Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) vs. Traditional VPNs: A Security Architect’s Perspective

Remote work, the ability to take laptops out of the office to the coffee shop, and cloud apps have changed how people connect to company networks. Previously, companies often used VPNs to let employees safely do their work from anywhere. However, as technology and threats have evolved, traditional VPNs often struggle to meet new security needs. This is where (always-on) Zero Trust Network Access, or ZTNA, comes in. 

It offers a smarter way to control who can access what, ensuring every connection is checked and safe before access. If you are responsible for keeping your company’s data safe or want to improve how your team connects remotely, understanding the difference between these options is essential. It helps you choose the right tool that balances security and easy access. 

In this blog, we will explore the definition of zero trust network access and traditional VPNs, the difference between ZTNA and traditional VPNs from a security architect’s point of view, and how each can benefit your business.

What Is a Traditional Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

A Traditional VPN is a tool that helps people connect safely to their company’s private network, even when working from outside the office. It creates a secure tunnel between the user’s device and the company’s network, protecting the data while traveling over the Internet. Here’s how it works in simple terms:

• It hides your internet traffic from outsiders, including hackers.
• Once connected, it gives full access to the company network — just like in the office.
• Most businesses use VPNs to support remote work and secure communication.

While VPNs have been helpful for years, they often give too much access and don’t always check if every request is safe, which can increase risks. Additionally, traditional VPNs are often clunky, slowing the device and connection speeds, and most often, users will forgo connecting to a VPN in lieu of connecting to a public WiFi unsecured. That’s where ZTNA vs. VPN comparisons begin to matter for better business decisions.

What Is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

ZTNA is a modern way to secure remote access by trusting no one automatically, not even users inside the network. Instead of giving full access like traditional VPNs, ZTNA only allows users to access the specific apps or data they need and nothing more. Here’s how ZTNA works:

• Every access request is verified, no matter where the user is.
• Access is given only to approved apps, not the whole network.
• It uses user identity, device health, and other checks before allowing entry.

This means that even if a user is inside the company’s system, they can’t move around freely unless they are verified again. It’s a safer and smarter option in today’s cloud and remote work environments. ZTNA often works as part of a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) model, combining network security with access control in one solution. That’s why many businesses compare ZTNA to VPN to upgrade their security. The benefits of ZTNA become clear when protection and control are the top priorities.

The Security Architect’s Perspective: Difference Between ZTNA and VPNs

1. Security Approach

Traditional VPNs follow a “trust then verify” approach. Once a user logs in, they’re trusted to move around the network freely. This can lead to risks if a user account is compromised. 

On the other hand, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) follows a strict “never trust, always verify” model. Every access request is checked in real-time, whether the user is inside or outside the network. This makes ZTNA more secure, especially in today’s remote and cloud-first environments.

2. Performance & Experience

VPNs often slow down users because all traffic is routed through a central server. This can lead to delays, especially when many users are online simultaneously. 

In contrast, ZTNA connects users directly to the apps or services they need, improving speed and performance. Users experience faster load times, fewer connection issues, and smoother access. ZTNA also works better with modern cloud tools, making it ideal for businesses focused on keeping teams productive without sacrificing security.

3. User Visibility

With traditional VPNs, once users are connected, they can often see and explore parts of the network they don’t need access to, increasing the risk of accidental or intentional misuse. 

Conversely, ZTNA hides everything users aren’t approved to access. Users only see the apps and systems assigned to them, reducing exposure and keeping sensitive resources safer. This approach adds an extra layer of security by limiting what users can view, even if they are part of the company.

4. Cloud Compatibility

Traditional VPNs were built mainly for on-premise environments. They often don’t work well with cloud-based apps and services, creating extra steps or slowing performance. 

In contrast, ZTNA is built to support cloud platforms. It allows safe, fast access to apps hosted anywhere — in the cloud, on-site, or hybrid environments. This makes ZTNA a better fit for companies using tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or cloud servers, where access needs to be flexible and fast.

5. Policy Control

VPNs have limited control options regarding who can access what and when. Rules are usually broad, and it’s harder to manage fine details. 

Conversely, ZTNA allows precise policy control. Businesses can define access by user role, location, time of day, or device security. This helps them follow security rules and internal compliance needs without giving unnecessary access. ZTNA’s detailed control makes security management easier and more effective for growing businesses.

5 Benefits of ZTNA over Traditional VPNs

1. Always-On, Seamless Connectivity 

Some SASE vendors that provide ZTNA will provide an always-on, zero-click ZTNA to make sure it’s not up to the user to connect, rather the agent runs in the background at all times, making sure the traffic is always encrypted. Timus SASE is one such solution offering end users a seamless experience where they can be productive and protected anywhere in the world 24/7 as soon as they open their laptop. 

2. Built for the Cloud

Traditional VPNs were built for on-site networks. They often face performance issues and delays when trying to access cloud apps. ZTNA, on the other hand, is designed with the cloud in mind. It gives users smooth and secure access to services like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and cloud-based CRMs without needing to route traffic through the company’s network. This results in faster connections and better reliability for remote and cloud-first teams.

3. Reduced Attack Surface

VPNs connect users to the entire network, even if they only need access to one tool. This increases the risk of hackers exploring more parts of your system if they break in. In contrast, ZTNA reduces the attack surface by giving access only to specific apps or services. Users don’t see anything they don’t need, which limits what attackers can target — even if they manage to get inside.

4. Limited Network Exposure

ZTNA hides the internal network entirely from users and outsiders. Instead of showing an open list of servers or resources, ZTNA displays only approved applications. Conversely, VPNs make the whole network visible after login. This visibility can lead to accidental exposure or misuse. With ZTNA, businesses can stay more secure by making their systems nearly invisible from the outside.

5. Scales Easily with Remote Work

As businesses grow and hire remote workers, traditional VPNs can struggle. They often require more hardware or bandwidth upgrades to handle added users. ZTNA, on the other hand, runs in the cloud and handles new users without extra load. It’s simple to add users and control access without slowing down performance, making it a wise choice for hybrid or remote work setups.

6. Granular Access Control

ZTNA allows businesses to create detailed rules for who can access what — based on role, location, device, or even time of day. VPNs usually provide wide access to the network once users log in. With ZTNA, companies can limit users to only the applications or data they need, which helps reduce mistakes and protect sensitive information.

In Conclusion

Choosing between Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and traditional VPNs comes down to what your business needs today and tomorrow. While VPNs offer basic remote access, ZTNA provides a more secure, flexible, and modern way to protect users and data, especially in cloud-first and remote work environments. It limits risks by giving access only to what’s needed, keeping your systems safer and easier to manage. For businesses looking to improve security and stay future-ready, ZTNA is quickly becoming the better choice.

1. Is Timus ZTNA Solution More Expensive Than a VPN?

No. Timus ZTNA, part of Timus SASE, comes with a simple per-user pricing helping significantly lower total cost of ownership, consolidating multiple tools under a single SASE platform.

2. Will Switching to Timus ZTNA Disrupt My Business?

Not at all. Migration to the Timus ZTNA solution can be smooth and done in stages, allowing your team to continue working while the system is gradually rolled out.

3. Does ZTNA Require Special Training?

No special training is needed. The platform is user-friendly, and most employees can start using it with just basic guidance or onboarding support.

4. Does Timus ZTNA Support Remote and Hybrid Work?

Yes, it’s designed for modern work styles. Timus ZTNA gives secure access to applications without needing users to be in a fixed office location.

5. Can Small Businesses Use ZTNA?

Absolutely. ZTNA is scalable, making it ideal for small and large businesses that need strong security and flexibility.