The shift to remote and hybrid work has brought incredible flexibility, but it’s also created new security challenges for businesses. With employees accessing sensitive company data from home networks and public Wi-Fi, securing your network has become more critical than ever. The solution? Enterprise VPN software.
An enterprise VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your remote employees and your company’s network, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected from cyber threats. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be a complex task.
Here are five of the top enterprise VPN solutions that are helping companies worldwide secure their remote workforce.
1. Cisco AnyConnect
Cisco is a giant in network security, and its AnyConnect solution is a testament to its reliability and widespread adoption. It’s an all-in-one security client that provides a seamless, secure connection for remote workers. Cisco AnyConnect is especially popular in large organizations and those with a complex network infrastructure.
Key Strengths:
- Robust Security: Offers powerful encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that only authorized users can access the network.
- Centralized Management: Provides a unified platform for IT administrators to manage security policies and access controls for all remote users.
- Deep Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Cisco’s broader security ecosystem, including firewalls and network access control, for a comprehensive security posture.
2. NordLayer
NordLayer is a modern and user-friendly solution that evolved from a well-known consumer VPN brand. It’s designed specifically for businesses, offering a simple yet powerful way to secure remote access without the complexity often found in legacy systems. It’s a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses and startups that need a quick, reliable setup.
Key Strengths:
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: With a clean interface and straightforward setup, NordLayer makes it easy for both users and IT teams to get started without extensive training.
- Flexible Deployment: Offers multiple server locations globally, allowing teams to connect to the fastest and most reliable servers.
- Dedicated IP and Server: Businesses can get dedicated IP addresses and servers, providing greater control and security for their remote teams.
3. Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)
Zscaler operates on a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) model, which is a modern alternative to traditional VPNs. Instead of granting remote users access to the entire corporate network, Zscaler only provides access to the specific applications they need. This approach significantly reduces the attack surface and minimizes risk.
Key Strengths:
- Zero Trust Security: This model ensures users and devices are verified before every access request, drastically improving security for cloud-based applications.
- Scalability: Zscaler’s cloud-native architecture allows it to scale effortlessly to support a global workforce without the need for additional hardware.
- Enhanced Performance: Users connect directly to the applications they need, bypassing the traditional VPN hub-and-spoke model, which can improve speed and user experience.
4. Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect
GlobalProtect is the enterprise VPN solution from Palo Alto Networks, a leader in cybersecurity. It’s a powerful, comprehensive solution designed to extend the company’s security policies to every user, no matter where they are. It’s an ideal choice for businesses already using Palo Alto’s firewalls.
Key Strengths:
- Unified Security: Provides consistent security enforcement for all users, whether they are in the office or working remotely, using a single policy framework.
- Advanced Threat Prevention: Integrates with Palo Alto’s threat intelligence to protect against sophisticated cyberattacks, including malware and phishing.
- Granular Access Control: Allows IT to set very specific access rules, ensuring that users can only connect to the resources they are authorized to use.
5. OpenVPN Access Server
For businesses that want more control and flexibility, OpenVPN Access Server is a popular choice. Based on the widely used open-source OpenVPN protocol, it offers a secure and customizable VPN solution that can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. It’s perfect for IT teams that want to build a highly tailored network.
Key Strengths:
- Customization: Allows for a high degree of control over configurations and security protocols to meet unique business needs.
- Cost-Effective: It offers a flexible pricing model, making it a viable option for businesses of varying sizes, especially those with specific budgetary needs.
- Strong Security: Leverages the robust OpenVPN protocol, a gold standard for security and encryption.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Solution
Choosing the right enterprise VPN is a critical decision that impacts your security, productivity, and budget. Each of these five solutions offers a powerful way to secure your remote workforce, but the best choice depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize ease of use, zero trust security, or deep network integration.
By evaluating these top options, you can take a confident step toward protecting your company’s network and empowering your team to work securely from anywhere.
