Intelligent CISO Issue 65 | Page 75

and extended character limits , enforcing these policies is not always feasible for IT teams . Additionally , human tendencies often lead users to prioritise convenience over stringent security measures . In the context of VPN , if your credentials are compromised due to a weak password , malicious actors can swiftly gain access to your entire network , posing a significant threat to your organisation ’ s security .

4 . External and internal risks : When it comes to the current cybersecurity landscape , it is natural to focus on external threats as the primary concern for companies . However , with VPN technology , the scope of concern extends beyond external dangers to encompass internal risks as well . It has become increasingly common for malicious actors to surreptitiously breach network perimeters , lie in wait for extended periods and subsequently launch attacks from within .

In light of these glaring vulnerabilities inherent in VPN , organisations need to explore alternative approaches to network security . One such solution is Software-Defined Perimeter ( SDP ), a cutting-edge ‘ Zero Trust ’ technology that offers the most effective means of safeguarding data against the ever-escalating cyberthreats . SDP solutions not only mitigate the expenses and security weaknesses associated with physical VPN appliances , but also enhance functionality in various ways , including :

• Application-level access : In contrast to VPN , SDP solutions adopt a more meticulous approach to access control , ensuring that it is carefully authorised . They achieve this by granting users access exclusively to specific applications . Unlike VPN , which tends to provide broader permissions , granting a substantial ‘ slice ’ of the

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