VPN Alternatives
VPN alternatives refer to technologies and methods that provide secure, private, and often encrypted internet access without using a traditional Virtual Private Network (VPN). These include solutions like proxy servers, Tor, zero-trust networks, and software-defined perimeters, which offer varying levels of anonymity, security, and performance for different use cases such as bypassing geo-restrictions or protecting data on public Wi-Fi.
Developers should learn about VPN alternatives when building applications that require secure remote access, data privacy, or circumventing network restrictions, as traditional VPNs can be slow, blocked, or insufficient for modern distributed systems. Use cases include implementing secure access to cloud resources, developing privacy-focused apps, or creating tools for users in regions with internet censorship, where alternatives like Tor or zero-trust models may offer better resilience or performance.