NetSkope - Detailed Review

Frequently Asked Questions about Netskope

Q1: What is the Netskope Client and how does it work?

The Netskope Client is a lightweight application that directs traffic from the end-user device to the Netskope Cloud. It uses a Forward Proxy Steering mechanism, creating an SSL tunnel from the end device to the Netskope forward proxy in the cloud. This tunnel carries traffic selected by the administrator through the steering configuration in the Netskope admin console. If the client cannot establish a tunnel, it will Fail-Open, continuing to attempt to establish the tunnel every 60 seconds.

Q2: How does Netskope use AI and machine learning in its security solutions?

Netskope leverages AI and machine learning (ML) extensively in its security platform. The company uses these technologies for various security functions, including data security, embedded User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA), threat protection, IoT security, and more. For example, Netskope’s AI/ML solutions help in personally identifiable information (PII) image classification, whiteboard image detection, and sensitive document classification. They also employ a multi-layered approach combining AI, heuristic, and signature-based components to ensure high accuracy in threat detection and data security.

Q3: What is Netskope’s business model and pricing structure?

Netskope operates as a subscription-based SaaS company, pricing its services based on the number of users (seats) a company needs to protect. Additional factors such as the volume of data processed and specific features required also influence the pricing. The company typically sells its solutions top-down, starting with Fortune 500 accounts and expanding downwards. Netskope often enters organizations with its core Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solution and then cross-sells additional products like Next-Gen Secure Web Gateway (SWG) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

Q4: How does Netskope ensure network performance and efficiency?

Netskope uses the Kentik Network Intelligence Platform to monitor and optimize its network performance in real time. This platform helps in identifying anomalies, ensuring quality of service, and averting potential problems. Netskope’s network design, particularly its NewEdge architecture, aims to reduce latency by locating data centers close to customers and using a carefully selected diversity of peering and transit connections.

Q5: What are the benefits and challenges of using AI in Netskope’s cybersecurity solutions?

The benefits of AI in Netskope’s solutions include a more proactive and efficient approach to security, enhanced productivity for security professionals, and better identification of threats. However, there are challenges such as false positives and negatives, where AI may incorrectly classify threats or anomalous behavior. To mitigate these, Netskope uses a multi-layered approach that combines AI, heuristic, and signature-based components to ensure high accuracy. Additionally, privacy concerns are addressed through customized training and tuning of AI models.

Q6: How does Netskope’s security platform handle traffic steering and security enforcement?

Netskope’s service involves three stages: customers sending traffic to Netskope, Netskope enforcing security and controls on that traffic, and then forwarding the traffic to SaaS providers, content delivery networks, or web providers. The steering configuration in the Netskope admin console defines which apps and domains are steered to the Netskope Cloud, ensuring that only selected traffic is processed through the security controls.

Q7: What is the role of Netskope’s data centers in its network architecture?

Netskope’s data centers are strategically located close to customers to minimize latency and optimize network efficiency. This careful placement, combined with a diverse selection of peering and transit connections, helps in ensuring that steps 1 and 3 of the Netskope service (sending traffic to Netskope and forwarding it to providers) are as efficient as possible.

Q8: How does Netskope expand its footprint within an organization?

Netskope typically enters an organization with its core CASB solution and then expands by cross-selling additional products such as Next-Gen Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Cloud Firewall. This approach allows Netskope to increase its average revenue per customer over time as enterprises consolidate their security spend with Netskope.

Q9: What is Netskope’s approach to research and development (R&D)?

Netskope has stayed private to invest heavily in R&D and product innovation, unlike many public security companies that typically spend only about 15% of their revenue on R&D. This aggressive investment in R&D has enabled Netskope to develop innovative security solutions and maintain a strong culture focused on innovation.

Q10: Is Netskope planning to go public?

Netskope has raised significant funding, including $340M in its latest round, and is preparing for a potential IPO in the next 1-2 years. However, the company is in no rush and has ample cash to continue fueling its growth. An IPO would further boost its brand awareness and stature as a leading enterprise security vendor.