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Zscaler Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

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  1. Information technology and software
  2. Media and communications
  3. Banking and insurance

What is Zscaler Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Zscaler Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-delivered platform that combines secure access controls with cloud-based networking capabilities to connect users and workloads to internet and private applications. It is used by IT and security teams to replace or reduce reliance on perimeter-based security and backhaul architectures for remote users, branch locations, and cloud workloads. The platform centers on policy enforcement in the cloud, integrating capabilities such as secure web gateway, cloud access security broker, zero trust network access, and data protection controls. It is typically deployed as part of a broader zero-trust access strategy with integrations to identity providers and endpoint management tools.

pros

Cloud-delivered policy enforcement

The service enforces security and access policies from a distributed cloud platform rather than relying on on-premises appliances. This model supports remote and mobile users without requiring traffic to hairpin through a central data center. It also simplifies scaling for new users and locations because capacity is delivered as a service. For organizations standardizing on cloud security controls, this aligns with an internet-first access pattern.

Broad SSE feature coverage

The platform includes core secure service edge functions such as secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), and zero trust network access (ZTNA). It also supports inline inspection and policy controls for web and SaaS usage, with options for data protection features depending on licensing. This breadth can reduce the number of separate point products required for user-to-app access security. It is commonly evaluated as a consolidated control plane for web, SaaS, and private application access.

Ecosystem and integrations

Zscaler integrates with common identity providers for SSO and conditional access, and with endpoint agents for device posture and traffic steering. It also supports integrations with SIEM/SOAR and logging pipelines for centralized monitoring and incident response workflows. These integrations help operationalize policy enforcement and auditing across distributed users. For enterprises with established identity and security operations tooling, this can reduce custom integration work.

cons

Complex licensing and packaging

Capabilities are often split across multiple modules and editions, which can make it difficult to map requirements to the correct subscription bundle. Organizations may need separate purchases for advanced data protection, workload protections, or specialized controls. This can complicate budgeting and procurement comparisons across SASE/SSE offerings. It also increases the importance of careful requirements scoping during evaluation.

Deployment requires change management

Moving from legacy perimeter security to cloud-based policy enforcement typically requires redesigning access patterns, DNS/proxy settings, and user traffic steering. Endpoint agent rollout, PAC file configuration, or tunnel setup can introduce operational overhead during migration. Application access policies (especially for private apps) often need iterative tuning to avoid user disruption. Teams should plan for phased deployment and testing across user groups and locations.

Visibility depends on configuration

Achieving consistent inspection and logging across web, SaaS, and private applications depends on correct traffic forwarding and policy configuration. Encrypted traffic inspection and data controls can create exceptions and bypasses if not carefully managed, reducing coverage. Some use cases require additional telemetry sources (endpoint, identity, or network) to provide full context for investigations. As a result, operational outcomes can vary based on how completely the platform is implemented.

Plan & Pricing

Plan Price Key features & notes
Essentials Platform Price not listed on site — contact Zscaler sales Start your zero trust journey: Secure Internet Access (SWG); Private Access (for 5% of users); includes standard versions of Digital Experience, Data Security (alert only), Sandbox, Firewall, Cyber Isolation, Zero Trust for Workloads (1GB/user/month).
Zscaler Platform Price not listed on site — contact Zscaler sales Complete SASE/SSE solution: Secure Internet Access (SWG); Private Access (for all users); Data Security (inline web, all apps); includes standard versions (Digital Experience, Data Security (alert only), Sandbox, Firewall, Cyber Isolation, Zero Trust for Workloads (1GB/user/month)).
Add-ons / Advanced Modules (e.g., Sandbox Advanced, Firewall Advanced, Cyber Browser Isolation Advanced, Private Access add-on) Pricing not published on site — contact Zscaler sales Advanced modules are available as add-ons to the platform bundles or as standalone products; features and limits (e.g., Sandbox API, isolation traffic limits) are documented but no public price points are listed.

Seller details

Zscaler, Inc.
San Jose, CA, USA
2007
Public
https://www.zscaler.com/
https://x.com/zscaler
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zscaler/

Tools by Zscaler, Inc.

Zscaler Zero Trust Cloud
Zscaler Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Zscaler Internet Access
Zscaler Private Access
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange
Zscaler Asset Exposure Management (CAASM)
Zscaler Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
Zscaler Cloud Workload Segmentation
Zscaler Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Zscaler Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)
Zscaler Deception
Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX)
Zscaler OT/IoT Segmentation
Zscaler Privileged Remote Access
Zscaler SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM)
Zscaler Unified Vulnerability Management
Zscaler Zero Trust Browser
Zscaler Zero Trust Firewall
Zscaler Zero Trust SD-WAN
Zscaler Cloud Sandbox

Best Zscaler Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) alternatives

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