Zscaler Internet Access - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Zscaler Internet Access - Product Overview
Introduction to Zscaler Internet Access
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) is a cloud-based security solution that acts as a secure internet and web gateway, designed to protect users from various internet and web-based threats. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
ZIA sits between users and the internet, inspecting every byte of traffic in real-time, including SSL-encrypted traffic. This ensures comprehensive protection against web and internet threats, making it an essential tool for securing internet access across all user locations.Target Audience
ZIA is targeted at organizations of all sizes, particularly those with distributed workforces, multiple offices, or a significant number of remote workers. It is ideal for businesses looking to secure their internet access without the need for traditional on-premises security appliances.Key Features
Security and Threat Protection
- Full Inline Content and SSL Inspection: ZIA uses its patented ByteScan™ engine to inspect all traffic, including SSL-encrypted traffic, with minimal delay.
- Advanced Threat Protection: It includes features like Cloud Sandbox, IPS, and advanced protection to block zero-day exploits, malware, and other sophisticated threats.
- Threat Updates and Feeds: ZIA receives over 120,000 unique security updates daily and consumes more than 60 industry threat feeds to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Access Control and Policy Management
- Global Policy Engine: Allows administrators to create and manage access policies easily for all users and traffic, regardless of location.
- URL and Content Filtering: Enables granular policy control by user, group, location, time, and quota, with dynamic content classification.
Performance and Scalability
- Cloud Firewall and Bandwidth Control: Provides full DPI and access controls across all ports and protocols, along with bandwidth control to prioritize business-critical applications.
- Global Data Centers: ZIA is supported by a globally distributed cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and low latency, with traffic forwarding options like GRE tunnels, IPsec, and PAC files.
Additional Capabilities
- Cloud DLP and CASB: Includes Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) to protect sensitive data and control access to cloud applications.
- Real-Time Analytics and Logging: Offers real-time reporting and logging capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor web transactions and security events in real-time.
User Experience
- Zero Trust Connectivity: ZIA provides direct, secure access to applications and the internet without the need for backhauling traffic to a central data center, enhancing user experience and productivity.
Zscaler Internet Access - User Interface and Experience
Dashboard Overview
When you log into the Zscaler admin UI, you are presented with a dashboard view that provides a graphical overview of your traffic flowing through the Zscaler cloud. This dashboard is highly customizable, allowing you to change the time period of the data displayed, edit widget titles, positions, and details, and even add or delete widgets as needed. The interface is interactive, with hover-over features that provide additional details and the option to view logs or analyze charts further.
Real-Time Visibility
The ZIA dashboard offers real-time visibility into all user activity, whether on or off the network. This centralized view enables quick tracking of usage and swift action on malware detections, botnets, and other advanced threats. The interface is structured to give administrators a clear and comprehensive view of all internet and web traffic, facilitating prompt decision-making.
Ease of Use
The interface is relatively straightforward. Administrators can easily rearrange widgets on the screen by dragging and dropping them to the desired location. The system automatically adjusts other widgets to accommodate the new placement. This flexibility makes it easier for users to organize the dashboard according to their specific needs and preferences.
AI-Assisted Features
ZIA incorporates AI-driven features that enhance the user experience. For instance, the Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX) component includes a lightweight AI engine within the Zscaler Client Connector. This engine notifies users of issues such as poor Wi-Fi or high resource utilization and offers solutions, thereby reducing the number of tickets IT teams need to handle. Administrators can also view these notifications and take action if necessary, providing deeper visibility into user connectivity and network health.
Security and Policy Management
The ZIA interface allows administrators to create and manage access policies easily for all users and traffic. It includes features for inspecting 100% of traffic, even encrypted traffic, and applying user-centric security policies to eliminate the attack surface and stop sensitive data loss. This makes it easier to enforce zero-trust policies and protect against sophisticated threats without compromising performance.
User Experience
Overall, the user experience with Zscaler Internet Access is streamlined and efficient. The platform is cloud-delivered, which means it can scale protection to all offices or users regardless of location, minimizing the need for extensive network and appliance infrastructure. This approach ensures a faster and more secure user experience, whether users are connecting from the office, a coffee shop, or any other location.
Conclusion
In summary, Zscaler Internet Access offers a user-friendly interface that provides real-time visibility, ease of customization, and AI-driven features to enhance both the administrative and end-user experience.
