A virtual private network, or VPN, is often the go-to tool people think of when they hear “secure remote access.” But times have changed and for many businesses, VPNs may no longer be the best or even necessary solution.
What Is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It’s a tool that creates a secure, encrypted connection—or “tunnel”—between your device and a remote server. This tunnel shields your internet traffic from outside view, helping protect your data from hackers, internet service providers, and even public Wi-Fi snoops.
Originally designed to provide private access to corporate networks, VPNs allow users to connect to internal systems as if they were physically in the office. That’s why they became so popular for remote work: VPNs let employees securely access files, applications, or servers behind a company’s firewall.
VPNs can also mask your IP address, making it appear as though you’re browsing from a different location. This is sometimes used to access region-locked content or to enhance online privacy.
Did You Know? One of the top Google searches in cybersecurity is “what is a VPN”—showing that many users still don’t fully understand what VPNs actually do or whether they need one.
If you’re asking “what is a VPN,” you’re not alone—here’s what you should know, especially if you’re using cloud-based security.
When VPNs Still Make Sense
There are still valid use cases for VPNs:
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Accessing legacy systems hosted on a physical server behind a firewall
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Browsing safely on unsecured public Wi-Fi
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Working from a country with restricted internet access
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Connecting remote teams to internal file shares or databases not available in the cloud
In short, VPNs are a helpful solution when security is needed but other modern tools aren’t in place yet.
Did You Know? The global VPN market is projected to reach $137.7 billion by 2030, driven by remote work, privacy concerns, and rising cyber threats. (Source: Grand View Research)
But Here’s Why You Might Not Need a VPN Anymore
If your company is already using Microsoft 365, cloud-based file storage, and modern identity tools like Intune and Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), a VPN might not be pulling its weight anymore. Here’s why:
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Cloud-first environments don’t need a private tunnel. Your users connect directly to secure Microsoft servers without ever going through your internal network.
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Conditional access policies in Entra let you control who can access what under specific conditions—without requiring a VPN.
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Intune-managed devices are continuously monitored, encrypted, and policy-enforced no matter where they’re located.
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Always-on security replaces the “only secure when connected to the VPN” approach. Your users are protected whether they’re working from home, at a coffee shop, or traveling.
Many businesses who migrated to this kind of modern environment find that the VPN they relied on before is now just a backup—not a necessity.
Did You Know? VPN use has declined among businesses migrating to cloud-native infrastructure. Microsoft reports that more than 95% of Fortune 500 companies already use Microsoft Entra ID—making traditional VPNs obsolete for many use cases.
VPNs vs. Modern Endpoint Management
Let’s put it simply: VPNs protect traffic between your device and your network. But modern endpoint management solutions protect the device itself, along with access to apps, files, and resources, no matter where the device is.
That’s a big shift. It’s not just about building a wall; it’s about moving the walls with your people and data wherever they go.
Did You Know? What is a VPN is often misunderstood. A VPN doesn’t encrypt files or block malware, it only secures the connection. That’s why endpoint protection and identity management are still essential.
Still Using a VPN? Ask Yourself Why
If your VPN is slow, buggy, or complicated for users, it’s worth asking: what is the VPN actually doing for us?
Is it protecting legacy systems you haven’t moved to the cloud yet?
Is it providing something Intune or Entra already covers?
Understanding your environment and modernizing your tools could save you time, money, and headaches, while improving security.
Final Thoughts: Let Go of the Tunnel
We’re not saying VPNs are useless. But for many businesses, they’re no longer the smartest tool in the box. Especially if you’re using Microsoft 365 and have adopted device management with Intune and identity security with Entra, your IT environment may be safer and more efficient without relying on outdated VPN setups.
How PCC Can Help
At Professional Computer Concepts, we help small and mid-sized businesses modernize their IT and improve security without adding complexity. If you’re still relying on a VPN to get work done, let’s talk. We can evaluate whether you still need it, or whether it’s time to move to a more secure and streamlined setup.
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Ready to move beyond the VPN? Start a conversation with our team today.