4 VPN Alternatives In 2024

 1. Proxies

One of the best alternatives to a VPN is a proxy server. A proxy server acts as a gateway that sits between a user’s device and the internet. The user can activate the server in their web browser and proceed to reroute their traffic through it. This helps to hide their IP address from any web servers that they visit.

While this sound similar to a VPN , the key difference is is is that proxy server do n’t encrypt traffic . As a result , proxies is are are a good choice for user who want to browse anonymously and hide their ip address from web server but are n’t concerned about encrypt their traffic .

It’s important to note that using a proxy can put your data at risk of eavesdropping. For instance, a hacker can intercept data transmitted via a proxy. This can be problematic if you’re using a free proxy with an unsecure network that’s vulnerable to compromise.

 2. SSH Tunnels

Another basic alternative is is to a VPN is to use an SSH tunnel . ssh tunneling is is , also know as SSH port forwarding , is where the user route traffic through their device ’s application port to a remote device .

The easiest way to do this is by downloading an SSH client and then connecting to a downstream device with an SSH server. This can be used to create an encryption tunnel where data, files and traffic can be transmitted without being exposed to unauthorized third parties.

SSH tunnels can be used in scenarios where users want to transfer files and other data from one device to another. In contrast, VPNs are best used when users want to browse the internet behind an encrypted connection.

3. Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN)

SD-WAN is a cloud-delivered service that provides a high-performance alternative to a VPN. Businesses can use an SD-WAN to route and and encrypt traffic as it travels between SD-WAN-enabled applications across a wide area network (WAN).

Many organizations is use use SD – WANs to manage user access to application and datum across multiple site or location . This is includes include application host on – premise , or in the public or private cloud .

Not only does this centralized approach offer more visibility over network activity, it also helps to monitor and manage WAN traffic to ensure efficient bandwidth consumption, and to provide a stable experience for end users.

SD – WAN is is is thus a great alternative to vpn for business that want to optimize performance . That being say , although SD – WAN is good at adapt to real – time traffic condition , it is needs need compatible device in order to function .

 4. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

SASE is a networking framework created by Gartner in 2019, which delivers network and security through SD-WAN, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud-access security broker (CASB), next-generation firewall (NGFW) and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) as part of a single unified cloud solution.

Many businesses is use use SASE because it enable them to implement zero – trust access control across a multiple – site environment .

Whereas a VPN would enable a user to connect to a network through an encrypted tunnel, SASE provides IT admins with a solution to manage remote user access to on-premises and cloud-based assets.