Zscaler Internet Access - Key Features and Functionality
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA)
ZIA is a comprehensive cloud-based security solution that offers a wide range of features to protect user internet traffic and cloud application usage. Here are the main features and how they work:
Full Inline Content and SSL Inspection
ZIA uses its patented ByteScan™ engine to inspect every byte of traffic, including SSL-encrypted traffic, with minimal delay. This ensures that all internet traffic is scrutinized for threats, even those hidden within encrypted communications.
Cloud-Native Security Stack
ZIA consolidates multiple security functions into a single cloud-based platform. This includes Cloud Firewall, Cloud IPS, Cloud Sandbox, Cloud DLP, CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker), and Cloud Browser Isolation. This integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple point products and reduces the complexity and cost associated with traditional appliance-based security solutions.
URL Filtering and Bandwidth Control
ZIA allows administrators to block or limit website access based on user or group policies, as well as enforce bandwidth policies to prioritize business-critical applications over recreational traffic. This helps in maintaining productivity and ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth.
Cloud Sandbox
The Cloud Sandbox feature analyzes unknown files for malicious behavior, allowing organizations to block zero-day exploits. This sandbox environment is isolated from the network, ensuring that potential threats are evaluated safely without risking the main network.
DNS Security
ZIA provides DNS filtering and security, which controls and blocks DNS requests to known malicious destinations. It also identifies and routes suspicious command-and-control connections to Zscaler’s threat detection engines for full content inspection.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Cloud DLP with EDM (Endpoint Data Management) enables organizations to scale DLP policies across all users, even within SSL-encrypted traffic. This helps in preventing sensitive data from being exfiltrated.
Threat Prevention and Updates
ZIA delivers over 120,000 unique security updates daily, ensuring that the system stays up-to-date with the latest threats. The platform also leverages threat feeds from more than 60 industry sources to enhance its threat detection capabilities.
AI Integration
While ZIA itself does not explicitly integrate AI in its core features, the integration with Portal26 adds significant AI-driven capabilities. This includes AI usage analytics, prompt monitoring and analytics, AI risk measurement and mitigation, and AI-driven data exfiltration detection. These features help in managing and securing the use of Generative AI within the enterprise.
Global Policy Engine and Real-Time Analytics
ZIA features a global policy engine that allows administrators to set and enforce policies consistently across all locations. Real-time analytics provide immediate insights into network activity, helping in quick detection and response to security incidents.
User Experience and Scalability
By moving the security stack to the cloud, ZIA reduces the latency associated with backhauling traffic to a central hub. This approach allows for faster and more secure internet access, regardless of the user’s location. Organizations can easily scale protection to all offices or users without the need for extensive network and appliance infrastructure.
Conclusion
In summary, Zscaler Internet Access offers a comprehensive, cloud-based security solution that integrates multiple security functions, ensures thorough traffic inspection, and provides real-time analytics and policy enforcement. Its scalability and cloud-native architecture make it an effective choice for securing internet and cloud application access in modern, distributed environments.
Zscaler Internet Access - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Zscaler Internet Access is part of the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform, which inspects all internet traffic and applies user-centric security and access policies. Here are some performance aspects:Latency and Response Time
A comparison with Cloudflare reveals that Zscaler’s proxy latency can be a significant factor in performance. Cloudflare’s measurements indicate that Zscaler’s proxy latency often exceeds its own SLA, resulting in slower response times. For example, at the 95th percentile, Zscaler’s proxy latency was found to be between 140-240 ms slower than Cloudflare for various sites tested.Network Path Analysis
Zscaler’s CloudPath feature provides detailed network path analytics, allowing for segment-by-segment latency and loss breakdowns. This helps in isolating network contributions to performance degradations, offering a comprehensive view of the network path from the client endpoint to the private application.Accuracy and Security
ZIA is known for its advanced threat protection and security features:Threat Protection
ZIA inspects 100% of internet traffic, including encrypted traffic, to uncover and prevent evasive threats such as malware and ransomware. It also applies layered security to protect users against sophisticated attacks.Access Policy
The platform allows for easy creation and management of access policies for all users and traffic, helping to eliminate the attack surface and stop lateral movement.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, there are several areas where Zscaler Internet Access could be improved:Performance Degradation with Additional Controls
Adding features like CSV or DLP on top of ZIA can result in significant performance degradation and increased latency. Users have reported a two-fold or three-fold increase in latency when using multiple features simultaneously.User Interface and Implementation
The interface of ZIA is not always user-friendly, and the implementation process can be cumbersome. Users have suggested improvements in the UI, especially in comparison to other products like Okta and Netskope. The deployment process of components like the Zscaler Cloud Connector also needs to be more streamlined.Geographical Coverage
ZIA faces challenges in regions like China due to the Great Firewall, which impacts internet performance. Expanding coverage and adding more breakout points in such regions could enhance performance for users there.Pricing and Local Data Centers
The solution is considered pricey, and the lack of local data centers in certain regions (e.g., Czech Republic, Brazil) can lead to issues with local content and language support. Users have requested more data centers and better local content accessibility.Advanced Features and Integration
There is a need for better integration with internal monitoring systems and other applications. Additionally, features like advanced firewall capabilities, logging, and DLP solutions require improvement. Users have also requested more granular traffic categorization and better exception handling. In summary, while Zscaler Internet Access offers strong security and network monitoring capabilities, it faces challenges related to latency, user interface, geographical coverage, and the integration of additional features. Addressing these areas could significantly enhance the overall performance and user experience of the product. Zscaler Internet Access - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure for Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA)
The pricing structure for Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) is part of the broader Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform, and it is segmented into several plans, each with distinct features.
