Why MSPs are switching from OpenVPN to DefensX.

OpenVPN has long been a go-to VPN tool, but it was built for simple tunneling not modern Zero Trust, BYOD, or MSP multi-tenancy. DefensX replaces full network tunnels with secure, browser-based Zero Trust access, reducing risk and dramatically lowering ticket volume.

Perfect for MSPs standardizing remote access across diverse customer networks.

Why OpenVPN is difficult for MSPs to scale

OpenVPN excels as a lightweight VPN, but managing configs, certificates, routing, and client compatibility across dozens of customers is a significant operational burden for MSPs.

High support overhead

Legacy VPN

● Managing client installs for each OS and device.
● Frequent tickets about configs, certificates, and tunnel failures.
● Routing and DNS issues vary across customer environments.
● Hard to support contractors without exposing internal networks.

Network-level access increases risk

Broad network exposure

● Full-tunnel access exposes internal subnets to anyone with credentials.
● No application-level segmentation.
● No native browser-level protections like DLP or isolation.
● Lateral movement risk if a device or credential is compromised.

How DefensX modernizes OpenVPN environments

DefensX offers app-level Zero Trust access directly through the browser no tunnels, no certificates, and no client installs. Perfect for MSPs needing consistency across tenants.

Zero Trust, not full-tunnel VPN

DefensX ZTNA

● Users access only approved applications never whole networks.
● Built-in isolation, browser DLP, and keylogger protection.
● No certificate management or config drift.
● Perfect for remote users, BYOD, and third-party access.

Purpose-built for MSP operations

MSP-ready

● Eliminates client installs and manual configs.
● Standardizes access across all customers.
● Supports compliance, reporting, and QBRs.
● Easy to package and sell as a managed service.

OpenVPN vs DefensX at a glance

Use this comparison in customer proposals and security modernization conversations.

Capability	OpenVPN	DefensX
Access model	Network-level VPN tunnel	Application-level Zero Trust
Client footprint	Installed client with configs/certs	Browser-based access, no client
Security exposure	High — lateral movement possible	Low — segmented, isolated, controlled
Support burden	High — configs, certs, routing, DNS	Low — no tunnels or configs
BYOD support	Risky without restrictions	Safe via browser isolation
Future alignment	Traditional VPN	Zero Trust & SASE-ready

What switching from OpenVPN means for your MSP

The shift isn’t just about replacing tunnels — it’s about improving security posture, lowering ticket volume, and standardizing how users connect across customer environments.

More secure. Less overhead. Happier users.

MSPs use DefensX to replace VPN complexity with a modern, browser-based Zero Trust platform.

Identify tenants with certificate/tunnel-heavy OpenVPN usage.
Map core applications to browser-based DefensX access.
Run a pilot with a sample set of users.
Expand app-by-app until OpenVPN usage is minimal.
Retire OpenVPN tunnels entirely based on usage metrics.

Ready to reduce your OpenVPN dependency?

We'll help design your migration strategy, packaging, and customer communication.

FAQ: Moving off OpenVPN

Common questions from customers adopting modern Zero Trust access.

“Can DefensX replace all OpenVPN use cases?”

For users who only require app-level access (RDP, SSH, web apps, internal portals), yes. For rare full-network needs, run both in parallel during migration.

“What about our existing firewall or server setup?”

DefensX works alongside your existing firewalls, servers, and networks — you don’t need to replace your infrastructure, only how users access it.

“Do we have to manage certificates anymore?”

No. DefensX eliminates certificate and config management entirely since access happens inside a secure, policy-controlled browser session.