The Top 7 Desktop VPNs

Check Point is a global IT security firm offering combined hardware and software solutions. They offer a VPN that enables users to remotely access corporate networks and resources securely and seamlessly, ensuring that any sensitive data accessed from remote locations is fully protected.

Key features of this solution include secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to data from any location, using any device suitable for the user’s convenience. The solution also ensures a seamless user experience and allows IT managers to configure policies and keep track of VPN events from a single comprehensive console. Check Point’s VPN also guarantees the privacy and integrity of sensitive data by multi-factor authentication and scanning of the endpoint system for compliance, as well as encrypting all transmitted data. The software’s remote access capability is incorporated into every Check Point network firewall, allowing the configuration of client-to-site VPN or the setting up of an SSL VPN Portal to enable connections from any internet browser.

The benefits of the Check Point solution include secure collaboration by connecting virtual teams anywhere, whether they’re at headquarters, branch offices, remote locations, or on the go. With its features and capabilities, Check Point provides an effective tool for maintaining data security across decentralized teams.

Cisco Systems is an American multinational corporation offering AnyConnect, which is designed to streamline secure endpoint access by delivering necessary security measures to aid in safeguarding your organization. AnyConnect allows users to access the enterprise network securely, unhindered by location or device type, offering versatility in remote work scenarios. It features a unique component, the Network Visibility Module (NVM), which provides full transparency across the extended enterprise.

With this solution, understanding user and endpoint behavior becomes simpler, enabling network defense and operations improvement. The comprehensive protection offered by AnyConnect is extensive. Whether on the VPN or not, threats are mitigated as it utilizes the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to prevent noncompliant devices from accessing the network. User identities are verified by Duo’s multi-factor authentication (MFA) system, providing secure remote access, while protection is extended to users off the VPN by the Cisco Umbrella Roaming feature.

AnyConnect simplifies management and enhances usability, ensuring consistency in user experience across diverse devices and locations. It removes potential problems for IT teams and simplifies management tasks by using a single agent, with all features housed in one location to simplify deployment and use.

FortiClient by Fortinet serves as an integrated solution for endpoint visibility, leveraging the Fortinet Security Fabric. This allows for network awareness, tracking, compliance enforcement and reporting across all fabric components. Whether remote or local, this solution delivers a secure connection by using either traditional VPN tunnels or encrypted ZTNA tunnels for remote connectivity.

FortiClient brings together compliance, protection, and secure access as well as functioning as the agent for VPN, ZTNA, and Security Fabric telemetry. It features universal ZTNA, providing controlled per-session basis access to applications via automatically encrypted tunnels. FortiClient also offers advanced threat protection against exploits and malware through its integration with FortiGuard and FortiSandbox. The management and policy enforcement aspects of the FortiClient are designed for simplicity using FortiClient EMS, FortiClient Cloud, and FortiGate. The software curates a user-friendly interface that includes active directory integration, real-time dashboards, software inventory management, and central quarantine management.

FortiClient offers seamless integration with other Fortinet components, ensuring a unified view of endpoints and enhanced security. Achieving advanced threat protection against exploits and advanced malware, this solution provides a robust line of defense for businesses with simplified management, streamlining endpoint visibility and improving protection.

GoodAccess is a remote access VPN designed for small to medium-sized teams. The tool enables secure access to your private network from anywhere and boasts a user-friendly interface that reduces setup to approximately 10 minutes, even for non-networking experts.

This product features a range of security measures, such as a dedicated VPN gateway, static IP for IP whitelisting, real-time web activity protection through a DNS server, split tunneling, and two-factor authentication. Users can also benefit from GoodAccess’ control panel and user activity logging functionality. Beyond standard VPN capabilities, GoodAccess offers in-built online threat protection, as well as whitelisting and blacklisting features. GoodAccess also prioritizes reliability, ensuring high-speed connectivity, minimized latency, and unlimited bandwidth. These factors are vital in maintaining productivity levels for remote workers. The product is also fully cloud-based, an attribute that not only allows it to scale as your business expands, but also aids in cutting costs on network security operations.

GoodAccess has an average user satisfaction rating of 4.8/5, with 92% of users likely to recommend the product. As such, it is considered a trusted solution among remote access VPN offerings for businesses.

Ivanti Connect Secure is an SSL VPN solution that enables flexible and safe access to corporate resources. The product assists remote and mobile users by facilitating access from any web-enabled device – regardless of location.

Recognized for its single unified client, Ivanti Connect Secure simplifies management by providing one tool for both remote and on-site access. Its integrative capabilities work seamlessly with Directory Services, Identity Services, EMM/MDM, SIEM, and NGFWs. The application also employs dynamic, adaptive multi-factor authentication techniques like biometric authentication, TOTP, SAML 2.0, PKI, IAM, and digital certificates, ensuring high-level security. Ivanti Connect Secure checks that all devices comply with security standards before establishing connections, contributing to a robust cybersecurity framework. It also offers single sign-on access to both on-premises and cloud-based resources, making it a simpler, more secure solution. Reliable ‘zero-trust’ connections are used to protect data-in-motion, with on-demand, per-application, and always-on VPN options.

The centralized management system enables users to efficiently oversee policies and track all related activities. Ivanti Connect Secure also offers clientless access to web-based applications and virtual desktop products, warranting an easy, compliant, and multi-cloud ready experience. Its alignment with industry and regulatory compliance further adds to the product’s versatility and efficacy.

NordLayer is a secure remote access solution designed by Nord Security, the creators of NordVPN. The product provides a secure bridge for connecting to office networks remotely. By creating an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and the network in question, NordLayer ensures your data remains private even while it gives you access to critical files and tools.

NordLayer includes secure remote work and access control, ensuring that employees can work from any location, while ensuring consistent access to crucial company tools and databases. Additionally, NordLayer allows businesses to define access limits, providing tailored access to partners and vendors, ensuring that data is shared only with trustworthy individuals. NordLayer also emphasizes regulatory compliance and data encryption in its feature set, as well as ensuring that companies adhere to rigorous industry regulations. NordLayer works as a protective shield by encrypting data in transit. This ensures that sensitive company details remain secure, even when accessed via public networks.

NordLayer offers a solution that combines secure remote access with a broad range of administrative controls. It’s an ideal option for businesses looking to protect their corporate resources and maintain secure remote access, without compromising on speed and efficiency.

SonicWall is a VPN solution designed to cater to the security needs of remote workforces. It equips your business with a range of clients suitable for various SonicWall appliances or virtual appliances, ensuring the safety of your corporate network while providing employees with secure access to the resources they need.

SonicWall’s SSL VPN NetExtender is designed to provide secure access to Windows and Linux users. This software allows remote users to seamlessly connect and operate any application on the company network, giving them the ability to upload and download files, attach network drives, and access resources. SonicWall’s Mobile Connect offers enhanced mobile security, protecting the corporation’s data and resources while providing effortless mobile access to employees across various platforms, such as iOS, macOS, Android, and Chrome OS. This solution allows IT administrators to define granular policies based on context, such as user, device-in-use, and target application and integrates directly with SMA 1000 Unified Policy and End Point Control (EPC) to maintain centralized control and ensure a safe environment and a compliant device before allowing network access.

SonicWall provides a wide range of effective VPN solutions, offering robust data security and resource accessibility for remote employees. The solutions are configurable, easy-to-use, and highly adaptable.