Subscription Tiers
Zscaler offers its products, including ZIA, through three main subscription tiers: Business, Transformation, and Unlimited.
Business Plan
- This plan includes the basic features of ZIA, such as:
- Security web gateway replacement
- Local internet breakouts for Microsoft 365
- DNS resolution and filtering
- Additionally, it includes features from Zscaler Private Access (ZPA), Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX), and Data Protection (CASB/DLP)
Transformation Plan
- This plan includes all the features from the Business plan plus advanced features:
- Advanced cyberthreat protection and ransomware protection for ZIA
- Segmentation for on-site and remote access, advanced threat prevention with decoys, and data and threat protection for private application traffic for ZPA
- Automated, AI-powered root cause analysis, Zoom call quality monitoring, and organization-wide device model and software deployment version review for ZDX
- Enhanced data protection, including security for distributed and sensitive data, improved control over cloud data, regulatory compliance monitoring, and simplified data protection operations
Unlimited Plan
- This is the premium subscription tier, which includes all features from the Transformation plan plus additional enhancements. However, specific details on the extra features in the Unlimited plan for ZIA are not provided in the available sources.
Pricing Details
The exact pricing for each tier is not publicly disclosed, but it varies based on the number of users. Here are some general pricing insights:
- For the Business Bundle, prices range from approximately $72.27 per user per year for 1-999 users to $27.81 per user per year for 100,000 users.
- The pricing decreases as the number of users increases, reflecting a volume discount.
Additional Components and Pricing
- There are also additional components and support options available, such as:
- Secure Internet Platform subscriptions with varying user tiers, starting from around $15.93 per user per year for 1-999 users to $6.37 per user per year for 100,000 users.
- Premium support options, bandwidth control subscriptions, and other add-ons, each with their own pricing structures based on the number of users.
Free Options
There are no free options available for Zscaler Internet Access or the broader Zero Trust Exchange Platform. All plans require a subscription.
In summary, Zscaler Internet Access is offered through a tiered pricing model with increasing levels of features and security capabilities, but the exact prices are not publicly available without contacting Zscaler or their authorized resellers.
Zscaler Internet Access - Integration and Compatibility
Zscaler Internet Access Overview
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) is a comprehensive, AI-driven security service that integrates seamlessly with various tools and is compatible across a wide range of platforms and devices. Here’s a detailed look at its integration and compatibility:
Integration with Identity Providers
ZIA can be integrated with Microsoft Entra ID for single sign-on (SSO) capabilities. This integration allows you to control access to ZIA from Microsoft Entra, enabling automatic sign-in for users with their Microsoft Entra accounts. You can manage your accounts centrally and configure SSO in a test environment using the Microsoft Entra admin center.
Platform and Device Compatibility
Zscaler Client Connector, a key component of ZIA, supports a broad range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS. This ensures that users can securely access the internet and applications from any device, whether it’s a laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Connectivity Options
ZIA offers flexible connectivity options to cater to different network environments. Users can forward traffic to the Zscaler cloud using the Zscaler Client Connector, GRE or IPsec tunnels, PAC files, or even proxy chaining. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt the solution to their existing infrastructure without significant changes.
Security and Cloud Services
ZIA integrates with various security modules such as Cloud Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and DNS Security. These modules provide comprehensive protection against web and internet threats, ensuring data security and compliance across SaaS and IaaS environments. The service also supports Cloud Sandboxing, Next-Generation Firewall, and Cloud Application Visibility and Control, making it a unified platform for zero trust security.
