Do You Need Security That Starts With “Prove It”?

Uploaded on 2025-04-11 in TECHNOLOGY--Resilience, TECHNOLOGY--Developments, FREE TO VIEW

These days, cloud tools are part of our everyday routine. This is true, whether we're working from the office, from home, or a mix of both (like most people do now). And, at the same time, cyber threats are getting smarter and more relentless. That’s pushing organizations to rethink how they protect their systems and data.

It’s no longer just about locking everything down tight. It’s more accurately all about making sure the right people can get to what they need, without putting the whole network at risk.

Two of the most common approaches are Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Software-Defined Perimeter. Both aim to secure remote access, but they take very different routes to get there.

So, which is the smarter option? Is it SDP? I would say that it depends. It is not as simple as declaring one better than the other. The right choice really hinges on the specifics of your organization. How large is your team? How complex is your infrastructure? What kinds of security issues are you dealing with? There is no universal solution, but once you understand how VPNs and SDPs differ, choosing the right fit becomes much easier.

Comparing VPNs & SDP – A Shift In Secure Access

Traditionally, organizations have relied on VPNs to enable remote access. VPNs work by creating an encrypted tunnel between a user’s device and the company’s network, granting access to the full network once connected. It is a straightforward and familiar setup, which is why many small and mid-sized businesses still turn to it. But it was designed for a different era of work.

Today, many consider a more modern and secure approach to be a Software-Defined Perimeter. Instead of assuming trust, SDP is built on the principles of Zero Trust. Users must verify their identity before gaining access, and even then, they are only granted permission to specific applications or services, never the entire network. This “just what you need” method limits exposure, reduces cyber risk, and offers more precise control over who can access what.

Security That Starts With “Prove It”

SDP is built on Zero Trust principles, which means no one gets in without proving who they are first. Every user, every device. Everything gets verified before access is granted. For organizations serious about boosting cybersecurity, this is a huge step forward.

In addition, SDP offers the following:

Smarter Access, Less Risk
Traditional VPNs tend to unlock the whole network once you're in. That might have worked back in the day, but it’s risky now. SDP changes the game by only giving users access to what they actually need, nothing more. That means tighter security and better control over who gets into what.

Grows With You
Whether your team has 100 people or 10,000, SDP scales effortlessly. It’s designed to handle heavy traffic without slowing things down. So if your company’s growing fast, or just needs reliable access from anywhere, SDP is built to keep up.

No Hardware Headaches
Forget about racks of equipment or big hardware investments. SDP runs on software and integrates easily with cloud environments. That makes it a lighter, more flexible option, especially for IT teams who’d rather focus on strategy than maintaining aging infrastructure.

Faster Connections, Happier Teams
With VPNs, users often get routed through a central hub, which can drag things down. SDP skips the detour and connects users directly to the apps and tools they need. The result? Better performance, less lag, and a smoother experience, especially for remote or distributed teams.

While SDP Brings A Lot Of Advantages, Nothing Is Perfect

Getting Started Can Take Time
Switching to SDP can take a little getting used to. Of course, this is especially true for teams that have relied on traditional VPNs for years. For these folks, it means thinking a bit differently about how your network is set up and being more intentional about who has access to what. It’s not overly complex, but there is a bit of a learning curve at first.

Initial Costs May Be Higher
For smaller organizations, SDP might seem a bit pricier upfront compared to the off-the-shelf VPNs they’re used to. But many find that the stronger security and long-term flexibility more than make up for the initial cost.

Compatibility with Older Systems
If you are working with legacy applications and/or older infrastructure, getting SDP to integrate smoothly may at times take some extra configuration. A little testing and fine-tuning might be necessary to ensure everything works just as expected.

When It Makes Sense to Choose SDP Instead of a VPN

You are working in a cloud-first environment
If your team relies on cloud-native tools or SaaS apps, SDP is a great fit. It’s designed with an app-first mindset, giving users access only to the specific cloud resources they need. Nothing more. That kind of precision helps keep the rest of your network safe and is especially useful in today’s fast-moving, distributed work environments where flexibility and control are key.

You need to secure IoT devices
IoT devices usually do not need full access to your network, and they are often vulnerable to attacks. SDP makes it easy to create secure, limited connections to these devices. Only approved users and systems can reach them, which lowers the risk of an outside threat slipping through.

You operate in a high-security industry
Industries like finance, healthcare, and government have to meet some of the toughest security and compliance standards out there. Of course, that’s where SDP really shines. With its Zero Trust approach, it checks every user and device before granting access. This adds an extra layer of protection that ensures organizations stay compliant and keep sensitive data completely secure.

You have a remote workforce and/or partners
Whether your team includes a few remote employees or thousands of employees and partners spread across the globe, SDP is built to handle it. It keeps performance strong and consistent without the slowdowns that often come with traditional VPNs. Everyone gets secure access to what they need, when they need it, with less frustration and fewer delays.

When A VPN Might Still Make Sense

Smaller teams with simple setups
If your team is small and your access needs are pretty straightforward, a VPN can still do the job. It is quick to set up and easy to manage without a lot of complexity.

You are already using VPN tools
A lot of companies already have VPNs baked into their firewalls or endpoint tools, so sticking with what’s already in place can feel like the simpler, more efficient option. This is especially true if it seems to be doing the job for now.

Budget is the most critical concern
When cost is the deciding factor, VPNs often come out ahead. They are typically more affordable and can be a practical choice for organizations that are not yet ready to invest in more advanced security frameworks like Zero Trust.

Final Thoughts…

SDP is not automatically better than VPNs. It is just built for a different kind of world. For organizations that need stronger security, more precise access controls, and an infrastructure that can adapt to future needs, SDP brings real advantages.

That said, a VPN can still be the right fit for many teams, especially smaller ones with simpler requirements. It is familiar, budget-friendly, and often good enough for what is needed right now.

In the end, the best choice depends on your organization’s size, your security goals, your existing setup, and how much control and visibility you want over who gets access to what. The right solution is the one that meets your needs today and can grow with you tomorrow.

Don Boxley Jr is Co-founder and CEO of DH2i

Image: PashaIgnatov

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