Zscaler Unveils AI-Driven Zero Trust Exchange Platform with Zscaler Cellular
Zscaler, a frontrunner in cloud security solutions, has introduced its AI-enhanced Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange™ platform, featuring the innovative Zscaler Cellular. This user-friendly advancement facilitates Zero Trust communication for Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) devices by utilizing only a cellular SIM card, thus removing the necessity for additional software or unreliable VPN connections. Zscaler Cellular guarantees robust connectivity by allowing IoT and OT devices to connect to any cellular network worldwide, while ensuring a zero attack surface by placing each device on its own secure segment, with all connections safely routed through the Zscaler framework.
Challenges with Traditional Security Models
As businesses increasingly implement IoT and OT devices across various settings, conventional firewall and VPN-based security methods are proving inadequate for the needs of modern mobile and distributed organizations, leaving these devices vulnerable to cyber threats. Outdated security techniques depend on expensive infrastructure that lacks scalability, and cellular networks alone are not designed to uphold Zero Trust principles, resulting in security vulnerabilities and expanding exposure to potential attacks.
Collaborating with Telecoms to Establish Scalable Zero Trust Security
Zscaler collaborates with prominent telecommunications firms to enhance Zero Trust security for devices connected via cellular networks. By integrating the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform with telecom infrastructure, Zscaler Cellular provides secure, scalable, and efficient connectivity for IoT and OT devices. Through initiatives such as Zscaler Cellular and Zscaler Cellular Edge, along with partnerships with providers like Stacuity and BT, businesses can access managed security services tailored to the specific needs of securing distributed, cellular-connected environments. These alliances enable companies to extend Zero Trust principles across international cellular networks, minimizing risks and facilitating secure large-scale digital transformation.
Global Launch Timeline
Zscaler Cellular is set to be available worldwide in August 2025. The solution is already being utilized by leading firms, including Sandvik and Maverick Transportation, with more customers expected to be announced soon.
Insights from Zscaler Leadership
Nathan Howe, Group VP of Emerging Technologies at Zscaler, emphasized the company’s pioneering role in Zero Trust architecture, initially focusing on users, then cloud, and subsequently branch security. With the launch of Zscaler Cellular, Zscaler extends the Zero Trust Exchange capabilities to IoT and OT devices through a simple ‘install and go’ SIM card that reliably connects to any cellular network. This groundbreaking solution offers clients resilient connectivity, isolates each device to mitigate attack surfaces, and guarantees that all incoming and outgoing connections are safeguarded through the Zero Trust Exchange.
Client Perspective on Zscaler Cellular
Brian Shelby, Director of IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity at Maverick Transportation, shared how Zscaler Cellular addressed their enduring challenge of securing IoT and mobile devices deployed at client and customer locations. They required operational efficiency for tablets and time-tracking devices in environments where they lacked control over network options, all without adding software agents or relying on remote access VPNs. Zscaler enabled device-bound authentication, which became a pilot project. After integrating kiosks with Zscaler Cellular, their Zero Trust policies were enforced through Zscaler Cellular Edge, resulting in a smoother experience for employees, enhanced business protection, and the elimination of the need for software agents or VPNs on devices.
Expert Analysis on the Impact of Zscaler Cellular
Zeus Kerravala, Founder and Principal Analyst at ZK Research, remarked that Zscaler Cellular signifies a major leap forward in IoT and mobile security. By applying Zero Trust principles to cellular networks, Zscaler addresses long-standing visibility and control issues that have affected enterprises for years. This is the first solution observed that brings cloud-scale security to every connected device with the straightforward activation of a SIM card.