Zero Trust Architecture
ZIA is part of the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange, which enables secure, direct-to-cloud access. This architecture replaces traditional network-centric solutions like VPNs and firewalls, providing faster and more secure connectivity. It works in conjunction with Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) to offer secure access to private applications, whether they are in the public cloud or a private data center.
User Experience and Monitoring
The Zscaler Client Connector also integrates with Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX) to monitor user experience, providing insights into app, network, and device performance. This helps in accelerating issue resolution and ensuring a seamless user experience.
Conclusion
In summary, Zscaler Internet Access is highly integrable and compatible, offering a wide range of connectivity options, comprehensive security features, and support for various devices and platforms, making it a versatile solution for secure internet access and application connectivity.
Zscaler Internet Access - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options for Zscaler Internet Access
When using Zscaler Internet Access, you have several customer support options and additional resources at your disposal to ensure smooth and secure operations.Submitting Support Tickets
For any issues or inquiries, you can submit a support ticket through the Zscaler Help Portal. This is particularly recommended if you cannot access the ZIA Admin Portal. US Government customers should use the dedicated Zscaler Help Portal for Government.Documentation and Data Sheets
Zscaler provides comprehensive documentation, including data sheets that detail the features and capabilities of Zscaler Internet Access. These resources cover aspects such as AI-powered security, zero trust architecture, cloud secure web gateway, cloud access security broker (CASB), and cloud data loss prevention (DLP).Study Guides and Administrative Resources
For administrators, Zscaler offers study guides like the Zscaler Digital Transformation Administrator (ZDTA) guide. This resource helps administrators understand how to configure connectivity, enforce policies, and integrate identity providers such as SAML or LDAP.Integration Guides
If you need to integrate Zscaler Internet Access with other platforms, there are detailed guides available. For example, the Blink Ops documentation provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a Zscaler Internet Access connection using admin credentials, including API addresses, usernames, passwords, and API keys.Contact Information
For direct support or to discuss specific needs, you can contact Zscaler through various regional offices. Zscaler has multiple locations worldwide, including in the Americas, Asia Pacific, and EMEA, providing local support and contact options.Platform Features and Capabilities
Zscaler Internet Access includes a range of features that simplify management and enhance security. These include cloud-native deployment, flexible connectivity options like the Zscaler Client Connector, and advanced security services such as URL filtering, SSL inspection, and data protection. The platform also offers service level agreements (SLAs) with high availability and low latency guarantees. By leveraging these resources, you can ensure that you get the most out of Zscaler Internet Access and address any issues promptly and effectively. Zscaler Internet Access - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Zscaler Internet Access
Zscaler Internet Access offers several significant advantages that make it a compelling solution for organizations seeking enhanced security and performance:Enhanced Security
Zscaler provides a comprehensive suite of AI-powered security services, including cloud secure web gateway, cloud access security broker (CASB), cloud data loss prevention (DLP), and firewall/IPS, to protect against cyberthreats, ransomware, phishing, and zero-day malware.Zero Trust Architecture
The platform minimizes potential entry points for attackers by verifying user identities, monitoring activity, and enforcing security policies on a per-session basis, ensuring consistent security for hybrid workforces.Scalability and Cloud-Native
Being a cloud-based solution, Zscaler Internet Access eliminates the need for physical hardware, making it easy to scale and manage. It also ensures fast, seamless access to cloud services without the need for backhauling.User-Friendly Interface
Users have praised the platform for its ease of use, intuitive interface, and automated processes, which simplify the management and monitoring of internet traffic and security policies.Performance Optimization
Zscaler optimizes network traffic by directing it to the fastest and most reliable paths, caching frequently accessed content, and ensuring vital applications receive necessary bandwidth. This results in up to 40% faster internet and SaaS experiences compared to legacy security architectures.Global Coverage
With over 160 data centers worldwide, Zscaler provides reliable and fast access to internet and SaaS services, regardless of the user’s location.Disadvantages of Zscaler Internet Access
While Zscaler Internet Access offers numerous benefits, there are also some notable disadvantages to consider:Latency and Performance Issues
Routing traffic through Zscaler’s cloud network can introduce latency, particularly during peak hours or for geographically distributed users. This can affect the performance of bandwidth-intensive applications and real-time communication tools.Cost Considerations
The subscription-based pricing model can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses. The total cost of ownership may include additional costs for bandwidth consumption, feature requirements, and consulting services.Dependency on Internet Connection
Since Zscaler is cloud-based, stable internet connectivity is crucial. Disruptions in internet service can impact the organization’s ability to enforce security policies and protect against threats.Complex Configuration
Configuring Zscaler to align with an organization’s security policies can be complex and time-consuming. Integrating it with existing IT infrastructure and applications can also be challenging.Limited Customization
Some organizations may find the level of customization limited compared to on-premises security solutions, particularly those with highly specialized security requirements or unique network environments.User Resistance and Training
Implementing Zscaler may require significant training for users and IT staff, and some users may resist the changes introduced by the new security measures. By weighing these advantages and disadvantages, organizations can make an informed decision about whether Zscaler Internet Access is the right fit for their security and performance needs. Zscaler Internet Access - Comparison with Competitors
Comparing Zscaler Internet Access with Other Products
When comparing Zscaler Internet Access with other products in the networking tools and AI-driven security category, several key features and differences stand out.
