In an era where digital threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, the reliance on traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is being scrutinized like never before. The cybersecurity landscape is shifting, with a notable pivot towards more robust frameworks such as Zero Trust.
As organizations scramble to secure their remote workforces against the backdrop of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, they are finding that VPNs, once the gold standard for secure remote access, are no longer sufficient.
This article delves into the current trends and challenges facing VPNs and examines why a staggering 81% of organizations are planning to implement Zero Trust frameworks by 2026.
The shift towards zero trust frameworks
For years, VPN technology has served as the backbone of remote access solutions. However, a recent study by Zscaler ThreatLabz highlights significant security risks and performance issues associated with VPNs, prompting many companies to reconsider their usage.
According to the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report, based on insights from over 600 security professionals, 65% of organizations are planning to replace their VPN services within the next year, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, 96% of businesses are adopting a Zero Trust approach, with 81% planning to implement Zero Trust strategies within the next 12 months.
As the threat landscape is exacerbated by artificial intelligence, VPNs, directly connected to the internet, become attractive targets for cyber attackers. Recent research has uncovered thousands of public IP addresses hosted by major security providers being actively scanned, likely by cybercriminals. This underscores the vulnerability of VPNs: if a service is accessible, it can be targeted for attacks.
This report explores these risks in the context of corporate concerns and the adoption of Zero Trust strategies to secure hybrid workforces while ensuring secure connections to private applications.
Widespread security challenges of VPNs
VPNs, once seen as the standard for secure remote access, now present growing risks. In fact, 56% of companies reported security breaches related to VPNs in the past year. These vulnerabilities serve as gateways for ransomware attacks, credential theft, and cyber espionage.
A striking example is the advisory issued by CISA, urging organizations to update security for a critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-22457) that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute code remotely.
An alarming 92% of respondents fear that unpatched VPN flaws could lead to ransomware incidents, while 93% are concerned about vulnerabilities introduced by third-party VPN connections.
Mapping the increase in VPN vulnerabilities from 2020 to 2025
An analysis of VPN vulnerabilities between 2020 and 2025 reveals an 82.5% increase in CVEs. Approximately 60% of these vulnerabilities were rated with high or critical CVSS scores, indicating a serious risk. Flaws enabling remote code execution (RCE) are the most common, highlighting the urgency of transitioning to Zero Trust architectures.
User frustration influences corporate decision-making
The inefficiencies of VPNs are not just security issues; they also cause significant user frustration. Problems such as slow connectivity, frequent disconnections, and complex authentication processes are often cited as sources of dissatisfaction. These frustrations are increasingly driving companies to turn to Zero Trust to provide an improved user experience.
Zero Trust models enable direct and targeted connections to applications, providing quick access to necessary tools while ensuring real-time security.
81% of organizations actively transitioning to zero trust frameworks
Given these trends, it is clear that Zero Trust is not just a theoretical concept but a strategic necessity. 81% of organizations plan to implement Zero Trust frameworks in the coming year, indicating a shift from legacy VPN systems to modern solutions tailored to current remote access needs.
The Zero Trust principle, “never trust, always verify,” allows for granular access control to private applications and continuous monitoring, offering enhanced protection for distributed work environments. For companies seeking solutions to the challenges posed by VPNs and remote access, the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report provides essential insights.
Key points addressed in the report:
- Security and operational challenges related to VPNs.
- Best practices for securing the hybrid workforce.
- Insights on transitioning to Zero Trust.
- Predictions for VPNs in 2025 and beyond.
Simultaneously, significant advancements have been noted in VPN security technologies. For instance, IPVanish has recently been recognized for its malware and tracking blocking technology, considered one of the best in the market, while VIPRE advanced security received top marks in the latest AV-Comparatives malware protection test.
These developments underscore the increasing importance of security in an ever-evolving digital environment.
