A model that worked in a context where most employees worked from the office, using company devices and operating on controlled networks. But today, in a world where work is increasingly hybrid and company boundaries are blurred, that model is showing clear signs of inadequacy.
Today, companies face an ever-evolving threat landscape, where attacks no longer stop at the network perimeter. As a result, the very concept of “implicit trust” on which traditional VPNs are based has become obsolete. Once connected, a user has access to large portions of the corporate network, making it extremely difficult to limit or control abnormal behavior—especially in the case of compromised credentials.
It is precisely in this scenario that a new paradigm emerges: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), an access model that eliminates default trust and relies on continuous verification of identity, device, and the context of every request. Microsoft offers a particularly innovative approach in this direction through Microsoft Entra, its identity management platform that enables secure, flexible access—perfectly suited to the digital age.
Identity at the core of the new security model
The identity-centric model promoted by Microsoft places the user’s identity—rather than the network—at the center of access decisions. This means that every request is evaluated in real time based on who is making it, from which device, under what conditions, and to access which resources.
This approach moves beyond the binary logic typical of VPNs (access granted or denied) and introduces dynamic controls such as multi-factor authentication, conditional access policies, and device compliance checks.
In practice, instead of opening an undifferentiated tunnel to the corporate network, the Zero Trust model allows access only to the specific resources the user needs. This significantly reduces the attack surface and the risk of lateral movement by potential attackers.
A shift that also improves the user experience
It’s not just about enhanced security. Moving to an identity-based Zero Trust model also brings benefits in terms of usability and management. Users no longer need to configure VPN clients, wait for connections, or deal with slowdowns caused by encrypted traffic. Access is seamless and transparent—directly through the browser or integrated applications—with a consistent experience across both corporate and personal devices.
From an IT perspective, management becomes simpler: there’s no longer a need for manual updates to clients or configuring tunnels for each type of access. Everything is centralized, managed through policies, and integrated with tools already in the Microsoft ecosystem, such as Microsoft 365, Intune, and Defender for Endpoint.
The future of enterprise access is already here
Replacing traditional VPNs is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.” Organizations that aim to ensure operational continuity, proactive protection, and a seamless user experience must begin rethinking how they manage access.
Microsoft Entra is one of the most advanced solutions in this space, with features designed to adapt to businesses of all sizes. Adopting a Zero Trust approach doesn’t require an immediate overhaul—it can happen gradually, starting with the implementation of conditional access and MFA, and evolving toward a truly adaptive and contextual access model.
For companies, the message is clear: moving away from the VPN model doesn’t mean giving up security—it means strengthening it. With an added benefit: making remote work—and beyond—simpler, more efficient, and more sustainable.