Security Features
Zscaler Internet Access is renowned for its comprehensive security capabilities, including:
- SSL/TLS Inspection: It decrypts and inspects encrypted web traffic to detect and block threats, a feature highly praised by users.
- Cloud Sandbox: This feature allows for the safe evaluation of threats in an isolated environment, which is a significant asset in malware detection and prevention.
- URL Filtering: Zscaler provides strong URL filtering, blocking access to malicious or unauthorized websites based on predefined policies.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): It monitors outgoing web traffic to prevent sensitive data leakage, a critical feature for data security.
- Intrusion Prevention and Detection: Zscaler includes robust intrusion prevention and detection systems to protect against unauthorized access and malicious activities.
Comparison with Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella is a strong competitor in the network security space:
- DNS Security: Cisco Umbrella is well-regarded for its effective DNS-based protection, which is not a primary focus of Zscaler Internet Access.
- Ease of Integration: Cisco Umbrella is praised for its seamless integration and quick initial deployment, whereas Zscaler users sometimes note variability in support response quality and integration ease.
- Comprehensive Features: Cisco Umbrella offers broad coverage, including features like unified client management, automated policy creation through AI, and modern protocols, which are either limited or not available in Zscaler Internet Access.
Comparison with Other AI-Driven Networking Tools
Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform and Nile AI Services Platform are notable for their AI-driven networking capabilities:
- Juniper Networks: This platform uses AI to unify campus, branch, and data center networking operations, reducing trouble tickets and operational expenses significantly. It focuses more on network reliability and performance rather than the specific security features of Zscaler.
- Nile AI Services Platform: Nile’s platform automates network design, configuration, and management, and includes AI-based network monitoring and operations. While it shares some similarities with Zscaler in terms of AI-driven security, its primary focus is on network automation and design.
Unique Features of Zscaler Internet Access
- Cloud-Native Proxy Architecture: Zscaler’s architecture is highly valued for its ability to inspect most web traffic and effectively stop cyber threats.
- Real-Time Traffic Inspection: Zscaler performs real-time inspection and analysis of inbound and outbound web traffic, enhancing its threat detection capabilities.
- User Authentication and Access Control: Zscaler supports LDAP protocol for access control and user authentication, ensuring secure access to networks, applications, and systems.
Potential Alternatives
If you are looking for alternatives to Zscaler Internet Access, consider the following:
- Cisco Umbrella: For its strong DNS security, ease of integration, and comprehensive feature set.
- Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform: If your focus is on network reliability, performance, and AI-driven network operations.
- Nile AI Services Platform: For automated network design, configuration, and AI-based network monitoring.
Each of these alternatives offers unique strengths that might better align with specific organizational needs, whether it be enhanced DNS security, network performance, or comprehensive AI-driven network management.
Zscaler Internet Access - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zscaler Internet Access?
Zscaler Internet Access is a cloud-based security solution that delivers a complete security stack as a service. It eliminates the need for traditional secure web gateway appliances by moving security to a globally distributed cloud, bringing the internet gateway closer to the user for a faster and more secure experience.
How does Zscaler Internet Access work?
Zscaler Internet Access works by inspecting every byte of traffic inline across multiple security techniques, including full inline content and SSL inspection. Users can forward traffic via the Zscaler Client Connector or by setting up a router tunnel (GRE or IPsec) to the closest Zscaler data center. This ensures identical protection regardless of the user’s location.
What security features does Zscaler Internet Access offer?
Zscaler Internet Access provides a wide range of security features, including Cloud Firewall, Cloud IPS, Cloud Sandbox, Cloud DLP, CASB, and Cloud Browser Isolation. It also includes URL filtering, bandwidth control, DNS security, and full SSL inspection to protect against various web and internet threats.
