Trends and Developments in VPNs

Enterprise VPN is continuously evolving and is influenced by current trends. We present the key developments that will impact VPNs in the coming years.

The IT industry is always evolving, with new trends and topics emerging regularly. While some trends, like cloud computing and big data, are likely to remain significant, others may fade away over time. The market research firm Gartner refers to this phenomenon as the "hype cycle."

Professional VPN service providers (Virtual Private Networks) are also influenced by various trends. In the last few years, several trends and topics have emerged that have stayed relevant and will continue to play an important role in the future. Let’s take a closer look at these developments.

Software development plays a crucial role in network access

Software-defined networking (SDN) has a particularly strong influence on professional IT. The key concept of SDN is to separate network infrastructure from applications and services. This ensures more flexibility and agility in network management. Additionally, many processes can be automated within SDN, enhancing overall efficiency.

Thanks to SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network), this approach has also been extended to wide-area networks. SD-WAN offers numerous advantages. For example, it enables intelligent control of data traffic over various WAN connections such as MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), broadband, or LTE/5G. This not only improves network performance but also optimizes bandwidth, minimizes interruptions, and ensures higher network availability.

SD-WANs can also be managed and monitored centrally. This makes it easier for companies to enforce their network and security policies, implement security measures, and monitor network performance. Many SD-WAN solutions also have built-in security features such as firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention (IDs/IPS) or URL filtering. These features provide more security by protecting traffic and warding off threats.

We often discuss the concept of software-defined perimeters (SDP). This allows networks to be segmented dynamically and access to be controlled based on user or device identity. Context also plays an essential role in the question of whether a connection should be allowed or blocked. An SDP can be a useful addition to a VPN, as this technology offers more transparency and control over network access.

Cloud-based VPNs also play an important role in this context. More and more companies are already using cloud services. However, cloud services mean that infrastructure can no longer be secured at the perimeter, as it is outside it. VPN solutions suitable for the cloud enable secure connections between on-premise networks and cloud resources. Typically, they also support hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

SASE protects modern VPNs and complex structures

Conventional security measures are no longer sufficient to secure increasingly complex structures. Gartner introduced Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) a few years ago. It is also a cloud-based model and consists of components such as Secure Web Gateways (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) for monitoring applications in the cloud, virtual firewall-as-a-service offerings (FWaaS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for granular access.

Zero Trust Network Access assumes that neither external nor internal networks are trustworthy. ZTNA complements the traditional VPN model with end-to-end authentication and authorization. This ensures more flexibility and at the same time more secure access control.

Secure verification reduces risks

In a modern VPN, relying solely on a username and password to secure access to the company network is no longer enough. Hackers frequently succeed in intercepting or cracking these credentials, and the trade of stolen credentials on the dark web remains a significant issue. To combat these threats, it is essential to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)

The relatively new VPN protocol WireGuard has been frequently discussed in the media. While there are many advantages to this protocol, its adoption in corporate environments has been slow. However, in smaller or consumer systems, it simplifies the process of setting up new connections.

Smarter & more secure VPNs with AI and machine learning

One of the most intensively discussed topics in recent years is the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in professional settings. In the security sector, for instance, AI is utilized to detect suspicious behavior and anomalies in network traffic more quickly and proactively. By identifying potential security threats and responding to them automatically, AI enhances the intelligence and security of virtual private networks (VPNs).

A significant trend that has influenced the VPN industry recently is the rise of remote work and the growing use of mobile devices. These changes were partly driven by the pandemic. Mobile users require flexible, reliable, and secure VPN solutions to perform their tasks from virtually anywhere.

With the increasing demand for VPN solutions, user requirements for ease of use and convenience also increased. Users now expect features such as cursor-sensitive tooltips that make software easier to use. VPN software should also maintain the connection when automatically switching the client from a Wi-Fi network with a weaker signal to a stronger network. This VPN feature is known as Wi-Fi roaming and ensures that critical applications are not interrupted. Seamless roaming is another important VPN feature. It ensures smooth and seamless data transfer even when switching to another network architecture.

Ultimately, Next Gen VPN must meet all requirements of users, administrators, security officers, investors, and managers. Choosing the right VPN is essential, and it’s crucial to prioritize factors like performance, security features, ease of use, and scalability. Make an informed decision to ensure you get the best protection and experience.

Learn more about the features of modern remote access VPNs.