OpenVPN Access Server vs. Avast Secure Private Access

OpenVPN Access Server is a self-hosted Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solution that runs inside your own environment — on-prem or your AWS, Azure, or GCP account — keeping tunnel traffic and configuration off any third-party network. Access is scoped to the application, not the IP or subnet: each user is routed only to the specific app they're authorized for, identified by domain name, with nothing else on the network visible to them. That makes lateral movement structurally impossible, not just restricted by policy. Access Server Link turns setup into a guided flow (hostname, cloud, region, password), with SSL certificates provisioned and renewed automatically, eliminating manual certificate handling as a source of risk. Because entitlements are bound to hostname rather than IP, they hold up through IP changes and autoscaling with no manual rework. Your instance remains entirely under your control, giving you the data ownership and audit trail needed for HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR — full control of the stack, delivered with SaaS-level ease. Administration happens through a browser-based portal instead of SSH: users, certificates, and access rules are managed without shell access, narrowing your attack surface. The Zero Trust App Broker routes each connection through a placeholder IP tied to a single authorized app — the real destination stays hidden, so a stolen credential offers no way to scan or reach other systems. Least privilege is built into the architecture, not left to policy that can drift. Native clients cover Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, keeping identity- and app-based controls consistent across every endpoint. Templated deployment on AWS, Azure, and GCP means security teams get standardized, auditable rollouts rather than one-off manual builds.

Numerous individuals find the use of VPNs to be inconvenient because they must log in repeatedly to access their applications. This ongoing requirement can lead to increased frustration, particularly for those engaged in remote work, often driving users to look for methods to bypass security protocols just to fulfill their responsibilities. By linking remote users to the corporate network, a VPN inadvertently increases the attack surface, consequently heightening the risk of potential security breaches. If a remote worker's device becomes infected with malware, there is a substantial risk that the entire network could be compromised once the user connects through the VPN. Moreover, the infrastructure necessary for a comprehensive VPN gateway appliance stack is not only expensive but also requires significant management resources. This financial strain intensifies as organizations may need to replicate gateway stacks across several data centers to mitigate latency and capacity issues. Consequently, the challenges related to maintenance and operational management can become quite daunting for many businesses, leading them to reconsider their overall approach to network security. It is clear that while VPNs offer vital security benefits, the associated complexities can burden organizations, prompting a search for more efficient solutions.