Zero-Click VPNs and Phish-Free Browsing: The MSPs Guide to Timus SASE

In 2025, ransomware attacks and stolen credentials remain the top vectors for cyber breaches—and SMBs are on the front lines. According to the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, over 60% of ransomware incidents began with stolen credentials, many originating from compromised VPN connections. Another industry report from Coveware shows that the average ransomware payment for SMBs surged past $275,000 in Q1 2025. For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), these numbers are a wake-up call. Legacy VPNs are no longer enough.

Enter Timus SASE: a modern, MSP-first Secure Access Service Edge solution featuring zero-click, always-on VPNs and phish-free browsing designed to protect SMBs from today’s most aggressive threats.

The High Cost of VPN Compromise

VPN credentials are among the most sought-after assets on the dark web. In 2024 alone, ransomware attacks surged by over 90% across SMBs, with a growing portion traced back to unsecured or reused VPN credentials. Traditional VPNs often rely on static authentication, which attackers exploit through phishing or credential stuffing attacks. Once inside, they move laterally, accessing critical systems, data, and backups.

This lateral movement and undetected persistence are what make VPN-related breaches so devastating. And yet, many SMBs still rely on VPNs that were built for a different era—one with few remote users, simpler network perimeters, and minimal cloud reliance.

Timus addresses this head-on with always-on, zero-click VPN connectivity and layered, identity-aware access control. There are no passwords to steal, no tunnels to hijack—only a secure, frictionless user experience that closes the doors VPNs leave open.

What is a Zero-Click VPN?

Zero-click VPNs eliminate the need for users to manually launch or authenticate a secure connection. Once a user logs into their device, Timus silently establishes a secure, encrypted tunnel behind the scenes. This ensures:

• Always-On Protection: No chance of users forgetting to connect.
• Zero Trust Enforcement: Every connection is authenticated and context-aware.
• Reduced Support Load: No more helpdesk tickets for failed or forgotten VPN connections.

This functionality is crucial for MSPs managing dozens of small businesses. It ensures compliance, reduces human error, and provides peace of mind that every endpoint is protected—even outside the office.

Built-In Phish-Free Browsing

Phishing remains the #1 cause of credential theft. Most email gateways and web filters struggle to keep up with zero-day phishing domains that spin up and disappear within hours.

According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, 2024 saw over 4.7 million phishing attacks globally, with a high concentration targeting small and medium-sized businesses. Timus addresses this risk by embedding secure web gateway (SWG) functionality directly into the SASE platform. Phish-free browsing blocks malicious sites in real-time, before users can click. Even if an attacker bypasses email defenses, the browser layer will stop the attack in its tracks.

Phish-free browsing offers:

• Real-Time URL Analysis
• Malicious Domain Blocking
• Policy-Based Access Controls for Web Categories

It’s like giving your clients a bodyguard for every browser session—without slowing them down.

How Timus SASE Reinvents Remote Access for MSPs

Most SASE vendors retrofit their solutions for the channel. Timus SASE was built from the ground up for MSPs. That makes a huge difference:

• Multi-Tenant Management Portal: Easily onboard, manage, and monitor dozens of SMB clients from a single pane of glass.
• Zero Hardware Required: 100% cloud-native deployment.
• Dynamic Device Posture Checks: Block access from devices that are out-of-date, unencrypted, or lack endpoint protection.

For MSPs managing multiple clients across different verticals, Timus offers the flexibility to enforce granular security policies per tenant, while maintaining centralized visibility and control.

Ransomware Protection Starts at the Network Edge

Attackers don’t just target endpoints—they exploit weak links at the network perimeter. Timus SASE redefines that perimeter:

• Identity-Based Access: Access decisions are based on user identity, device posture, and geolocation—not just IP address.
• Microsegmentation: Limits lateral movement inside the network.
• Automated Isolation: Suspicious devices are cut off in real time.

With ransomware groups shifting to double extortion techniques—encrypting data and threatening to leak it—preventing initial access is more critical than ever. Timus gives MSPs the proactive tools to keep intruders out and minimize damage.

MSPs Need More Than a VPN Alternative—They Need a Security Platform

In a world where security is a business differentiator, Timus SASE helps MSPs stand out. Instead of selling a patchwork of tools, MSPs can now deliver a unified, cloud-native security platform with built-in SASE capabilities that:

• Reduces risk
• Improves compliance
• Enhances user experience
• Drives recurring revenue

It’s not just about connecting users to resources—it’s about ensuring those connections are secure, context-aware, and adaptable to modern threats.

Timus also offers:

• Comprehensive Reporting: Visual dashboards and logs to demonstrate value to clients.
• Automated Policy Enforcement: Ensure consistent access controls across hybrid environments.
• Co-branding Capabilities: Strengthen your MSP brand with customizable portal and alerts.

Conclusion: A Better Way to Secure the Modern Workforce

VPNs had their time, but that time has passed. Today’s cyberthreats demand smarter, more seamless solutions. Timus SASE provides MSPs with a purpose-built, zero-click security platform that simplifies operations while elevating protection for SMB clients.

If you’re an MSP looking to upgrade your remote access offering, reduce client risk, and differentiate your services—Timus SASE is your next step.

1. What makes a zero-click VPN more secure than a traditional VPN?

Traditional VPNs rely on user action and static credentials. Zero-click VPNs are always-on, and enforce zero trust policies by default, reducing human error and credential compromise.

2. How does phish-free browsing actually work?

Timus inspects all web traffic at the DNS and HTTP levels, blocking access to malicious sites in real time using threat intelligence, domain reputation, and AI-based URL analysis.

3. Can Timus integrate with my existing endpoint protection tools?

Yes. Timus includes device posture checks that can verify EPP status, disk encryption, OS version, and more—enhancing your existing endpoint stack.

4. Is Timus SASE easy for MSPs to deploy and manage?

Absolutely. The platform is 100% cloud-based with a multi-tenant management portal built specifically for MSP workflows. You can onboard clients in minutes.

5. How does Timus SASE help reduce ransomware risk?

By eliminating SSL- VPNs, enforcing zero trust access, inspecting web traffic, and segmenting the network, Timus significantly reduces attack surfaces exploited in ransomware campaigns.