How does Zscaler handle personal data and user privacy?
Zscaler collects a limited amount of personal data, such as IP addresses, URLs, user IDs, and user groups, to ensure secure access and authentication. It does not process or store special or sensitive categories of personal data. Zscaler also offers options for customers to store their logs in specific regions, such as the EU and Switzerland, and has an internal process for responding to data subject requests.
Can Zscaler Internet Access scale to meet the needs of large organizations?
Yes, Zscaler Internet Access is designed to scale easily to protect all offices or users, regardless of their location. It processes over 100 billion requests per day at peak periods and delivers more than 120,000 unique security updates daily, making it suitable for large and distributed organizations.
How does Zscaler ensure real-time threat protection?
Zscaler uses a patented ByteScan™ engine to inspect each outbound and inbound byte of traffic, including SSL traffic, with only microsecond delays. It also consumes more than 60 industry threat feeds and delivers real-time threat correlation, ensuring that any threat detected anywhere in the cloud is immediately blocked for all customers.
What is the Cloud Sandbox feature in Zscaler Internet Access?
The Cloud Sandbox feature in Zscaler Internet Access analyzes unknown files for malicious behavior, helping to block zero-day exploits. Customers can decide which files to send to the sandbox based on file type, URL category, user/group, etc.
How does Zscaler handle data centers and global support?
Zscaler processes user data in one of its 150 global data centers located closest to the customer’s users. This ensures that data is processed in compliance with regional regulations. Additionally, Zscaler provides global support services from various locations, including the EU, US, India, and Costa Rica, to ensure 24/7/365 coverage.
Can customers control where their logs are stored?
Yes, customers have the option to store their Customer Logs in the EU and Switzerland only, regardless of where the global data processing may occur. This can be set up during the deployment process with Zscaler.
How does Zscaler comply with GDPR and other data protection regulations?
Zscaler contractually upholds its responsibilities as a data processor under the GDPR. It ensures that HTTP, HTTPS, and non-HTTP transaction content is not stored or written to disk, except for malicious content in the case of the Cloud Sandbox. Zscaler also has processes in place for responding to data subject requests, although these requests must be validated by the customer as the data controller.
Zscaler Internet Access - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Zscaler Internet Access
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) is a cloud-native secure web gateway that offers a comprehensive solution for securing internet and SaaS access, making it an attractive option in the Networking Tools AI-driven product category.
Key Benefits
- Zero Trust Connectivity: ZIA eliminates the need for backhauling traffic to central data centers, providing direct and secure access to cloud applications and the internet. This approach enhances user experience by reducing latency and improving security.
- Full Inline Content and SSL Inspection: ZIA’s patented ByteScan™ engine inspects every byte of traffic, including SSL-encrypted traffic, without compromising performance. This ensures thorough protection against web and internet threats.
- Scalability and Global Reach: ZIA operates on a globally distributed cloud platform, allowing organizations to scale security easily to all users, regardless of their location. It processes over 100 billion requests daily and provides more than 120,000 unique security updates each day.
- Integrated Security Capabilities: ZIA includes a range of security features such as Cloud Firewall, IPS, Cloud Sandbox, DNS Security, Cloud DLP, CASB, and Cloud Browser Isolation. This integrated approach reduces the need for multiple point products and simplifies security management.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Organizations with Distributed Workforces: Companies with employees working from various locations, including remote workers, can benefit significantly from ZIA’s ability to provide consistent and secure internet access without the need for traditional hub-and-spoke architectures.
- Businesses Using Cloud Services: Enterprises that heavily rely on cloud applications and SaaS services will find ZIA’s zero trust connectivity and local internet breakouts particularly useful, as these features optimize performance and security for cloud-based services.
- Companies Seeking Simplified Security Management: Organizations looking to reduce the complexity and cost associated with traditional security appliances will appreciate ZIA’s cloud-based, scalable, and integrated security solution.
Overall Recommendation
Zscaler Internet Access is highly recommended for organizations seeking a modern, cloud-native security solution that can secure internet and SaaS access efficiently. Its ability to provide zero trust connectivity, full inline content inspection, and a wide range of integrated security features makes it an excellent choice for companies aiming to enhance security, simplify management, and improve user experience.
By adopting ZIA, businesses can transition away from outdated, appliance-based security architectures and leverage the benefits of a cloud-based security service edge (SSE) that is both effective and scalable. This solution is particularly beneficial for organizations with distributed workforces and those heavily invested in cloud services.