As remote work continues to shape the modern workplace, securing access to corporate resources has become more critical than ever. Among the various solutions available, clientless VPNs have emerged as a popular method for providing secure remote access. In this blog, we have explored the meaning of clientless VPNs, how they work, how much they cost, and why they might or might not be the right choice for your organization. We have also covered a clientless VPN’s popular tools (platforms) and alternatives. Let’s begin!
A clientless VPN is a type of Virtual Private Network that allows users to connect to a VPN service without requiring the installation of any dedicated VPN software (or client) on their devices. Instead, users can access the VPN through a standard web browser. This method typically uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols to establish a secure, encrypted connection.
Let's simplify the concept of clientless VPNs for better understanding. These are the main components of a clientless VPN.
Browser-Based Access: Users connect to the VPN via a web browser. They simply navigate to a secure URL, log in with their credentials, and gain access to the VPN.
No Client Installation Required: Unlike traditional VPNs, which require the installation of a dedicated VPN application, clientless VPNs do not require any additional software to be installed on the user's device.
SSL/TLS Encryption: The secure connection is typically facilitated by SSL/TLS, which is the same technology used to secure websites. This ensures that data transmitted between the user's browser and the VPN server is encrypted and secure.
Access to Web-Based Applications: Clientless VPNs are particularly useful for providing remote access to web-based applications, internal websites, or other resources that can be accessed through a browser.
Limited to HTTP/HTTPS Traffic: Since clientless VPNs operate within a web browser, they are generally limited to HTTP/HTTPS traffic. This means they are most suitable for accessing web applications but might not be ideal for accessing non-web-based resources or services.
Remote Access: Ideal for remote employees who need to access internal web applications or intranets securely from any device without needing to install additional software.
BYOD Environments: In Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments, where employees use personal devices, a clientless VPN offers a secure way to access corporate resources without the need for IT to manage VPN clients on various devices.
Quick Access: Useful for users who require quick, ad-hoc access to specific resources without the need to configure a traditional VPN client.
Although a clientless VPN is a convenient solution for secure, browser-based access to web applications and resources, it has some major limitations that you should be aware of before making a buying decision.
Limited functionality
Clientless VPNs are generally limited to web-based applications and HTTP/HTTPS traffic. They are not suitable for more complex VPN needs, such as accessing file shares, databases, or non-web-based applications.
Security concerns
Since the VPN operates within a web browser, it may be vulnerable to browser-based security threats, such as phishing or browser exploits, if not properly secured.
Performance overheads and latency
Clientless VPNs can introduce latency, especially when accessing data-intensive applications. All traffic must pass through the browser, which can result in slower performance compared to traditional VPNs, making it less ideal for real-time applications like video conferencing or remote desktops.
Limited Compatibility with Zero Trust Models
Clientless VPNs may not align well with Zero Trust security architectures, which require continuous verification, granular access controls, and segmentation. This can expose organizations to security risks if they rely solely on clientless VPNs in environments designed to enforce zero-trust principles.
Lack of Continuous Verification
Clientless VPNs often provide a one-time authentication mechanism, meaning once a user is authenticated, they may not be re-verified continuously throughout their session. This lack of continuous verification can pose a security risk, as it does not account for the possibility of session hijacking or changes in user behavior that could indicate a security threat.
In contrast, more advanced security frameworks typically require ongoing authentication checks to ensure that users remain authorized and their behavior stays within expected parameters.
As organizations seek more secure and efficient ways to manage remote access, context-aware access has emerged as the best alternative to clientless VPNs. Unlike traditional clientless VPNs, which primarily focus on providing browser-based access with limited security features, context-aware access leverages a more sophisticated approach that takes into account the context of each access request—such as the user’s identity, location, device posture, and the sensitivity of the resource being accessed.
Continuous Verification:
Platforms like Pomerium offer continuous verification, addressing one of the significant drawbacks of clientless VPNs. Instead of a one-time login, context-aware access continuously evaluates the legitimacy of a session. If any risk factors change during a session—such as a change in IP address or device posture—the system can prompt for re-authentication or terminate the session, thus providing a higher level of security.
Improved Latency and Performance:
Clientless VPNs often suffer from latency due to their reliance on browser-based encryption and decryption processes. In contrast, context-aware access solutions are designed to optimize the connection based on the context, ensuring faster and more reliable access.
Compatibility with Zero Trust Architectures:
Context-aware access is inherently aligned with Zero Trust principles, making it fully compatible with modern security frameworks. Zero Trust requires continuous verification, least privilege access, and dynamic risk assessment—features that context-aware access platforms like Pomerium provide by default. This makes them a more secure and robust alternative to clientless VPNs, which may struggle to meet the stringent requirements of Zero Trust environments.
Context-Based Access Control:
One of the most significant advantages of context-aware access is its ability to provide granular, context-based access control. Instead of granting broad access to network resources, as a clientless VPN might, context-aware systems ensure that users can only access specific resources based on their role, location, and other contextual factors. Pomerium implements this by using dynamic access policies that adjust in real-time, providing just-in-time access to critical resources while minimizing the attack surface.
Overview: Cisco AnyConnect offers both client-based and clientless VPN solutions. The clientless SSL VPN feature allows users to access internal resources through a web browser without needing to install a VPN client.
Features: Secure access to web applications, file shares, and email; integration with Cisco’s security ecosystem; granular access control.
Use Case: Suitable for enterprises with existing Cisco infrastructure seeking a robust clientless VPN solution.
