The evolution of secure web browsing: VPNs to remote browser isolation

VPNs fall short, Remote Browser Isolation is a better approach

News By Craig Lurey published 8 October 2024

The concept of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) dates back to the 1990s. Over the decades, as online services and activities expanded, VPNs became increasingly popular. By 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had drastically accelerated digital transformation, making remote work the norm, and VPNs evolved into essential tools for secure remote access.

Craig Lurey

CTO and Co-founder of Keeper Security.

VPNs fall short

Yet, VPNs are not without their limitations. While they effectively encrypt internet traffic and mask IP addresses, they are limited in their ability to address several modern cyber threats. Recent research from Keeper highlights that phishing and malware are becoming more prevalent attack methods. In the same report, 40% of survey respondents reported experiencing insider threats, where attacks originate from employees. VPNs are not a comprehensive solution for all online security, despite some organizations operating as if they were.

High-profile breaches and cyber attacks further illustrate the inadequacies of VPNs. For example, on May 24, 2024, Check Point reported attempted breaches on VPN networks, with attackers targeting remote access VPN devices to gain unauthorized access. Similarly, a breach at Nissan that exposed the personal information of over 53,000 employees involved exploiting an external VPN, exfiltrating data from local network shares, shutting down certain non-production systems and demanding a ransom.

Beyond these security concerns, VPNs also present operational challenges. Their complexity, high maintenance costs and potential latency issues can undermine productivity and operational efficiency.

The rise of enterprise browsers

Given these limitations, what alternatives exist for enhancing web security? Over the past few years, enterprise browsers have emerged as a sophisticated alternative, offering a more controlled and managed browsing environment. These specialized browsers surpass VPNs with capabilities such as controlled access to web applications, robust user activity management and advanced tools designed to prevent data breaches.

However, the adoption of enterprise browsers can introduce its own set of challenges. The integration of new technologies may disrupt workflows and create user friction, potentially complicating the transition and impacting overall productivity. When these integrations aren’t simple and easy, adoption rates will be low, leaving organizations vulnerable and exposed.

Remote browser isolation: A better approach

For many organizations, particularly those with constrained resources, Remote Browser Isolation presents an advantageous alternative. Remote Browser Isolation solutions isolate web browsing sessions from end-user devices by hosting them in a secure, remote location. This approach addresses several key needs:

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