Remote and hybrid work have permanently changed how insurance agencies and real estate firms operate. Employees, agents, and partners now access sensitive systems from offices, homes, and on the road.
For years, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) were the standard solution for secure remote access. But as cyber threats evolve and cloud adoption increases, many organizations are asking an important question:
Is a VPN still enough, or is Zero Trust the better approach?
At TCW-GAV, we help insurance and real estate firms evaluate and modernize their access strategies to reduce risk, protect sensitive data, and support today’s flexible workforce.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between a user’s device and the corporate network. Once connected, users typically gain broad access to internal systems, similar to being physically in the office.
Benefits of VPNs:
- Encrypted remote connections
- Familiar and widely used technology
- Straightforward setup for small environments
Limitations of VPNs:
- Broad network access once connected
- Increased attack surface if credentials are compromised
- Performance issues as more users connect
- Limited visibility into user behavior
For industries like insurance and real estate; where client data, financial records, and contracts are involved, these limitations can create significant risk.
What Is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust is a modern security framework built on one principle: never trust, always verify.
Instead of granting broad access once a user connects, Zero Trust continuously verifies:
- User identity
- Device security posture
- Location and context
- Requested resource
Access is granted only to specific applications or data, not the entire network.
VPN vs. Zero Trust: Key Differences
| Feature | VPN | Zero Trust |
| Access Model | Network-based | Application- and identity-based |
| Trust Assumption | Trusted after login | Continuous verification |
| Attack Surface | Broad | Minimized |
| Cloud Compatibility | Limited | Designed for cloud |
| Visibility & Control | Minimal | Granular and real-time |
Why This Matters for Insurance & Real Estate Firms
Insurance agencies and real estate firms manage large volumes of personally identifiable information (PII), financial data, and confidential documents. A single compromised login can lead to:
- Data breaches
- Regulatory penalties
- Loss of client trust
- Operational disruption
With VPNs, a compromised credential can grant attackers wide network access. Zero Trust limits that exposure by design.
At TCW-GAV, we often see organizations adopt Zero Trust to:
- Secure cloud-based applications
- Protect remote and mobile workers
- Reduce reliance on legacy infrastructure
- Improve visibility into access and behavior
Do You Have to Choose One?
Not necessarily.
Many organizations use a phased approach, where VPNs support legacy systems while Zero Trust is implemented for cloud apps, remote access, and third-party users.
TCW works with businesses to:
- Assess current access risks
- Identify where VPNs fall short
- Design a practical Zero Trust roadmap
- Align access controls with compliance requirements
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Key takeaway: VPNs were built for a different era. Zero Trust is built for today’s threat landscape.
For insurance and real estate firms focused on cyber resilience, Zero Trust offers stronger protection, better visibility, and greater flexibility, without sacrificing productivity.
Ready to evaluate whether VPN, Zero Trust, or a hybrid approach is right for your organization?