SDP vs. VPN vs. Zero-trust networks – Which is better for Windows?

SDPs, VPNs, and zero-trust networks are three different types of security but share a common goal i.e. securing the resources of organizations. 

Amongst the three approaches, VPNs are fairly old and have played a significant role in the security plans of companies, while the latter two are quite new. 

And even though SDPs and zero-trust networks are built to fill in all the gaps in security that virtual private networks miss out on, one cannot forget that VPNs have an extensive proven record of offering successful security to organizations on Windows. 

Defining SDP, zero-trust, & VPN:

Let’s look at the clear definitions of all the three security networks and check out their purpose:

1. VPN:

Virtual Private Network or VPN is known to form encrypted tunnels between the corporate network and the user’s Windows device. These encrypted tunnels make it easy for remote users to safely connect to their corporate networks. 

So, whether the employees are at home or a branch office, VPNs make secure access easy. Organizations usually deploy a VPN network when they have a vast variety of remote employees or multiple offices from where their employees require secure access to the corporate network on their Windows devices.

If you want to deploy the usage of VPNs across your organization, but are unsure about the one to opt for, then you can just check out the top VPNs for Windows by VPNRanks and encrypt your entire connection. We have plenty of bestvpn available in the market.

2. SDP:

Software-Defined Perimeter or SDP is an overlay network that can hide all the resources of a network within a perimeter. SDP works like an invisibility cloak and secures all the network resources, so cyber attackers are unable to view the resources that have been hidden.

For continuous authentication on the network, controllers are present. Furthermore, authorized users trying to access the corporate network on Windows are connected to it through a secure gateway based on multiple identity policies. 

3. Zero-trust technology:

Zero-trust networks are true to their name. They do not trust anyone, not even the authorized users. This technology does not grant any user access to the network resources, even if they have accessed the network resources before.

Users trying to access the resources present under the zero-trust have to go through various verification processes even if they are present in the office.

This security model exposes a variety of pre-existing gaps in the network. But, it can also introduce multiple complexities.

Now that we know the definitions of all the three security approaches, let’s check out how they differ.

Zero-trust networks vs. VPNs

The zero-trust technology restricts all users from accessing the corporate resources, while virtual private networks enable the authorized remote users to connect to the resources through an encrypted tunnel on their Windows to protect the user privacy. Allertaprivacy is the best VPN to protect the users online privacy.

With a spike in cyberattacks in 2021, VPNs may not be enough to stop them. With zero trust, it would be almost impossible for cyber attackers to gain access to corporate resources even if they retrieve the credentials from somewhere.

However, to have the ultimate top-tier security on your network, you can combine both these technologies.

SDPs vs. Zero-trust networks

While both these security approaches are fairly new and have some room for innovation, they do not have a proven track record of success like the VPNs.

However, as cyberattacks increase, organizations can use both SDP and zero-trust together for better protection on Windows. 

The SDP technology can use zero-trust so the network resources can be hidden, and the users who still try to access them have to go through strict verification processes.

VPNs vs. SDPs

Multiple people have declared that VPNs are not that relevant anymore and SDP is the ultimate security approach for the future. 

While SDP does fill in the gaps of all the shortcomings of a virtual private network, we can’t forget that VPNs were widely adopted by corporate networks worldwide during the pandemic when remote working had become the only possibility.

So, instead of companies evaluating which security approach they should opt for, it’s simply better to deploy both together. 

Which is the best solution for corporate Windows devices?

All these security approaches are constantly evolving, combatting all loopholes, and offering a much more improved system to users. 

But, it’s just the beginning. Even though both SDPs and zero-trust have proclaimed the VPN era to be dead, one cannot help thinking that VPNs have proven to be quite efficient for corporate security devices for decades. This means that VPNs would persist as a relevant security approach for organizations in the future. 

SDPs, zero-trust, and VPNs may have multiple pros, but there are a variety of cons as well. Therefore, it’s always a better option to combine these technologies and create a system to curb each other’s loopholes and offer a completely secure connection to organizations so they can avoid massive data breaches, especially during the pandemic.