Zscaler

Zscaler: Transforming Information Security

Company Overview Zscaler is a cloud-based security company that is revolutionizing how companies approach information security. Despite not being a widely recognized brand, it has gained significant traction among some of the world's largest and most forward-thinking companies. Zscaler was named a leader in Gartner's Magic Quadrant for SWGs for seven consecutive years and recently went public, highlighting its growing importance.

Historical Context For the past decade, Zscaler has been addressing the changing work dynamics. Employees are increasingly mobile and work from various locations, using personal devices and networks. Traditional security models, which relied heavily on controlling devices and networks, have become outdated. Zscaler recognized this shift and developed a new approach to security that aligns with modern work practices.

New Vision and Model Zscaler's core idea is to move security from the network to the cloud. By building its own multi-tenant, cloud-based security stack globally, Zscaler enables companies to manage security more efficiently without the need to handle their own infrastructure. This approach ensures that security is comprehensive and scalable, covering all aspects of how employees work.

Zero-Trust Model The zero-trust model is central to Zscaler's strategy. It emphasizes that all devices and websites should be treated as untrusted until they are authenticated and authorized. This approach does not focus on changing user behavior but rather on changing the security model itself. Zscaler's solutions are designed to provide visibility into all traffic, enabling appropriate inspection and alerting of any suspicious activity.

Radical Reimagining of Security Zscaler is not just offering a product; it is fundamentally rethinking how security is achieved. By providing a unified security stack, Zscaler simplifies the management of security controls, making it easier to implement and visualize. This top-down approach targets C-level executives, encouraging them to champion the transformation to cloud-based security.

Market Position and Impact Zscaler has attracted many large companies with distributed workforces and multiple locations, as well as smaller companies that can now afford enterprise-grade security platforms without the burden of managing them. Additionally, Zscaler serves as a preferred partner for service providers looking to offer security through a SaaS-based platform.

Conclusion Zscaler is driving a significant shift in how information security is perceived and managed. By enabling companies to secure users regardless of their location, network, or devices, Zscaler is helping organizations stay productive and agile while ensuring robust security.