Designed to improve the connectivity between workplaces, cutting-edge technology provides a safe and convenient substitute for conventional VPNs. 

In response to the changing needs of network security, Microsoft has released Global Secure Access, which is presently in preview. Microsoft Entra Internet Access and Microsoft Entra Private Access are its two primary components. These elements combine network, identity, and endpoint access restrictions into a comprehensive solution when combined with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps. This makes it possible to access any program or resource securely from anywhere.

Microsoft Entra Internet Access

This service secures access to Microsoft 365, SaaS, and public interest applications. It protect online users, devices, and data against online threats, offering top-level security and visibility. 

Its features involves:

• Prevention of token replay with compliant network checks. 
• Application of universal tenant restrictions. 
• Enriched logs for enhanced security. 
• Deployment alongside third-party SSE solutions. 
• Protection of user access to the public internet through a cloud-delivered, identity-aware Secure Web Gateway (SWG).

Microsoft Entra Private Access

Whether working remotely or in an office, Microsoft Entra Private Access guarantees secure access to corporate and private resources for users. Without the need for a VPN, it increases access to any private resource, port, and protocol. Important characteristics consist of:

• Zero Trust-based quick access to a range of IP addresses and/or FQDNs. 
• Per-app access for TCP apps. 
• Modernization of legacy app authentication. 
• Seamless end-user experience with integration into existing third-party SSE solutions.

Security Security Edge (SSE) vs VPN 

Security Service Edge (SSE)

• Definition: SSE is a comprehensive framework for cloud-based security that combines several security services. It is intended to safeguard user-accessed data, apps, and resources regardless of where they are located. 
• Components: Includes services like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS). 
• Security Approach: Emphasizes identification and context-based security. It ensures secure access based on user identification and context by operating under the principle of "never trust, always verify." 
• Deployment: Cloud-native, offering global scalability and ease of deployment without the need for on-premise hardware. 
• Access Control: Provides granular access control to applications and data, often integrating with existing identity management systems. 
• User Experience: provides an unparalleled user experience because it does not need consumers to join a particular network. When it operates, it is transparent.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

• Definition: VPN technology connects distant users to an organization's network by building a safe, encrypted tunnel across the internet. 
• Components: Primarily consists of VPN client software and VPN servers. 
• Security Approach: Encrypts data in transit from the user to the VPN server. Once users authenticate and establish a VPN connection, it starts to trust them. 
• Deployment: Can be cloud-based or on-premise, often requires specific hardware and software setup. 
• Access Control: Usually grant access to the entire network, which can be a security risk if not managed properly. 
• User Experience: Since users must establish a VPN connection in order to access corporate resources, the user experience may be less effortless. Performance problems and slower connections may occasionally occur.

Key Differences

• Security Scope: SSE provides much better and a range of security services than the primarily encryption-based VPN. 
• Access Control: Whereas VPNs frequently allow for more extensive network access, SSE offers more context-based and granular access management. 
• Deployment and Scalability: SSE is scalable and cloud-native by nature, whereas VPNs may have hardware and network capacity limitations. 
• User Experience: Compared to VPNs, which need an active connection and might reduce internet speeds, SSE often provides a more transparent and frequently faster user experience.

Overall, while VPNs provide secure network access, SSC offers a rather accurate, flexible and contemporary approach to security, appropriate for cloud-based organizations and distant work scenarios. In summary, while VPNs are effective for secure network access, SSE offers a more comprehensive, flexible, and modern approach to security, especially suitable for cloud-based environments and remote work scenarios.