08 March 2021

Virgin Media Business (VMB), the network and communications solutions provider, has boosted its cloud security offering with the addition of the Zscaler service portfolio.

Driven by the global Zero Trust Exchange Platform, Zscaler’s cloud-native platform provides an integrated cloud security service that sits between an enterprise’s users and corporate applications and networks.

The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange is also said to facilitate a secure connection between users, applications and devices over any network, in any location, helping accelerate cloud adoption and hybrid working strategies and boost productivity while reducing risk and costs.

Partnering with Zscaler allows VMB to enhance its SD-WAN, hybrid cloud and cloud security solution suite by offering globally leading service that encompasses the SASE framework. The cloud-native technology offers a range of security services, like Secure Web Gateway, Cloud Firewall, Cloud Sandbox, CASB, Cloud DLP and secure remote access functionality without the challenges that on-premises equipment often present, making it perfectly suited to businesses looking to protect their data with a dispersed or remote workforce.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many organisations to shift people and operations outside of their core networks, with fewer employees working from HQ or branch sites. With traffic entering corporate networks from remote locations, this has created additional security challenges for organisations to manage.

Zscaler Private Access directs traffic to the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange using Zero Trust Network Access to limit application access to authorised personnel only.

This means that regardless of a user’s location, organisations can securely access any cloud, private or public service on the back of cloud-based security policies and with corporate acceptable user policies in place, to greatly improve flexibility, scalability and security when compared to traditional VPN network access.

Working across WAN, IPVPN, SD-WAN, mobile and even public internet connections, the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange can help accelerate moves to the cloud. Organisations can benefit from flexible, scalable services while also reducing capital expenditure and simplifying corporate security policies and on-premises equipment.

Sean Sullivan, director EMEA channels at Zscaler, said the company was “looking forward” to the partnership with VMB to accelerate the latter’s customers’ secure journey to the cloud. “By bringing network, application and security requirements all together in one SASE framework, our Zero Trust Exchange Platform enables them a smooth transformation journey from on-premise security to the cloud,” he added. “With more and more apps being consumed in the cloud and increasing workforce mobility, the market is coming to Zscaler and Virgin Media Business is well positioned to answer the customer demand for user-friendly and next-generation security.”