In a strategic move to fortify its cybersecurity offerings, Zscaler has taken a significant step by acquiring Airgap Networks. The transaction has sent waves through the industry, as Airgap Networks is acclaimed for its cutting-edge agentless segmentation technology. This technology is pivotal for businesses aiming to secure their internal traffic, especially within IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments. Cybersecurity threats have escalated in complexity, with adversaries deploying advanced methods to penetrate and navigate networks to reach sensitive data and critical systems. This development underscores the necessity of zero-trust security models centered on the principle of “never trust, always verify.”
A Prior Look at Zero-Trust and Segmentation
Network segmentation has been a cornerstone in the defense against cyber threats, aiming to limit the pathways available to attackers once they gain network access. Traditional methods like Network Access Control (NAC) and East-West firewalls have, however, shown limits, with their complexity leading to operational challenges. Prior to this development, the cybersecurity landscape was abuzz with talks on enhancing zero-trust models to counteract such inefficiencies and strengthen security postures within organizations.
Airgap Networks’ Innovative Edge
The acquisition announced via Zscaler’s Twitter feed, will significantly enhance the company’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), a critical aspect of their Zero Trust Exchange framework. Airgap Networks’ approach to network segmentation sets it apart by utilizing an agentless, identity-centric method. This strategy forms an individual “network of one” for each endpoint, thereby streamlining the segmentation process. The adoption of Airgap’s agentless segmentation by Zscaler is especially pertinent for environments where agent deployment is impractical, such as unmanaged devices and critical OT infrastructure.
Incorporating Airgap’s capabilities promises to augment visibility and control over internal network traffic, a significant boon for enterprises seeking to improve their security measures against lateral threats. The move by Zscaler essentially renders traditional NAC and firewall-based segmentation obsolete, presenting a more efficient and secure method for managing network traffic.
Strengthening IT/OT Networks
Airgap’s solution boasts a feature that acts as a ransomware kill switch, crucial for the continuity of operations in IT and OT systems. This capability is indispensable for safeguarding complex OT environments, which require both security and unimpeded functionality. With continuous visibility into east-west traffic, Airgap’s technology equips network administrators with the tools to better manage and secure their IoT/OT systems.
In related coverage, GBHackers on Security highlights Trustifi’s advanced threat protection for email security, designed to prevent a wide array of sophisticated attacks. An article from Cyber Security News delves into streamlined logistics for cybersecurity, discussing the simplification of security protocols and their implications for enterprises.
Useful Information for the Reader
- Zscaler’s acquisition enriches its zero-trust architecture with advanced segmentation techniques.
- Businesses can now implement robust security without the complexity of traditional network segmentation.
- Airgap’s agentless technology is a key tool against ransomware and other lateral movement threats in network environments.
The acquisition of Airgap Networks by Zscaler represents a transformative move in the cybersecurity realm, signifying a leap forward in network security strategies. The integration of Airgap’s agentless segmentation into Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange framework delivers unparalleled simplicity and security, empowering enterprises to counteract the lateral movement of threats more effectively. This strategic move not only strengthens Zscaler’s market position but also addresses the critical demand for sophisticated, manageable cybersecurity solutions in the face of increasingly complex threats.
