# A secure alternative to VPN for private application access

Secure access for remote and hybrid teams through ZTNA to ensure only verified users on trusted devices can connect, without the network-wide exposure of a VPN.

![Application level access](https://www.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/box-icon-v10-2.svg)

Application level access

![Identity based access](https://www.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/box-icon-v10-3.svg)

Identity based access

![Endpoint-aware access](https://www.manageengine.com/sites/meweb/images/desktop-central/images/box-icon-v10-1.svg)

Endpoint-aware access

Available as an add-on for Endpoint Central On-Premises at $7 per endpoint annually.

## Context-aware private access

Bridge users directly to internal applications through a Zero Trust framework without granting network-level access or **exposing the internal network.**

## VPNs expose the entire network. Private Access isolates the application.

Traditional VPNs provide network-level access once a connection is established. If credentials are compromised, an attacker can exploit that access to move laterally across the internal network. Private Access eliminates this risk by granting access only to the specific application a user is authorized to reach. The rest of the network remains hidden and inaccessible.

|  | Traditional VPN Access | Private Access |
|---|---|---|
| Access Scope | Broad network access | Application-level access |
| Internal Network | Network exposed to the user | Internal apps remain hidden |
| Lateral Movement | High lateral movement risk | No lateral movement possible |
| Identity Verification | One-time at login | Verified per access request |
| Device Health Check | Not enforced | Endpoint posture verified before access |

## Built for access.Not exposure.

### Application-level access control

Eliminate lateral movement by granting users access only to authorized applications, unlike a VPN. All other internal resources on your network remain invisible.

![Application groups table: Group Name, Application Count, Added Time, Created By](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/images/access-chart.svg)

### Secure Application Tunnelling

Create a secure, encrypted tunnel directly to specific internal applications without routing users through the entire corporate network.

![Secure application tunnelling diagram: User Endpoints, Edge Connector, Application Connector, Intranet Applications. Port 8443.](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/images/access-architecture.svg)

## One platform. Every layer of the attack surface.

Endpoint Central combines endpoint management (UEM), endpoint security (EPP with EDR), and secure access through a single agent and centralised console, helping IT and security teams operate from one unified platform

![Attack vectors and layers to protect: Network Access, Data, Software, Device, Identity with Endpoint Central multi-layered defense](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/images/access-platform.svg)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Private access and how is it different from a VPN?

VPN grants access to a broad network segment after a single login check. ZTNA grants access only to specific applications, verified on each request based on user identity and device health. Users cannot see or move across the network beyond what they are explicitly permitted to access.