Netgear Takes a Bold Step into Enterprise Cybersecurity with a Next-Gen Vision

In an increasingly connected world, organizations of all sizes face mounting pressures to secure their networks against an ever-growing list of cyber threats. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable due to limited budgets and a lack of dedicated cybersecurity expertise. Recognizing this challenge, Netgear—long associated with consumer and business networking devices—is not only stepping into the enterprise VPN game but also setting sights on transforming it with SASE (Secure Access Service Edge). The networking giant’s move into this space has the potential to shake up how SMEs approach security and remote access. Let’s break down why this matters and how it could redefine the smaller business landscape.

—

The Decline of the VPN: Why Netgear Sees a Paradigm Shift

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been the go-to technology for secure remote access for decades. By creating encrypted tunnels between devices and corporate servers, VPNs allow workers to securely connect to company resources from anywhere. However, as the attack surface for modern networks has expanded—thanks to cloud computing, remote work, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices—VPNs have started showing their limitations:

• Scalability Issues: Traditional VPNs struggle to scale efficiently, especially in organizations where hundreds or thousands of users need simultaneous secure access.

• Security Concerns: VPN gateways create single points of failure. If compromised, they can serve as entry points for attackers, exposing entire corporate networks.

• Performance Bottlenecks: VPNs can be bandwidth-heavy and impact user experience when latency-sensitive applications such as video conferencing are required.

This technological strain has paved the way for SASE, a cloud-native approach to networking and security. SASE combines networking functions like SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) with advanced security functionalities like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It’s designed to support the evolving connectivity needs of modern businesses, doing away with the inefficiencies of legacy VPNs.

—

From Consumer Routers to Cybersecurity Powerhouse: Netgear’s Transformation

Netgear’s bold foray into the business VPN market, and pivot toward SASE, demonstrates how the company is diversifying its portfolio. While it has long been a household name for consumer routers and switches, Netgear’s acquisition of a cybersecurity-focused firm signals its intent to serve businesses beyond basic hardware solutions.

This strategic shift offers several advantages:

• Addressing a Clear Pain Point: SMEs often lack the resources—or confidence—to set up and maintain robust network security systems. Netgear aims to simplify this process by delivering an integrated solution that combines networking and cybersecurity.

• Building a Competitive Moat: With this move, Netgear can differentiate itself from rivals such as Cisco, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Networks by specifically catering to SMEs, an underserved market.

• Future-Proofing Product Offerings: Aligning with SASE ensures that Netgear’s solutions stay relevant as businesses increasingly embrace hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

—

What is SASE, and Why Does it Matter?

If you’re unfamiliar with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), here’s a simplified explanation:

SASE is a framework that merges wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities with modern security tools like firewalls, Zero Trust policies, and data loss prevention (DLP). What makes SASE different is its cloud-based nature. Instead of relying on static, location-based security infrastructure (like VPNs), SASE delivers these services dynamically through cloud providers. This allows security to follow users wherever they go.

Key benefits of SASE for SMEs include:

• Enhanced Security: SASE integrates multiple security measures into a single framework, reducing vulnerabilities.

• Seamless Cloud Connectivity: It’s optimized for businesses operating in cloud environments, ensuring faster access to applications like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

• Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for separate hardware and licenses for network and security tools, SASE can significantly cut costs.

• Simplified Management: Consolidating networking and security functions means fewer IT headaches for SMEs that don’t have dedicated IT departments.

With its SASE ambitions, Netgear aims to make these benefits accessible to businesses that may have previously found such advanced systems too complex or expensive.

—

How SMEs Stand to Gain

For SMEs, Netgear’s entry into the SASE space couldn’t be timelier. Here’s how these businesses stand to gain:

• Simplified Deployment: SMEs often lack the specialized expertise needed to implement traditional VPNs or standalone security solutions. By offering a turnkey SASE solution, Netgear helps simplify the process, making it much more accessible.

• Better Support for Remote Work: As remote work becomes the norm, SMEs need secure, scalable, and flexible solutions to maintain productivity without compromising security.

• Reduced Risk of Cyber Breaches: SMEs are disproportionately targeted by cybercriminals who know their defenses are weaker. By delivering high-grade, integrated security solutions, Netgear ensures even smaller players have adequate protection.

• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Traditional cybersecurity architectures often require multiple hardware appliances, software subscriptions, and skilled technicians. With SASE, SMEs get an all-in-one solution housed in the cloud.

By focusing its efforts on organizations that need simple, powerful, and cost-effective solutions, Netgear is carving out a niche that could help it dominate the SME networking market.

—

Challenges Ahead

While there’s no doubt Netgear’s SASE strategy is forward-thinking, the path ahead won’t be without hurdles:

• Competition from Industry Leaders: Established enterprise players like Cisco and Fortinet already have robust offerings in the SASE space. Gaining market share won’t be easy.

• Educating Customers: Many SMEs may be unaware of SASE, or skeptical of its ability to truly replace VPNs. Netgear will need to focus on raising awareness and addressing misconceptions.

• Execution Risks: Transitioning from a hardware-centric approach to a service-oriented model is no small feat. Success will rely on Netgear’s ability to integrate its cybersecurity acquisition seamlessly.

Despite these challenges, Netgear’s reputation for user-friendly products positions it well for this transformation. If executed properly, the company has a real opportunity to disrupt the SME cybersecurity market.

—

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Networking

Netgear’s push into the business VPN space—and its vision to supplant outdated models with SASE—highlights the rapid evolution of how businesses approach networking and security. By focusing on SMEs, the company is entering a space rife with opportunity and challenges alike.

Key takeaways for SMEs and additional stakeholders:

• Legacy VPNs are increasingly viewed as inadequate in addressing modern cybersecurity needs, particularly for those leveraging cloud infrastructure.

• SASE offers a forward-thinking, flexible, and cost-effective alternative.

• Netgear’s focus on simplifying SASE deployment puts it in a strong position to cater to smaller organizations that have long been underserved by larger enterprise solutions.

If Netgear’s efforts succeed, this move could mark the beginning of the end for traditional VPNs—paving the way for user-centric, cloud-native solutions that fit seamlessly into modern workflows. SMEs that embrace this shift stand to benefit from streamlined operations, reduced risks, and long-term cost savings. As the dust settles on this announcement, one thing is clear—Netgear isn’t just entering the business VPN game; it’s changing its rules.