The Pain Points of VPNs in Enterprise IT Analysis Report

5W1H Analysis

Who

Enterprise IT departments, network security specialists, remote workforce teams, and VPN service providers are the primary stakeholders.

What

This article discusses the limitations and issues enterprises face when implementing VPNs for secure remote access, especially within modern and dynamic IT environments.

When

The challenges of VPNs have been increasingly identified as remote work has expanded over recent years, and this analysis is being published on 15th May 2025.

Where

This issue pertains predominantly to companies operating in regions with a large remote workforce such as North America and Europe, but is generally a global concern for any organisation employing VPNs for secure connections.

Why

VPNs have been traditionally viewed as a solution for secure remote access. However, their limitations in managing modern IT environments—characterised by scalability, speed of deployment, and user experience—necessitate alternative solutions.

How

VPNs function by creating secure tunnels for data transmission between remote users and enterprise networks. However, issues such as scalability, latency, and limited control over dynamic access permissions are significant drawbacks in rapidly evolving network environments.

News Summary

The article highlights the limitations of VPNs in securing network access for enterprises with dynamic IT infrastructures. While VPNs provide secure remote access by creating encrypted tunnels, they fall short in scalability and real-time access management. This has prompted a reconsideration of their effectiveness in modern enterprise settings, especially given the increased prevalence of remote workforces.

6-Month Context Analysis

Over the past six months, the demand for enhanced security protocols has grown as enterprises increasingly embrace hybrid work models. Reports suggest a rising interest in zero-trust network access (ZTNA) solutions as they offer more flexible, scalable, and secure alternatives to traditional VPNs. The pivot from solely depending on VPNs towards adopting ZTNA highlights a significant shift in enterprise security strategies.

Future Trend Analysis

An increased adoption of zero-trust models over traditional VPNs is expected, driven by the demand for robust, scalable security solutions that align with hybrid work environments.

12-Month Outlook

Within the next 12 months, enterprises will likely shift towards integrating ZTNA solutions to complement or replace VPNs, focusing on improving user experience and enhancing security protocols.

Key Indicators to Monitor

- Rate of adoption of zero-trust solutions versus traditional VPNs - Developments in security technology for remote access - Feedback and reports on user experience and operational efficiency in hybrid work settings

Scenario Analysis

Best Case Scenario

Enterprises successfully transition to agile security frameworks incorporating zero-trust principles, enhancing security while maintaining smooth operational workflows.

Most Likely Scenario

Organisations adopt a hybrid model, combining VPNs and zero-trust models to optimise security and flexibility as they navigate complex IT environments.

Worst Case Scenario

Enterprises fail to successfully integrate alternative solutions, leaving networks vulnerable to security breaches and inefficiencies, exacerbating existing issues with remote work infrastructure.

Strategic Implications

Enterprise IT departments need to evaluate their current network security solutions and consider adopting more flexible, scalable models to address the evolving challenges in network access security. Stakeholders should prioritise understanding and implementing zero-trust principles to ensure robust security protocols.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise IT departments globally need to evaluate the limitations of their current VPN solutions in light of dynamic IT environments.
  • Remote workforces continue to drive the need for scalable, flexible security solutions, pushing companies to explore zero-trust models.
  • North American and European companies are particularly invested in shifting from traditional VPNs to more agile security frameworks.
  • Organisations must monitor the adoption trends of zero-trust solutions to stay competitive and secure.
  • The ongoing challenges of VPN deployment highlight the necessity for innovative approaches in enterprise security.

Source: The Pain Points of VPNs in Enterprise IT