Built to replace traditional VPN clients like AnyConnect
MSPs • Zero Trust Remote Access

Why MSPs are switching from AnyConnect VPN to DefensX.

Cisco AnyConnect (now Cisco Secure Client) gives users full tunnel VPN access and depends on OS-level agents. For MSPs, that means tickets, overhead, and risk. DefensX moves remote access into the browser with Zero Trust controls cutting complexity and boosting security.

Designed for MSPs standardizing on Zero Trust instead of supporting legacy VPN clients everywhere.

Why AnyConnect is hard to scale for MSPs

AnyConnect was built for corporate VPN access, not for MSPs running dozens of customer environments, BYOD, and contractor access. The result is a heavy support burden and an outdated trust model.

Support-heavy, agent-heavy VPN

Legacy VPN
  • ● Agent installs and upgrades for every OS and device.
  • ● Common tickets: “AnyConnect can’t connect”, driver issues, and tunnel drops.
  • ● Complex routing, DNS, and split tunneling across many tenants.
  • ● Extra friction to onboard external users and unmanaged endpoints safely.

Flat network access in a Zero Trust world

Broad network exposure
  • ● Once connected, users get network-level access not application-level Zero Trust.
  • ● A stolen VPN credential can mean lateral movement across internal systems.
  • ● No native browser isolation, web DLP, or keylogger protection.
  • ● Hard to align with modern SASE/Zero Trust architectures.

How DefensX modernizes remote access for AnyConnect shops

DefensX replaces full-tunnel VPN with browser-based Zero Trust. Users connect to apps, not networks, and MSPs escape the agent and routing maintenance treadmill.

Application-first Zero Trust access

DefensX ZTNA
  • ● Users only reach the specific apps they’re entitled to — never the whole subnet.
  • ● Browser-level security: isolation, session control, DLP, and keylogger protection.
  • ● Works on corporate, remote, and BYOD devices via secure browser sessions.
  • ● Ideal for contractors, third parties, and temporary users.

Built for MSP scale and margins

MSP-ready
  • ● No VPN agents to package, deploy, or debug per OS.
  • ● One consistent access experience across all customer tenants.
  • ● Reduced ticket volume and faster onboarding for new customers.
  • ● Easy to package as “Secure Remote Access as a Service.”

AnyConnect VPN vs DefensX at a glance

Use this comparison in deals, QBRs, and proposals to justify moving away from legacy VPN.

Capability AnyConnect VPN DefensX
Access model Full tunnel VPN to internal network Application-level Zero Trust access
Client footprint Installed VPN client per device Browser-based secure workspace
Security risk Higher — lateral movement possible if compromised Lower — per-app segmentation and isolation
MSP operational load High — agents, updates, routing, DNS issues Low — no tunnels, no agents, consistent UI
BYOD & contractors Challenging without extra restrictions Safe via browser isolation and policies
Alignment with Zero Trust/SASE Traditional VPN model Zero Trust & SASE aligned

What switching from AnyConnect means for your MSP

You’re not just swapping clients. You’re upgrading to a model that supports hybrid work, reduces risk, and frees your team from day-to-day VPN firefighting.

Fewer tickets. Stronger posture. Better margins.

Make DefensX your default recommendation for secure remote access. Use it to differentiate your security stack and standardize how remote users connect.

  • Identify customers with heavy AnyConnect VPN dependency.
  • Pick key apps to move first into DefensX browser-based access.
  • Run a pilot alongside AnyConnect for targeted user groups.
  • Gradually expand coverage and shrink VPN usage.
  • Retire AnyConnect VPN once traffic and use cases are fully migrated.

Ready to start your AnyConnect exit strategy?

We’ll help you design the rollout, messaging, and packaging so you can roll DefensX out across your customer base with confidence.

FAQ: Moving off AnyConnect VPN

Handle common questions from technical and business stakeholders when you propose a change.

“Can DefensX fully replace AnyConnect for our users?”
For users who only need application access (web apps, portals, RDP, SSH, etc.), yes — DefensX can be a full replacement. For rare use cases that still require network-level access, you can run DefensX and AnyConnect side-by-side during a phased rollout.
“What happens to our existing Cisco infrastructure?”
DefensX focuses on how users connect, not on replacing every underlying component. You can maintain your existing Cisco firewalls and networking while modernizing the remote access experience through the browser.
“Will users notice a big change?”
The main change is simplicity: instead of opening a VPN client first, they open a browser and click into approved apps. Behind the scenes they gain better security and fewer connection failures — but the workflow feels more intuitive than traditional VPN.