The Evolution of Remote Access: Navigating VPN Challenges in 2024
As we step into 2024, businesses are in the throes of digital transformation, driven by Cloud, XaaS solutions, and AI. The emergence of hybrid workforces since 2020 has added another layer of complexity for IT leaders. At the core of this transformation is a technology that has been a staple since the mid-1990s: remote access VPNs. Originally designed to provide secure access to private data centers, VPNs now play a crucial role in connecting the workforce to both private and public applications, and supporting critical third-party resources.
Current State of Remote Access VPNs
To understand the contemporary landscape of remote access VPNs, HPE Aruba Networking, in collaboration with Cybersecurity Insiders, conducted a comprehensive survey. This 2024 VPN Risk Report, based on responses from 593 cybersecurity experts and IT professionals, sheds light on how VPNs are being utilized and the future trajectory of this technology.
Widespread Usage
A staggering 96% of organizations continue to leverage VPNs. While 80% use secure remote access for both private and public applications, 33% utilize VPNs for connecting critical third-party resources. VPN usage is frequent, with 92% of respondents using the technology weekly and 58% relying on it daily. Despite this extensive use, VPNs are not without their challenges.
Operational Complexities
65% of companies manage up to three VPN gateways, with 39% hosting four or more. This complexity affects both employees, who must select the appropriate gateway, and IT admins, who are tasked with managing, patching, and troubleshooting these intricate systems. Consequently, 81% of users reported dissatisfaction with their VPN experience, citing slow connection speeds, frequent disconnections, authentication issues, and inconsistent user experiences across different devices.
Security Concerns
Security remains a significant concern, with 92% of respondents expressing apprehension about VPN security. While 24% were highly concerned, 68% held moderate concerns. These fears are validated by alarming statistics: a 270% increase in social engineering attacks in 2021, a 1500% rise in attacks on remote access VPNs, and 71% worried about the potential compromise of their businesses. Phishing, malware, and ransomware top the list of vulnerabilities, with lateral movement—where attackers roam the network in search of critical data—being a critical issue. 43% of respondents lacked confidence in VPNs’ ability to segment the network effectively against cyber threats.
The Future: Shifting Towards Zero Trust and SSE
Given the operational and security challenges, businesses are actively seeking alternatives to traditional VPNs. The survey highlights a shift towards Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions, with 56% of respondents in the process of adopting or having already implemented these technologies. ZTNA places identity at the forefront and employs adaptive, risk-based assessments to grant access. This approach considers the requester’s identity, device state, location, time, and the criticality of the requested data, thereby enhancing security while also improving the user experience.
In addition to ZTNA, 83% of respondents are exploring Secure Service Edge (SSE) solutions. SSE builds upon the ZTNA foundation by integrating multiple security functions into a unified platform. These include Secure Web Gateway (SWG) to protect against internet threats, Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) for securing SaaS applications, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to safeguard data, and Digital Experience Monitoring (DEM) to understand and improve the user experience. By consolidating these previously separate solutions, SSE aims to reduce management overhead, enhance security, and deliver a robust return on investment (ROI).
Conclusion
As businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation and hybrid workforces, the limitations of traditional VPNs are becoming increasingly apparent. The shift towards Zero Trust and SSE solutions represents a proactive approach to addressing these challenges, offering improved security, streamlined operations, and a better user experience.
By embracing these new technologies, organizations can better protect their digital assets and support a modern, dynamic workforce.