Twingate started in 2019 in response to the growing challenges of managing access for a remote workforce. The product offers a zero-trust, cloud-based solution that aims to replace Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) by providing a secure, quick-to-implement solution for IT admins and everyday users. However, if you have a distributed workforce in need of access to databases, Kubernetes clusters, cloud CLIs, switches, routers, or internal web applications, there are other tools to consider. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a few Twingate alternatives.
Twingate is a remote access solution that aims to replace corporate VPNs. These VPNs create an encrypted channel between a user’s device and a company’s servers but can be riddled with security and performance problems.
Founders Tony Huie and Alex Marshall have taken lessons learned from their time at Dropbox and applied them to modern challenges around user access. Along with Lior Rozner, they offer Twingate as a zero-trust access solution that makes traffic segregation easier to implement than a VPN. Their product provides detailed audit logging and can identify and block unusual access patterns, adding a layer of security. Plus, it integrates with identity providers to ease usability and onboarding. It aims to minimize the pain around change management for developers, network admins, and DevOps teams alike.
Delinea is a control plane to manage and monitor access to databases, servers, and Kubernetes. Their zero trust model means instead of distributing access across a combination of VPN, individual database credentials, and SSH keys, Delinea unifies user management in your existing SSO (Google, Onelogin, Duo, Okta, SAML, etc...) and keeps the underlying credentials hidden. Neither credentials nor keys are accessible by end users. Because Delinea deconstructs every protocol, it also logs all database queries, complete SSH and RDP sessions, and kubectl activity.
Perimeter 81 is a cloud-based Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform that provides centralized access to local networks, applications, and cloud resources. The company takes a security-first approach and aims to disrupt the VPN industry by offering a simple and scalable network access alternative for organizations of all sizes.
Businesses use Perimeter 81 to secure their remote workforce. IT Admins can build multiple groups and control team permissions using an intuitive user interface. The software then integrates with popular security information and event management (SIEM) tools to help you monitor and log network activity and protect your company’s resources.
Tailscale is a zero-configuration virtual private cloud that builds secure networks for WireGuard-encrypted traffic. Tailscale replaces traditional VPNs with a coordination node that acts as a control plane to manage keys and identities. This allows you to create a secure network between cloud resources without the need for firewall configuration changes.
Tailscale is open-source software that scales from single users to enterprise environments in a way that is secure and easy to implement. It integrates with your existing identity provider, making it easy to enforce multi-factor authentication and off-board users who no longer need access.