Overview: Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect offers comprehensive security and remote access solutions, including clientless VPN options. GlobalProtect leverages Palo Alto's advanced security features to provide secure, browser-based access to applications.
Features: Continuous security monitoring; integration with Palo Alto's security suite; support for multi-factor authentication; seamless integration with Zero Trust architectures.
Use Case: Ideal for organizations already utilizing Palo Alto's security ecosystem or those looking for a high-security clientless VPN solution that aligns with modern security practices like Zero Trust.
Overview: Pulse Secure offers a range of VPN solutions, including clientless SSL VPN options. It provides secure access to applications and services through a web browser.
Features: Easy-to-use web-based access; strong authentication options; support for a wide range of web and non-web applications.
Use Case: Ideal for organizations looking for a comprehensive remote access solution that integrates well with existing security infrastructure.
Overview: F5's BIG-IP Edge Gateway is known for its advanced traffic management and secure remote access capabilities. The clientless VPN feature allows users to securely access applications through their web browser.
Features: High performance and scalability; integration with F5’s application delivery controller (ADC) technologies; robust security features.
Use Case: Best for large organizations that require a scalable and highly secure remote access solution.
Overview: Citrix Gateway provides clientless access to virtual desktops, applications, and web services through a web browser. It’s part of the larger Citrix Workspace suite.
Features: Secure access to Citrix virtual apps and desktops; seamless integration with other Citrix products; strong authentication and access control options.
Use Case: Suitable for organizations using Citrix environments and seeking integrated, secure access solutions.
Overview: SonicWall SMA provides both client-based and clientless VPN solutions. The clientless SSL VPN option enables secure remote access via web browsers without requiring a VPN client.
Features: Granular access controls; secure mobile and remote access; integration with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Use Case: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for cost-effective yet secure remote access options.
Overview: Barracuda CloudGen Firewall includes a clientless SSL VPN feature, providing secure remote access to internal resources through a web browser.
Features: Advanced threat protection; integrated security features; easy management and deployment.
Use Case: Best for organizations seeking a firewall solution with integrated clientless VPN capabilities.
Overview: Check Point’s Mobile Access software blade offers clientless VPN capabilities, enabling secure access to internal resources through a web browser.
Features: Integration with Check Point’s comprehensive security solutions; user-friendly interface; support for various authentication methods.
Use Case: Suitable for enterprises already using Check Point’s security products who want to add secure, clientless VPN access.
Overview: Fortinet’s FortiGate firewalls offer clientless SSL VPN capabilities, allowing users to access internal resources securely through a web browser.
Features: Robust security features; support for various authentication mechanisms; seamless integration with Fortinet’s security ecosystem.
Use Case: Ideal for organizations using Fortinet’s security infrastructure seeking a secure, scalable clientless VPN solution.
Overview: Sophos XG Firewall provides clientless SSL VPN access, allowing users to securely connect to internal resources via a web browser.
Features: Advanced threat protection; user-friendly interface; easy deployment and management.
Use Case: Best for small to medium-sized enterprises looking for a cost-effective firewall with integrated clientless VPN features.
Yes, a clientless SSL VPN and a clientless VPN generally refer to the same concept, with "SSL" specifying the type of encryption protocol used.
Key Points:
Clientless VPN: This term broadly describes any VPN that doesn't require the installation of a dedicated VPN client application on the user's device. Instead, users access the VPN through a web browser.
SSL VPN: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol used to establish a secure, encrypted connection between the user's browser and the VPN server. SSL has largely been replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), but the term "SSL VPN" is still commonly used.
Clientless SSL VPN: This is a specific type of clientless VPN that uses the SSL/TLS protocols to secure the connection. When people refer to a "clientless VPN," they often mean a "clientless SSL VPN" because SSL/TLS is the most common protocol used for such connections.
The average cost for a clientless VPN can range from $5 to $30 per user per month. Here is a cost range:
Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs): For smaller deployments (e.g., 10-50 users), the cost might range from $5 to $15 per user per month.
Large Enterprises: For larger enterprises with advanced security needs, the cost can increase significantly, potentially ranging from $10 to $30+ per user per month.
Perpetual Licensing: Some providers offer perpetual licenses for a one-time fee. It can range from $500 to $2,000+ per user for a lifetime license depending on the size of the deployment and the specific features required.
Factors Influencing Cost:
Number of Users: Costs generally scale with the number of users needing access.
Advanced Features: Additional security features like multi-factor authentication (MFA), continuous verification, and integration with Zero Trust architectures can increase the cost.
Support and Maintenance: Premium support and ongoing maintenance can add to the overall cost.
Bundling with Other Services: Some providers offer clientless VPNs as part of a broader security package, which can alter the cost depending on the services included.
Example:
Cisco AnyConnect: Around $100 to $150 per user per year depending on the features.
Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect: Typically bundled with other security features, costing $10 to $30 per user per month for full security suite access.
Clientless VPNs provide secure remote access without the need for installing dedicated software i.e. VPN on end-user devices. While clientless VPNs offer a convenient way to provide remote access, they come with several limitations that make them less suitable for today’s complex security needs. Context-aware access tools like Pomerium offer a more advanced, secure, and efficient clientless VPN alternative. By addressing the key drawbacks of clientless VPNs—such as the lack of continuous verification, latency issues, and compatibility with Zero Trust—context-aware access ensures that organizations can maintain high levels of security without compromising on performance or user experience.
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