VPN vs. SASE: Which Network Security Solution Is Right for You?

A 2024 report shows that 80% of businesses faced cyber incidents. Among them, data breaches account for 54%. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)—help secure networks from attacks.

Though they both secure your network from attack, they differ when comparing VPN vs. SASE.  VPN is a client-server model-based technology. But SASE is primarily cloud-based. VPN features traditional perimeter-based security. But SASE implements ZTNA security, which is more secure. Also, VPN is less scalable than SASE. But VPN is more affordable than SASE.

In this comparison guide, you will compare the differences and similarities between VPN and SASE. After this, you can make an informed decision in selecting the perfect solution for your business. 

Understanding VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network (VPN). It is a technology that establishes a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, typically the Internet. 

This encrypted “tunnel” ensures that data transmitted between the user’s device and the target network remains confidential. So, this is protected from eavesdroppers.

How VPN Works

Without a VPN, your internet traffic flows directly from your device to the destination server. As a result, this makes your internet traffic visible to your ISP, hackers, and other third parties. 

However, when you connect to a VPN, your data is encrypted. Then, it is transmitted through a secure tunnel to a remote VPN server before reaching its final destination.

1. Encryption and Secure Tunneling

VPNs use strong encryption protocols like IPsec, TSL, SSL, AES-256-bit, or ChaCha20 to scramble your data. The security protocols make your data unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it. 

2. IP Masking for Anonymity

When connected to a VPN, your real IP address is replaced with the VPN server’s IP. This masks your location and online activity. As a result, websites, advertisers, and hackers can’t track you. 

Core Components of VPN

• VPN Gateway: Acts as a secure connection point between the remote user and the internal network.
• Encryption Protocols: Protocols like IPsec and SSL/TLS encrypt data to maintain confidentiality.
• Authentication Mechanisms: Utilises methods such as passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), or digital certificates to verify user identities.
• Internet Traffic Routing: Directs user traffic through secure tunnels to the desired network resources.

Common Use Cases of VPN

• Secure Remote Access: Allows employees to access company resources securely from remote locations.
• Site-to-Site Connectivity: Connects multiple office locations over the internet securely.
• Data Protection on Public Wi-Fi: Encrypts data to protect users on unsecured networks.
• Access to Geo-Restricted Content: Enables users to bypass regional content restrictions.

Understanding SASE?

SASE stands for Secure Access Service Edge. It is a cloud-native framework that converges network and security services into a single unified solution. 

SASE is unlike traditional security models that rely on on-premises hardware (like firewalls and VPNs). The technology delivers cloud security and networking capabilities directly from the cloud. 

SASE integrates wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities with comprehensive security functions.

This allows businesses to connect users, devices, and applications securely. This is done regardless of location—while maintaining optimal network performance.

1. Cloud-Native Architecture

SASE operates entirely in the cloud, eliminating the need for physical security appliances. It doesn’t route all traffic through a central data centre. Rather, SASE dynamically directs the traffic through distributed cloud-based security services. This assures low-latency access to applications.

2. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

SASE follows a zero-trust model. This means that no user or device is automatically trusted. Every access request is authenticated, authorised, and continuously verified. These will be done based on user identity, device security posture, and behaviour.  

This minimises the risk of cyber threats, even if a hacker gains access to the network.

3. Integrated Security Services

SASE combines multiple security solutions into a single framework, including:

• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): Provides cloud-based firewall protection.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Blocks malicious websites and enforces web filtering policies.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Protects cloud applications from data leaks and unauthorised access.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents sensitive data from being stolen or accidentally exposed.
• Identity and Access Management (IAM): Manages user identities and enforces access controls based on roles and policies.

4. Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) Integration

SASE offers SD-WAN technology to optimise network traffic routing. SD-WAN allows organisations to use multiple internet connections instead of relying solely on expensive private networks (like MPLS). They include broadband, 4G/5G, or fibre and guarantee security and performance.

