The story of GlobalProtect VPN is intrinsically linked to the rise of the mobile workforce and the evolution of cybersecurity. Developed by Palo Alto Networks, a leader in next-generation firewalls, GlobalProtect was created to extend the security perimeter of an organization beyond the traditional office walls. In the early 2010s, as remote work started to gain traction, companies faced a significant challenge: how to provide secure access to corporate resources for employees outside the office without compromising security. Traditional VPNs offered a solution, but they often lacked the advanced security features and granular control needed to combat modern threats.
Palo Alto Networks envisioned a solution that would not only provide secure remote access but also enforce the same security policies as their on-premises firewalls. This vision led to the birth of GlobalProtect. The initial versions focused on establishing a secure VPN connection (both SSL and IPsec) from a user's device to the corporate network. However, the true innovation was the integration with the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall. This allowed all traffic from remote users to be inspected for threats, vulnerabilities, and malicious content, providing a consistent security posture for all users, regardless of their location.
A key milestone in the evolution of GlobalProtect was the introduction of the Host Information Profile (HIP). This feature allowed the firewall to collect information about the endpoint's security status—such as OS patch level, antivirus status, and disk encryption—before granting access. This was a significant step towards a Zero Trust security model, where access is granted based on the principle of "never trust, always verify."
As cloud computing and SaaS applications became more prevalent, GlobalProtect evolved to meet the new challenges. It expanded its capabilities to secure access to cloud environments and SaaS applications, providing a unified solution for all remote access needs. The introduction of Prisma Access, a SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solution from Palo Alto Networks, further enhanced GlobalProtect by delivering security from the cloud, ensuring optimal performance and scalability for a distributed workforce.
Today, GlobalProtect is a cornerstone of modern enterprise security. It has transformed from a simple VPN client into a comprehensive security platform that enables Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It provides secure, seamless, and high-performance connectivity for users on any device, anywhere in the world, all while enforcing consistent security policies and protecting against the ever-evolving threat landscape. The history of GlobalProtect is a testament to Palo Alto Networks' commitment to innovation and its vision of a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before.