going back and forth remains safe in the tunnel. Unfortunately, if a party with criminally-intents initiates the connection or impersonates a safe device or other end-point, the now compromised tunnel will then lead the hacker or bot directly into the now wide open network at the other end of the tunnel.
And, if that were not enough, an intruder inserting themselves in between in a “Man in the Middle” attack is also a common vulnerability.
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As mentioned, in the contemporary landscape, where remote work is increasingly prevalent, VPN have generally played a pivotal role by facilitating secure remote access. VPNs were developed to serve as a safe bridge between remote employees and corporate networks. They securely enabled seamless access to files, applications and resources from any location.
In practice, they effectively extended a business’ LAN with great security over the unsecure path we call the Internet. But networks and the Internet have grown beyond our wildest dreams. Noticeably, IT and Internet are reaching excessive heights in size, usage and speed requirements. Consequently, issues of reduced network speed, increased complexity and plummeting performance are now concerns that hamper the usability and productivity of VPNs.
Cyber-threats have multiplied over the past years, and the lengths and effort hackers and extortion-mongers will go to have grown exponentially. Growth in hacking, malware and other threats before the various planet-wide lock-downs seems insignificant compared to what both cyber-security organizations and companies as well as governments have reported and experienced. Exposing the entrance to a VPN will generally compromise the whole network and all its data and parts.
The risks associated with insecure home networks, compromised or weak credentials still hold with a VPN, as do the challenges of securing third-party access. Some VPNs are also criticized for offering minimal security regarding traffic encryption. Last but not least, some lack any form of multi-factor authentication (MFA), leaving organizations vulnerable to attacks.
While VPNs offer heightened security, that is, as we have described, so long as the entry points are uncompromized. Therefore, it is imperative to remember various security considerations when whole networks, entire databases, or both, are at risk in the event of a breach. The primary factors at play in IT security where remote access is concerned are linked to unsecured end-point devices and most importantly the human factor.
Vulnerabilities, potential security breaches and the ongoing need for robust authentication mechanisms are some of the potential points of tension. Additionally, it is worth pointing out organizational challenges posed by VPNs. These include scalability and maintenance as well as a need for constant updates to thwart evolving cyber threats.
This section will explore the seamless integration of VPNs with other technological solutions, emphasizing their compatibility with diverse software and hardware infrastructures. Hence reliance in complementary security measures is essential. Likewise, it makes good sense to consistently function in tandem with firewalls, antivirus programs and other cybersecurity tools.
Just as with most IT and cyber related matter, ensuring high security is best practice. The same goes for VPNs in order to create a comprehensive defense mechanism against cyber threats. Hence, the need for a standalone full security stack at one end of every VPN connection. The alternatives below help meet the challenge of cyber-traffic control, particularly as enterprise resources move to the cloud.
To answer the concept of VPN-less remote connection products here are some builds to address the limitations of traditional VPNs. Here are some prominent complements and alternatives:
These are the structural alternatives, some of which we will explore in a bit more depth. But, in case you are not starting from scratch, before deconstructing what is already in place, why not also look at alternatives that either complete or painlessly replace your current solution.
The following section of this article further develops a selection of VPN alternative products ideal for meeting the needs of organizations. The likelihood is, if you are reading this, you recognize and wish implement one or more of the alternatives below, to secure your remote and hybrid infrastructure.
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Description: TSplus Remote Access provides an intuitive and highly scalable platform for desktop and application publication, farm management and more. SSL and TLS are an integral part of TSplus software ensuring robust encryption. Complemented by TSplus Advanced Security , our solution enhances the security posture of remote desktop services, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.
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Description: Tor is a renowned free and open-source software designed to enable anonymous communication by routing internet traffic through a global network of relay servers.
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Description: Shadowsocks is a popular open-source encrypted proxy project, designed to bypass internet censorship and provide users with unrestricted access to online content.
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Description: Twingate is a cloud-based service designed to enable IT teams to configure a software-defined perimeter for their resources without the need for infrastructure changes. By centrally managing user access to internal applications, whether on-premises or in cloud environments, Twingate enhances security while ensuring ease of use.