5. Direct-to-Cloud Access for Better Performance

Traditional networks force traffic through central security checkpoints before reaching cloud services. This causes latency. SASE eliminates this bottleneck by securely routing traffic directly to cloud applications (e.g., Microsoft 365, AWS, Google Workspace). This improves speed and efficiency.

6. Continuous Threat Monitoring

Using AI-driven threat intelligence, SASE continuously scans traffic for malware, phishing attempts, and suspicious behaviour. If a threat is detected, SASE blocks it in real-time before reaching the user or corporate network.

Common Use Cases of SASE

• Securing Cloud-Based Applications: Provides SaaS applications security access and control over SaaS applications.
• Enforcing Zero Trust Security: Implements a zero-trust model, verifying every access request regardless of its origin.
• Optimising Performance for Distributed Teams: Increases application performance and reduces user latency across various locations.
• Implementing Perimeter-Less Security: Extends security beyond traditional network boundaries. This accommodates modern work environments.

VPN vs. SASE- A Quick Overview of Key Differences

Before providing a clear side-by-side comparison between VPN and SASE, here is a quick overview of the differences. 

VPN Vs. SASE- Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is a side-by-side comparison between VPN and SASE. This will help you to understand the differences between them clearly and make an informed decision to implement one. 

1. Architecture

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

• Traditional Architecture: VPN typically uses a client-server model where the user’s device connects to a VPN server. VPN connections can be configured with IPSec, SSL, or MPLS tunnelling protocols.
• Deployment Location: VPNs are often deployed at the perimeter of an organisation’s network. At the same time, the users are connecting to the organisation’s central resources.
• Centralised Security: VPN architecture typically has a centralised point. The traffic is routed through this point. This makes it more vulnerable to traffic bottlenecks or single points of failure.

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)

• Edge-based Architecture: Unlike traditional VPNs, SASE is designed to be decentralised, with
  • security services deployed at the edge, 
  • closer to the user, 
  • regardless of location. 

This improves both performance and security by routing traffic through the nearest SASE point of presence (PoP).

• Cloud-Native: SASE integrates networking and security capabilities from a cloud-first perspective. This features a distributed cloud infrastructure to deliver services to users wherever they are located.

2. Security Approach

VPN

VPNs focus primarily on encrypting data in transit. They often grant broad network access once connected, potentially exposing internal resources. 

SASE

SASE adopts a Zero Trust Security Model. This model enforces strict access controls and continuously verifies user identities. Ultimately, this minimises potential attack surfaces.

3. Performance

VPN

VPNs can suffer from performance issues due to the need to route traffic through centralised gateways. This may lead to increased latency. 

SASE

On the other hand, SASE solutions feature SD-WAN capabilities. These dynamically route traffic through the most efficient paths. Ultimately, your system will not suffer reduced latency and improve user experience.

4. Scalability

VPN

Scaling VPN solutions often involves deploying additional hardware and managing complex configurations. This can be resource-intensive. 

SASE

SASE, being cloud-based, offers a highly scalable network as a service (NaaS). As a result, your company can easily accommodate growth without significant infrastructure investments.

5. Application Security

VPN

VPNs provide secure, encrypted tunnels. The tunnels protect data transmissions across public and private networks. They are effective at safeguarding entire network segments. This ultimately guarantees remote users can securely access internal resources.  

However, VPNs typically focus on broad network access rather than fine-grained control over individual applications. 

SASE

In contrast, SASE integrates advanced security functions like CASB and SWG. They offer precise control and monitoring of application access. This strengthens the all-around security posture.

6. Endpoint Security & Mobile Device Protection: 

VPN

VPNs can secure data transmission from endpoints. But they may not offer full protection against threats targeting endpoints themselves all alone. 

SASE

SASE solutions often include endpoint security measures. These measures guarantee devices are compliant and secure before granting access.

7. Cost Comparison

VPN

The initial cost of VPN deployment is lower. It also can be economical for individual and small organisational use. But for the scalability of big companies, the cost will arise and won’t be cost-efficient in the long run. 

