Global Secure Access vs. VPN – Secure access without network risk

Many Dutch organizations still work with a classic VPN for remote access. That works, but no longer matches how people work today. Hybrid workstations, cloud applications and stricter AVG requirements demand more control per user and per session.

Global Secure Access is changing this model. The focus is not the network, but the user and the application. With the recent update 2.26.108 to the Windows client, this difference becomes even more apparent. You’ll see more context, better control and instant visibility into connections.

In this blog, you’ll read about the difference between VPN and Global Secure Access, what version 2.26.108 adds, and what this specifically means for your organization in the Netherlands.

What is the difference between VPN and Global Secure Access

Classic VPN

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel to your internal network. Meaning:

• User gets access to the network, not specific apps

• After connection is often more accessible than necessary

• Traffic runs through a central gateway

• Limited insight into what is happening per application

This model assumes trust once someone is connected. In practice, this creates risk. Especially with stolen credentials or unmanaged devices.

Global Secure Access

Global Secure Access operates on the Zero Trust principle. Meaning:

• Access by application, not by network

• Decisions based on Entra ID, device status and context

• Only explicitly authorized resources are accessible

• Traffic goes through the Microsoft edge, not your data center

• Full insight into sessions and behavior

Here it is all about control. Every session is reviewed. Every access is deliberate.

Why this difference matters in the Netherlands

Dutch companies face:

• AVG compliance and data minimization

• Increasing cyber threats

• Hybrid workstations with changing networks

• Cloud-first applications

A VPN often gives too wide access. This is difficult to justify to compliance and audits. Global Secure Access fits better:

• Least privilege access

• Identity-based security

• Continuous verification

For sectors such as healthcare, finance and government, this is a direct step toward NEN7510 and BIO compliance.

What version 2.26.108 adds

The latest Windows client makes the difference between VPN and GSA tangible. Here are the main improvements.

Private Access for Entra ID registered devices

Not only joined devices, but also registered devices get access. This makes BYOD scenarios more manageable without losing security.

Intelligent Local Access at every network switch

The client reassesses whether local traffic is allowed. This is important with:

• Working from home

• Public wifi networks

• Switching between networks

You avoid perpetuating old assumptions.

Visibility of device status

The client now displays either a device:

• Registered is

• Joined is

This provides immediate insight for IT and end users. Fewer errors, faster troubleshooting.

Built-in speed test via tracert

It includes a 50 MB speed test towards the Microsoft edge. This helps with:

• Performance analysis

• Troubleshooting

• Capacity Planning

Support for Turkish

Relevant for international organizations and multilingual workplaces.

What this means in practice

For IT managers

You get:

• More control per application

• Less reliance on network segmentation

• Better logging and insight

You no longer have to rely on network access as a layer of security.

For C-level

You see:

• Lower risks of data breaches

• Better compliance position

• Less impact of credential misuse

Security becomes measurable and demonstrable.

For SMEs

You benefit from:

• Less complex management

• Faster implementation

• Lower infrastructure costs

You no longer have to manage heavy VPN gateways.

For end users

The experience becomes:

• Faster, due to edge routing

• More stable with changing networks

• More transparent through clear status information

Common mistakes when switching from VPN to GSA

Mistake 1: Want to migrate everything at once
Solution: Start with critical applications and build out in phases.

Error 2: No clear access policies
Solution: Define by role and application who needs access.

Error 3: Skip Device Compliance
Solution: Combine GSA with Intune or other device management tools.

Error 4: Do not include users
Solution: Explain difference. Less network, more targeted access.

Error 5: Do not measure performance
Solution: Use the new client features such as the speedtest.

ROI and impact for Dutch companies

Cost savings:

• Less on-premises infrastructure

• Lower management burden

• Fewer security incidents

Risk reduction:

• Less lateral movement in the network

• Faster detection of abnormal behavior

• Better audit logs for compliance

Productivity:

• Faster access to applications

• Fewer connection problems

• Better user experience

On average, organizations see:

• 30 to 50 percent fewer security incidents

• 20 to 30 percent lower management burden

ALTA-ICT approach

At ALTA-ICT, we implement Global Secure Access using a structured approach.

• ISO27001 and ISO9001 certified

• Focus on Dutch compliance such as AVG and NEN7510

• Phased migration without disruption

• Integration with Entra ID and existing environment

• 24/7 monitoring and optimization

We make sure you are not only technically migrating, but also organizationally ready.

FAQ

What is the biggest difference between VPN and GSA
VPN provides network access. GSA provides per-application access.

Is GSA more secure than VPN
Yes. GSA works with Zero Trust and per-session monitoring.

Can I use VPN and GSA side by side
Yes. Many organizations opt for a phased transition.

Does GSA work with existing Microsoft environments
Yes. Integration with Entra ID is standard.

Is this suitable for SMEs
Yes. SMEs in particular benefit from less management and better security.

Conclusion

VPN assumes trust after connection.
Global Secure Access assumes per-session control.

With update 2.26.108, this difference not only improves technically, but also becomes visible and measurable in practice.

Want to know how this works in your environment and the impact on your security and costs

Schedule a short session with ALTA-ICT and gain immediate insight into your situation.