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Description: Perimeter 81 provides a secure network as a service solution, allowing organizations to create, manage and secure their infrastructure. These can be custom and multi-regional networks connecting on-premises or cloud environments. Utilizing a software-defined perimeter architecture, Perimeter 81 enhances network visibility and flexibility while ensuring robust security.
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Description: Cloudflare for Teams offers secure access to devices, networks, and applications through its global infrastructure. By replacing traditional network-centric security perimeters, Cloudflare for Teams ensures a faster and safer Internet experience for distributed work teams worldwide.
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Description: First of the alternative structures worth detailing in of their own right: ZTNA is a security concept requiring verification from everything that tries to connect to its systems before granting any access.
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Description: Second alternative structure worth detailing in its own right: SASE is a cloud-based model combining network and security functions into a single architecture service.
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Description: Third and final alternative structure worth detailing in itself: SDP is a security framework that controls access to resources based on identity and focuses on the concept of "need-to-know".
In comparing TSplus with competitor alternatives to VPN , several distinguishing factors emerge, according to differing business needs and security requirements. Zero trust takes a forefront, whether in name, in practice or both, as do similar methods of network access and authorization management.
While Tor and Shadowsocks prioritize anonymity and bypassing censorship, TSplus Remote Access prioritizes security and usability. TSplus Advanced Security makes sure the security is flawless on all levels. On the whole, Tor’s principal disadvantage is its lessened speed, due to the high security layering. Shadowsocks, on the other hand, requires a level of expertise (and therefore time) which few businesses can actually afford. It is clear comprehensive security features required by businesses for remote access and data protection entail an investment.
Similarly, the possibilities offered above grant solid cyber security, whether in-house or cloud-based. Both Twingate or CloudFlare are cloud-based, as is Perimeter 81. These varyingly lean upon SDP and ZTN structure to provide secure environments. As is often the case, new technologies require gradual implementation. And this is true with or without testing and prerequisite IT skill. Nonetheless, some provide better backup from their teams, which is part of the human touch provided by TSplus. This takes the lead beyond granular rules and authorisations. Indeed, nothing so smoothly enables clients in the transition to securing their networks as does professional knowledge and support from on-hand staff.
More structural solutions as the SDP, SASE and ZTNA builds and protocols bring their own batch of advantages and constraints. The solutions above take these moving parts and apply them with their added developer knowledge, providing fully-fledged products with less requirements. Indeed, the need for IT skill, knowledge and time is back with a vengeance when most businesses consider these “bare-bones” possibilities. Nonetheless, whether these three paths are for you or not, you now know where other software and/or services are rooted.
In this light, TSplus Advanced Security offers a comprehensive solution for enhancing the security posture of remote desktop services. Indeed, TSplus aims to offer a simple approach to VPN alternatives thanks its secure remote access.
Compounded with the specific user, group, application access choices which give clients need-to-know and as-and-when authorisation, here is a recipe for all-round data security. Its brute-force defense mechanism and ransomware protection also provide added layers of security, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of corporate data.
Consequently, through the options on its admin console, TSplus Remote Access provides granular control over access to internal company applications and data. So much so, it competes with zero-trust access when applied with due attention and planning.
All-in-all, TSplus Remote Access stands out for its intuitive interface, robust security features and scalability. Unlike traditional VPN solutions, TSplus offers a seamless remote access experience with minimal setup and maintenance requirements. It includes certain valuable security features in and of itself. Yet, when you add the extra weight of TSplus Advanced Security in the balance they boast distinct advantages over VPN. These range from endpoint protection and ransomware defense and ensure comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
In conclusion, the choice between TSplus and its competitors depends on a range of factors. While alternative solutions like Twingate, Perimeter 81, and Cloudflare for Teams may better suit certain organizations, TSplus offers a comprehensive remote access and security suite tailored for businesses with unique security and infrastructure requirements. Whatever the size, TSplus software has proved scalable, and with highly professional dedicated sales and support teams available in case of need. Ultimately, organizations will evaluate their priorities and budget, then select the solution that best aligns with their security objectives and operational goals.
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