Zscaler Private Access
Cloud edge security software
Secure access service edge (SASE) platforms
Single sign-on (SSO) solutions
Business VPN software
Zero trust networking software
Cloud security software
Identity management software
Network security software
Zero trust architecture software
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What is Zscaler Private Access
Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) is a zero trust network access (ZTNA) product that provides application-level access to private applications without placing users directly on the corporate network. It is used by IT and security teams to replace or reduce reliance on traditional VPN for remote users, third parties, and hybrid workforces accessing data center and cloud-hosted internal apps. ZPA brokers connections based on identity, device posture, and policy, and it integrates with the broader Zscaler platform for centralized policy and logging. It is typically deployed as part of a broader secure access strategy alongside web/SaaS security controls.
Application-level access controls
ZPA provides access to specific internal applications rather than extending full network access, which reduces lateral movement compared with many VPN-based approaches. Policies can be defined using user/group identity, application segments, and contextual signals such as device posture. This model fits common use cases like contractor access, privileged access to specific apps, and segmented access to legacy internal services. It aligns with zero trust architecture patterns where applications are hidden from the public internet.
Cloud-delivered access brokering
ZPA uses a cloud-delivered control plane to broker connections, avoiding inbound exposure of private applications and reducing the need for public-facing VPN concentrators. Organizations can connect private apps in data centers and major cloud providers using lightweight connectors, supporting hybrid environments. Centralized policy, logging, and administration can simplify operations across distributed users. This approach is commonly adopted when scaling remote access beyond a single perimeter.
Integrates with identity providers
ZPA integrates with enterprise identity providers for authentication and group-based policy, supporting common SSO and federation patterns. This enables consistent access decisions tied to corporate identity lifecycle processes (joiner/mover/leaver). It also supports step-up controls when combined with MFA and conditional access capabilities in the identity layer. For many deployments, this reduces the need to manage separate VPN user stores.
Not a full SSO suite
Although ZPA relies on SSO integrations, it is not itself a full single sign-on product with broad application catalog, user provisioning, and identity governance features. Organizations typically still need a dedicated identity provider for SSO, MFA, and lifecycle management. This can add vendor and integration complexity for buyers expecting an all-in-one identity management solution. Fit and scope should be validated against identity requirements.
Requires connector architecture planning
Access to private applications depends on deploying and operating connectors in the environments where those applications run. Connector placement, high availability, routing, and segmentation design require upfront planning, especially in complex networks with overlapping IP spaces or legacy dependencies. Misconfiguration can lead to access gaps or overly broad application segments. Operational ownership between network and security teams may need clear definition.
Platform and licensing complexity
ZPA is often purchased and operated as part of a broader platform that can include additional security services and policy layers. Buyers may need to evaluate multiple modules, licensing metrics, and administrative consoles depending on the overall deployment. This can increase procurement and rollout complexity compared with narrower point solutions. Cost and feature alignment should be validated against the specific remote access and segmentation scope.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) — standalone | Contact sales / Custom pricing (not published on official site) | Standalone ZTNA product. Key published notes: AI-powered user-to-app segmentation; unlimited app segments; AppProtection (inline L7 inspection, AD attack detection); clientless/browser access; Privileged Remote Access (RDP/SSH/VNC) options; package sizing based on encrypted throughput and/or number of endpoints. Source: Zscaler official product & pricing pages. |
| Essentials Platform (includes Private Access for 5% of users) | Contact sales / Bundle pricing (not published) | Bundle includes Secure Internet Access (SWG), Private Access for up to 5% of users, Digital Experience, Data Security (alert-only), Sandbox, Firewall, Cyber Isolation, Zero Trust for Workloads (1GB/user/month). |
| Zscaler Platform (includes Private Access for all users) | Contact sales / Bundle pricing (not published) | Full SASE/SSE platform — Secure Internet Access, Private Access for all users, inline Data Security (all apps), Digital Experience, Sandbox, Firewall, Cyber Isolation, Zero Trust for Workloads (1GB/user/month). |
Notes on package sizing (as published on official site):
- Encrypted-throughput based package sizing: Small – up to 200 Mbps; Medium – up to 400 Mbps; Large – up to 1 Gbps; X-Large – up to 10 Gbps.
- Device/endpoint-based package sizing: Small – up to 200 endpoints; Medium – up to 500 endpoints; Large – up to 1000 endpoints; X-Large – up to 5000 endpoints.
- Several ZPA capabilities and add-ons (e.g., Browser Access, Privileged Remote Access, Business Continuity) are described on the official product pages but no list prices or per-user/month amounts are published.
Seller details
Zscaler, Inc.
San Jose, CA, USA
2007
Public
https://www.zscaler.com/
https://x.com/zscaler
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zscaler/
