Introduction
For many years, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) were considered the standard solution for secure remote access.
Employees working from home, travelling between locations, or accessing systems remotely would connect through a VPN to gain access to company resources.
While VPN technology remains widely used, the way businesses operate has changed significantly.
Cloud services, hybrid working, Microsoft 365 and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats have exposed limitations in traditional VPN-based security models.
As a result, many organisations are moving towards more modern approaches that provide stronger protection, greater visibility and better control over who can access business systems.
What Does A Traditional VPN Actually Do?
A VPN creates an encrypted connection between a user and a business network.
This allows remote workers to access systems as though they were physically connected to the office.
VPNs are commonly used to access:
- File servers
- Internal applications
- Business databases
- Shared resources
- Legacy systems
The primary benefit is that data travelling between the user and the network is encrypted.
This remains an important security control.
However, encryption alone is no longer enough.
The Problem With The Traditional VPN Model
Traditional VPNs were designed for a time when most business resources were located inside a company network.
Today, many organisations use:
- Microsoft 365
- Cloud applications
- Software-as-a-Service platforms
- Remote and hybrid working
- Mobile devices
In this environment, VPNs often provide more access than users actually need.
Once connected, a user may gain visibility of large portions of the internal network regardless of whether they require access.
This creates unnecessary risk.
Why Cyber Criminals Target VPNs
VPNs are attractive targets for attackers because they often represent a gateway into a business.
If an attacker obtains valid credentials, they may be able to access systems remotely without raising suspicion.
Common attack methods include:
- Stolen passwords
- Phishing attacks
- Credential breaches
- Unpatched VPN vulnerabilities
- Weak authentication controls
A compromised VPN account can potentially provide attackers with direct access to internal resources.
The Rise Of Hybrid Working
Hybrid working has transformed how businesses think about security.
Employees now regularly work:
- From home
- From client sites
- While travelling
- From shared workspaces
Traditional VPNs were never designed to manage this level of flexibility.
Modern organisations need security controls that can adapt to different locations, devices and risk levels.
Businesses increasingly require visibility into:
- Who is accessing systems
- Which devices are being used
- Where users are connecting from
- Whether access should be permitted
This level of control is difficult to achieve using traditional VPN technology alone.
Why Modern Security Is Moving Towards Zero Trust
One of the biggest changes in cyber security is the adoption of Zero Trust principles.
Zero Trust assumes that no user, device or connection should be automatically trusted simply because it is connected to the network.
Instead, access decisions are based on factors such as:
- User identity
- Device health
- Location
- Authentication status
- Risk level
This approach significantly reduces the opportunity for attackers to move freely within an environment.
Rather than granting broad network access, users receive access only to the resources they genuinely need.
The Benefits Of Controlled Access
Modern secure access platforms provide businesses with much greater control over their environments.
Benefits often include:
Granular Access Control
Users only receive access to approved systems and resources.
Stronger Identity Verification
Multi-factor authentication and identity controls help reduce the risk of compromised accounts.
Improved Visibility
Administrators can monitor access activity and identify unusual behaviour.
Reduced Attack Surface
By limiting access pathways, organisations reduce opportunities for attackers.
Better Support For Hybrid Working
Access policies can be applied consistently whether users are in the office, at home or on the move.
Supporting Compliance And Client Expectations
For businesses handling sensitive information, secure remote access is about more than convenience.
Clients, insurers and regulators increasingly expect organisations to demonstrate appropriate controls around access to business systems and data.
This is particularly relevant for:
- Solicitors
- Accountants
- Financial advisers
- Property professionals
- Healthcare providers
Modern access controls can help organisations demonstrate a more mature security posture and reduce unnecessary risk.
Moving Beyond Legacy Remote Access
Many businesses continue to use VPNs because they are familiar.
However, familiarity does not always mean suitability.
As cyber threats evolve and working practices change, organisations should regularly review whether their current remote access strategy still meets their requirements.
In many cases, modern secure access solutions can provide stronger protection, greater flexibility and improved user experience compared to traditional VPNs.
Conclusion
VPNs remain a useful technology, but they are no longer the complete answer to secure remote access.
Modern businesses require greater visibility, stronger authentication, controlled access and security policies that can adapt to hybrid working environments.
By adopting a more modern approach to remote access, organisations can reduce risk, improve security and better support the way employees work today.
Call To Action
If your business still relies solely on traditional VPN technology for remote access, it may be worth reviewing whether your current approach provides the visibility, control and protection needed in today’s threat landscape.
Speak to us about modern secure access solutions and how they can support secure hybrid working.
