Summary:
Zscaler's Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) are innovative cloud-based solutions designed to securely connect users to their applications, regardless of device, location, or network. ZIA focuses on safely connecting users to the internet and cloud applications, using security measures like URL filtering, threat protection, and sandboxing. On the other hand, ZPA provides secure access to private applications in the data center or cloud, without bringing users onto the corporate network, thereby minimizing the attack surface. These solutions are part of Zscaler's broader approach to a zero trust security model, which assumes no inherent trust in any entity and verifies every connection. This approach is particularly beneficial for organizations with a distributed workforce and cloud-centric IT strategies, aiming to improve security, enhance user experience, and reduce network complexity.
Key Features:
- Secure and Direct Internet Access: ZIA provides secure, direct internet connections, ensuring fast and safe access to cloud applications and services.
- Application-level Access Control: ZPA enables access to specific applications without giving access to the entire network, enhancing security and reducing the risk of lateral movement by threats.
- Cloud-based Architecture: Both solutions leverage a cloud-native architecture, offering scalability, reduced complexity, and ease of integration with existing systems.
- Advanced Threat Protection and Data Protection: ZIA includes comprehensive threat protection mechanisms, such as antivirus, sandboxing, and SSL inspection, to safeguard against a wide range of cyber threats.
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Implements the principles of zero trust security, ensuring that every access request is fully authenticated, authorized, and encrypted, regardless of the user's location or the network used.
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Tangible Benefits:
- Improved Security and Reduced Risk of Cyber Attacks:
- Quantification Path: Measure the reduction in the number and severity of cyber attacks, particularly those originating from internet access or targeting private applications. This can be quantified by tracking metrics like the number of malware and phishing incidents, the frequency of attempted intrusions, and the severity of any breaches that occur. Calculate cost savings by considering factors like reduced incident response costs, minimized downtime, and avoided data breach penalties.
- Enhanced User Productivity and Efficiency:
- Quantification Path: Assess the impact of ZIA and ZPA on user productivity, particularly in terms of reduced downtime and faster access to necessary applications and resources. Quantify this by measuring the time taken for users to connect to and use internet and private applications before and after deployment. Additionally, track metrics such as the reduction in connectivity issues and the speed of access. Calculate the increase in productivity by translating time savings into cost savings, based on average employee costs.
- Reduced IT Overhead and Infrastructure Costs:
- Quantification Path: Evaluate the reduction in IT overhead and infrastructure costs associated with managing traditional VPNs and security appliances. This includes measuring the reduction in the time and resources required for maintaining and updating on-premises security hardware and software. Additionally, quantify the savings from reduced need for complex VPN infrastructure by comparing the costs of traditional VPN solutions with ZIA and ZPA.