Research finds that the VPN is not dead for SMBs

PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 29, 2025-- TechTarget'sEnterprise Strategy Group (ESG), a leading IT analyst, research, and strategy firm, and OpenVPN announced the publication of their research study, "Secure Access Technology Trends." The report delves into the ways small and mid-sized businesses specifically utilize secure remote access strategies, including zero trust network access (ZTNA) and VPN technologies. The report also uncovered the ways the US is leading the charge when it comes to embracing zero trust initiatives.

“The market is in a state of constant evolution, but one narrative that many network security providers often perpetuate is that the VPN is dead,” said Francis Dinha, CEO, OpenVPN. “We knew from our own experience that just isn’t true. Together with ESG, we were able to uncover the ways in which people are using VPNs as part of their zero trust strategy, including how and why the US is leading the way in that regard—and we were able to once-and-for-all dispel the narrative that the VPN is dead.”

ESG surveyed 200 cybersecurity and IT professionals from businesses ranging in size from 20 to 500 employees. Highlights of the research findings include:

• US respondents were 2.2x as likely as those in Australia or the UK (in aggregate) to be very familiar with Zero Trust architectures.
• US respondents were 72% more likely than respondents in Australia or the UK to report significant improvement in security incidents after adopting Zero Trust initiatives.
• 71% of all respondents reported using VPN solutions for secure remote access in their environment.
• Organizations were 61% more likely to report using VPNs, compared to all other solutions, to secure internet access.
• Nearly 2/3 of all respondents currently not using a VPN anticipate adopting VPN solutions within the next 12 to 24 months.

“All business needs are unique, but all businesses need strong security in place, and a powerful VPN continues to be a part of that, as will ZTNA,” said Dinha. “OpenVPN is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes find the right network security strategy for their unique business needs. Together with ESG, we believe this report will help IT practitioners and security leaders understand more about how to implement the right strategies for their business.”

To download the report, visit https://hs.openvpn.net/research-openvpn-esg-state-of-vpn.

About OpenVPN

OpenVPN's network security solutions provide scalable, secure remote access — giving complete freedom to your employees to work outside the office while securely accessing SaaS, the internet, and company resources. Both products, a self-hosted VPN solution called Access Server and cloud-delivered VPN service called CloudConnexa, include the essential security controls needed to evolve from a trusted-perimeter security model to an identity-based ZTNA approach. Built on the trusted open source openvpn protocol, with over 60 million downloads and 20,000 enterprise clients, OpenVPN products connect your team and resources with security and simplicity.

About TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group

Enterprise Strategy Group is an integrated technology analysis, research, and strategy firm providing market intelligence, actionable insight, and go-to-market content services to the global technology community. It is increasingly recognized as one of the world's leading analyst firms in helping technology vendors make strategic decisions across their go-to-market programs through factual, peer-based research. ESG is a division of TechTarget, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTGT), the global leader in purchase intent-driven marketing and sales services focused on delivering business impact for enterprise technology companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250428861322/en/

Media Contact: Krista Lyons, OpenVPN, krista.lyons@openvpn.com; +1-813-420-8571

Source: OpenVPN