Client updates + tunnel instability
Legacy VPN- ● Client reinstall required after OS updates.
- ● Tunnel drops and DNS conflicts across tenants.
- ● Split tunnel failures and route priority inconsistencies.
- ● Credential caching issues on shared devices.
Built to replace legacy VPN clients like Sophos Connect
MSPs • Zero Trust Remote Access
Why MSPs are switching from Sophos Connect to DefensX.
Sophos Connect works well for basic VPN access but MSPs supporting multiple tenants struggle with client updates, tunnel drops, and full-network exposure. DefensX replaces the VPN experience with secure, browser-based Zero Trust access that reduces tickets, improves security, and deploys with zero client installs.
No more VPN drivers, tunnel failures, or split-tunnel issues.
Why Sophos Connect is challenging for MSPs
VPN clients create unavoidable overhead when supporting diverse networks and endpoints.
Network-wide exposure
Broad access risk- ● Users gain full network access, not app access.
- ● Increases risk of lateral movement.
- ● Weak BYOD control compared to Zero Trust models.
- ● Hard to enforce granular policies across customers.
How DefensX improves Sophos Connect environments
Modern SaaS, remote work, and contractor-heavy environments benefit strongly from app-level Zero Trust access instead of full network tunnels.
Browser-based Zero Trust access
DefensX ZTNA- ● No VPN client required — ever.
- ● User access is limited to specific internal apps.
- ● Full browser isolation and anti-keylogging.
- ● Protects contractors and BYOD without firewall changes.
Designed for MSP scalability
MSP-ready- ● One configuration model across all tenants.
- ● Onboarding reduces from hours to minutes.
- ● Works instantly on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebooks.
- ● Eliminates recurring VPN support tickets.
Sophos Connect vs DefensX at a glance
A useful comparison for MSPs evaluating migration benefits.
| Capability | Sophos Connect | DefensX |
|---|---|---|
| Access model | Full network VPN | Zero Trust app access |
| Client footprint | Installed client + drivers | 100% browser-based |
| Security exposure | Broad network access | Per-app isolation |
| Support load | High — client failures, routing, DNS | Low — no tunnel to troubleshoot |
| BYOD safety | Limited | Secure via browser isolation |
| Zero Trust alignment | Not aligned | Fully aligned |
What switching from Sophos Connect means for your MSP
It’s not just a VPN replacement it's a transformation of how remote access is secured, deployed, and maintained.
Lower overhead. Better security.
MSPs use DefensX to eliminate VPN complexity while improving user experience and reducing their attack surface.
- Identify users heavily dependent on Sophos Connect.
- Map internal apps to DefensX Zero Trust access.
- Pilot with a remote group or contractors.
- Expand access as VPN dependency decreases.
- Retire Sophos Connect entirely.
Free migration support included for MSPs rolling out DefensX to clients.
FAQ: Moving off Sophos Connect
Answers to common questions MSPs get from customers replacing VPN with Zero Trust.
“Can DefensX replace Sophos Connect entirely?”
Yes for most use cases. DefensX securely delivers access to internal apps,
RDP/SSH, portals, and more without a VPN client.
“Do we need to remove the Sophos Connect client immediately?”
Not at all — both tools can run side-by-side during your migration,
allowing a smooth and staged transition.
“Does DefensX work with existing Sophos firewalls?”
Yes. DefensX does not require replacing your firewall or security stack;
it changes how users access internal resources, not the infrastructure beneath.