Remote access has moved far beyond the “everyone on a VPN” era. Today you can choose between SSL-VPN, Point-to-Site (P2S), and modern Global Secure Access (GSA) approaches—each with different trade-offs for security, performance, scale, and cost. This post breaks down what each option is, when it shines, and how to decide.

The gist (what each is best for)

  • SSL-VPN → Quick, browser-friendly access to internal web apps; broadly compatible and TLS-secure, but heavier to run at scale and less ideal for non-web apps (often needs plug-ins/clients; performance can lag for heavy traffic). 
  • Point-to-Site (P2S) → A per-device encrypted tunnel into a private network (e.g., Azure VNet), great for a small set of users who truly need private reachability; easy to pilot and integrates cleanly with cloud infra. 
  • Global Secure Access (GSA) → Cloud-native, Zero Trust access to SaaS + private apps with global scale and smart routing—best for distributed orgs; rollout is deeper than a basic VPN. 

Important nuance: P2S/GSA don’t always replace SSL-VPN outright – they often complement or upgrade it, depending on your users, apps, and budget. Many organizations keep SSL-VPN for specific web use cases while moving most users toward GSA and using P2S for targeted private access.

What to choose (fast decisions + tiny examples)

  • Pick SSL-VPN if you mainly need simple access to a few internal web apps and value broad browser compatibility. Example: HR staff accessing an internal benefits portal a few times a month. 
  • Pick P2S if limited users need private network access (cloud/on-prem) and you’re fine rolling out a VPN client. Example: Finance analysts tunneling into a private subnet to reach a reporting database. 
  • Pick GSA if you’re cloud/SaaS-heavy with people everywhere and want Zero Trust, better performance, and global scale. Example: A global sales team hitting Salesforce, SharePoint, and a private line-of-business app. 

Why Remote Access Choices Matter for Cybersecurity

Remote access is one of the most targeted entry points for attackers. Weak or outdated VPN implementations have been exploited in multiple high-profile breaches, often because:

  • Credentials and MFA bypasses: VPN gateways are prime targets for credential stuffing, brute-force, or MFA fatigue attacks.
  • Over-privileged access: Traditional VPNs often provide full network access once a user logs in, violating the principle of least privilege.
  • Patch gaps: VPN appliances require constant patching, and attackers actively scan the internet for unpatched systems.
  • Blind spots: SSL-VPN and P2S connections don’t always provide granular visibility into what users do once connected, making insider threats harder to detect.

Here’s why the newer Global Secure Access (GSA) approach is important:

  • Zero Trust by design: Instead of granting blanket network access, GSA enforces per-app, per-session access, validating user identity, device health, and risk signals continuously.
  • Reduced blast radius: Compromised credentials don’t automatically open the entire network—access is scoped and monitored.
  • Integrated monitoring: GSA often plugs into cloud-native logging, SIEM, and XDR, giving security teams visibility into user actions and anomalies.
  • Resilience: Because it’s delivered via a global cloud edge, there’s less reliance on a single VPN gateway or choke point.

The takeaway

From a cybersecurity perspective, moving from SSL-VPN or basic P2S toward GSA isn’t just a performance or convenience upgrade – it’s a strategic risk reduction step. It helps organizations align with Zero Trust principles, cut exposure from legacy VPNs, and gain better visibility into user behavior.