# Agilicus vs Cisco Secure Client # **Zero Trust Platform** **vs. Evolution of the VPN Agent** Cisco**®** Secure Client is an evolution of the VPN agent, Agilicus AnyX completely eliminates the need for a VPN. Discover why Identity-Aware Zero Trust access beats a socket intercepting VPN Agent. [TRY NOW](/l/no-cost-trial/) [BOOK A MEETING](https://www.agilicus.com/book-calendar-meeting/) ## The Fundamental Difference The choice between Agilicus AnyX and Cisco Secure Client (Formerly Cisco AnyConnect**®**) is a choice between a complete Zero Trust platform and a management tool for legacy VPNs. Where Cisco Secure Client uses a Zero Trust Access module for client deployments 5.1.3.62 or later, and has very specific system requirements, Agilicus AnyX provides Zero Trust Access to all your resources, without additional modules, even for legacy hardware. ![icon-authentication](https://www.agilicus.com/www/d82985c0-authentication.svg) ### Agilicus AnyX Zero Trust platform with direct connection to shared resources via proxy through a web-browser, without requiring any clients to install, manage, update, or additional modules to implement Zero Trust. ![icon-server](https://www.agilicus.com/www/fc8d0a94-icon-server.svg.svg) ### Cisco Secure Client Client based architecture with an additional Zero Trust Access module, which connects users to shared resources via Cisco Secure Client using socket intercept to create micro-tunnels. #### Security Model Comparison **Agilicus AnyX** Proxy connection → On-Demand Direct connection via proxy to access shared resources **Cisco Secure Access Client** VPN Tunnel → Tunneled "Always on" persistent VPN connection to access shared resources Agilicus AnyX is a standalone Zero Trust platform that utilizes an identity aware proxy, authenticating users with their existing credentials and providing direct access to the shared resource at the authorization level of the user. AnyX is a self-updating browser based platform with no clients install, manage, or update. Cisco Secure Client utilizes a Zero Trust Access module to connect to the Secure Access Client, which provides Zero Trust access to the perimeter. Socket intercept to monitor application requests, creating a micro-tunnel for the user to connect to the shared resource. Agilicus AnyX is a complete Zero Trust Network Access platform, comprising authentication, authorization, audit, access. One of AnyX’ core features is the ability to remotely use a remote graphical environment, via both Remote Desktop Protocol, and VNC. These are available via a browser, or via a native client, and incorporate Agilicus’ trademark simple, seamless, single-sign-on via your existing identity providers, for your staff, your partners, with optional multi-factor authentication. ## Why Modern Teams Choose Agilicus Compare capabilities side-by-side. Feature **Agilicus AnyX** **Cisco Secure Access Client** #### **Client Requirement** What does the user need to install? ![Green Check](https://www.agilicus.com/www/2cd3dab3-green_check.svg) **None (Browser Only)** No Clients to Manage or Configure. Self Updating ![](https://www.agilicus.com/www/32a940fb-download-agilicus-blue.svg) Requires Cisco Secure Client Client Software Updates Configured by Administrator #### **Network Model** **Proxy Based** Direct connection of user to resource Operates with outbound-only connection, eliminating the need for publicly accessible IP address Tunnel based Full-tunnel client Publicly accessible IP address required for inbound/outbound traffic #### **On-Demand Resource Access** **Portal based resource access when needed** On-Demand / Just in Time Always-On “Intelligent VPN” Always-On / Persistent connection #### **Access System Requirements** Any device with a web browser. Windows devices require WebView2 for Zero Trust Access Module macOS devices must be on a system that contain Apple T1 chip iOS 17.2+ Android 14+ #### **BYOD friendly** Yes Identity based authorization and authentication, utilizes the web browser as the secure perimeter No Access includes device posture, limiting access to devices that are provisioned by the organization #### **Architectural Approach** Clientless architecture utilizing a proxy to share internal resources via a web browser through an outbound only connector inside your network Uses socket intercept. Instead of redirecting your entire network, it monitors application requests at the OS level. If you try to open a specific internal app, it creates a tailored "micro-tunnel" specifically for that app. #### **Industrial Control Systems Support (HMI, PLC, SCADA)** Native Out of the Box Support for HMI, PLC, SCADA Industrial Control Systems Hardware-Dependent. Often requires Cisco Industrial Ethernet switches or Cyber Vision integration. ![icon-world](https://www.agilicus.com/www/9b679333-icon-world.svg.svg) #### **Clientless Universal Access** Access all resources from any device with a web browser. - Equal security across all devices accessing resources - Enable BYOD while maintaining security - Easy Access to all authorized resources in one tile-based web launcher ![icon-padlock](https://www.agilicus.com/www/c1324345-icon-padlock.svg.svg) #### ****Granular Authorization**** Granular authorization and permission levels on a per resource level. - Enforce read vs write permission levels per user - Enable specific users to perform specific tasks on a resource - Native resource request workflow for task based permissions ![icon-global-network](https://www.agilicus.com/www/965b276e-icon-global-network.svg.svg) #### ****Per-Resource Authentication**** User authentication at a per resource level to enable granular authorization. - Enables granular audit logs for what user on what device - Eliminate shared passwords and team level access - Provision / Decommission resources on a per user basis ## **Ready to move beyond legacy remote desktop?** Experience the security of a complete Zero Trust platform. No Clients to manage, no shared passwords to fear. [CONTACT US](/contact-us/) [BOOK A MEETING](https://www.agilicus.com/book-calendar-meeting/)