The IT buzzword of the day in Silicon Valley is zero-trust networking, which refers to a model of corporate network security where services are exposed directly to the web, and each secured individually against outside attackers. Having gained notoriety for their use at large corporations, such as Google, it may seem like the noble VPN will soon find itself relegated to the junk heap.
However, we think that VPNs will still be necessary for most businesses, including yours. Here’s why.
1. Not all services can be accessed over the internet
Google uses SSH, etc. Many businesses need more complicated protocols such as RDP, etc, which are blocked on public networks.
This is also why you need to make sure your VPN solution can ensure connectivity, even in challenging network environments. For example, TunnelHound can maintain connectivity, even when only insecure HTTP access is allowed.
2. You’re stuck using legacy services
Large companies can bully their software vendors into adopting new features that allow their services to be exposed directly to the internet, or to build their own solution. Most companies cannot, and are stuck relying on software that cannot be easily changed. A VPN and firewall provides the perfect means to secure these services while still allowing remote access.
3. Ensuring connectivity wherever your business goes
As your business expands, chances are your employees will end up traveling to places you may not have expected, including countries that may limit their connectivity. VPNs provide an easy means around this. By allowing an easy way for your employees to navigate their internet traffic through your company’s routers, you can provide an easy means for your employees to get around this when meeting prospects in foreign jurisdictions.
4. Monitoring and compliance
If your business is involved in certain industries, it may be necessary to meet certain compliance requirements to maintain best practices. VPNs provide a way to centralize these policies so that you remain compliant, instead of leaving it up to chance. By allowing IT administrators to remotely configure how employee internet traffic is routed, a VPN makes sure that data in motion remains compliant with relevant laws and industry requirements.
Conclusion
Travis is on a mission to secure business networks