SASE

SASE can offer you long-term cost-efficiency and economical solutions. Because there is no need to install advanced hardware for this security system.  

VPN Vs. SASE- The Similarities

VPN and SASE differ in distinct aspects. However, they also share several similarities in their approach to network security and access control. Here are the key similarities between the two:

• Network Security: Both solutions protect against unauthorised access, data breaches, and cyber threats.
• Remote Access: Both remote access technologies allow users to connect securely to corporate networks and cloud environments from remote locations.
• Encryption: They encrypt traffic to protect data from interception or eavesdropping.
• Transmission Tunnelling: Both solutions create secure tunnels for transmitting network traffic. VPNs use traditional tunnelling protocols. But SASE integrates SD-WAN for more efficient and flexible tunnelling.
• Authentication: VPNs typically use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and access control lists (ACLs). SASE enhances access control with zero-trust policies. But this still employs MFA, role-based access, and identity verification similar to VPNs.
• SASE on Premises Availability: With a hybrid work environment, you can deploy both on-premises and cloud security with SASE. 
• Compliance and Regulatory Standards: Both VPN and SASE are legal to use in Australia. But you have to utilise them so that client data is safe under the Privacy Act 1988 and Cyber Security Act 2024. 

SASE modernises and expands upon VPN capabilities. But ultimately, both serve the same core purpose: securing remote access and protecting data in transit.

Pros and Cons of VPN and SASE

There are both pros and cons of VPN and SASE. Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons of both technologies. 

1. Pros and Cons of VPN

Pros of VPN include:

✅ Strong Encryption: Provides strong encryption, guaranteeing data confidentiality during transmission.

✅ Compatibility with Legacy Systems: Works well with traditional on-premise infrastructure.

✅ Affordable Solution: Generally more cost-effective for small businesses.

VPN limitations include:

❌ Limited Security Features: This does not offer complete threat protection.

❌ Latency Issues: VPNs can slow down internet speeds due to traffic routing.

❌ Lack of Granular Access Control: Users often gain broad network access, increasing security risks.

2. Pros and Cons of SASE

SASE benefits include:

✅ Zero Trust Security Model: Continuous authentication and verification of user access.

✅ Cloud & SaaS Integration: Provides seamless security for cloud applications.

✅ Enhanced Performance: SD-WAN optimises traffic and improves latency reduction.

✅ Scalability: Easily scalable without extensive hardware investments.

SASE cons include:

❌ Higher Initial Cost: Deployment and integration can be costly for small businesses.

❌ Complex Implementation: Requires specialised expertise for proper deployment.

❌ Dependence on Cloud Providers: Relies on third-party cloud services for infrastructure.

Choosing VPN Vs. SASE- Which One is Right for Your Business?

The right choice between VPN and SASE depends on your organisation’s security needs, infrastructure, and scalability requirements.

Choose VPN If:

✔️ You need basic remote access with strong encryption for employees working from home or branch offices.

✔️ Your business operates on a hybrid or on-premises infrastructure. And this requires secure tunnelling between remote users and internal networks.

✔️ You want a cost-effective solution with lower initial investment and straightforward deployment.

✔️ Your compliance requirements focus on encryption standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS).

Choose SASE If:

✔️ Your business is cloud-first, relying on SaaS applications and multi-cloud environments.

✔️ You require Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for granular control, ensuring users access only what they need.

✔️ You need advanced security features like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) for better threat protection.

✔️ Your company demands scalability, performance optimisation, and low-latency direct cloud access.

93% of organisations worldwide use VPN for Network security. But the use of SASE is increasing gradually- 40% of ZTNA is implemented worldwide. 

Final Words

Both VPN and SASE have security strengths, relevance, needs, and limitations. But both ensure the security of your network system. You can choose one of them or combine them based on your particular IT security needs. 

At ITTechBox, we offer advanced VPN and SASE security implementation and monitoring all over Australia. With years of experience, we ensure expertise, skills, and technology that ensure your network and data are safe during transactions. Contact us for your network security, and we will take care of your network security with peace of mind. 

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