Ransomware is one of the most disruptive threats facing businesses today. In 2024, Microsoft reported that the average cost of a cyberattack for small and medium-sized businesses was $254,445. Such attacks can permanently damage companies, sometimes even forcing them to close. For businesses with employees working from home, on the road, or across multiple offices, secure remote access is a major challenge. For years, SSL VPNs (Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Networks) were the standard solution. However, the security they provide is no longer sufficient for today’s complex, cloud-first environments. It’s estimated that 30% of ransomware attacks are linked to VPN vulnerabilities or poorly managed credentials. To combat these risks, businesses are turning to a modern, cloud-based security model called SASE (Secure Access Service Edge). Here’s why SASE is a smarter choice for today’s businesses:
Traditional VPNs were designed for employees in an office who occasionally logged in remotely. Once connected, users often gain access to the entire network, making it easier for attackers to move laterally if an account is compromised. SASE takes a Zero Trust approach: every user, device, and login is verified before access is granted, and users only access the apps or data they need. This means stolen credentials are much less likely to lead to a full breach, employees stay secure whether at home, in the office, or on the road, and security policies are applied consistently everywhere.
VPNs typically route all traffic through a central office or data center, creating slow connections, especially for cloud apps like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Salesforce. SASE leverages a global cloud network, connecting employees to the nearest access point for faster speeds and lower latency. This results in fewer complaints about slow systems and improved productivity for your team.
SMBs often juggle multiple security tools VPNs, firewalls, web filters, and more which is expensive and time-consuming. SASE combines these capabilities into one integrated, cloud-based platform: secure remote access (replacing VPNs), threat protection and content filtering, cloud app security, and firewall capabilities. A single dashboard allows IT teams to manage everything from one place, with no hardware to maintain.
Adding new employees or locations to a traditional VPN can be expensive and slow. SASE is cloud-delivered, so it scales easily: new users or offices can be added in minutes, and you pay only for what you use. Cost savings include VPN appliances and maintenance, bandwidth costs from backhauling traffic, and IT labor for troubleshooting and updates. SASE provides enterprise-grade security without enterprise-level costs.
Cyber threats are evolving fast, and VPNs were not designed for modern attacks like ransomware, phishing, and cloud-based threats. SASE is cloud-native, meaning updates and new protections roll out automatically, keeping your business secure without constant IT intervention.
SSL VPNs were suitable when remote work was rare, and apps were on local servers. Today, small and mid-sized businesses operating in the cloud need stronger security, faster performance, simpler management, and better long-term value. SASE isn’t just a VPN replacement it’s a modern approach to connectivity and protection.
Ready to explore SASE for your business? Reach out today.
Written by Jeff Frickel, Director of Cybersecurity - OXEN Technology