Zscaler has extended the AI-powered Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform with the launch of Zscaler Cellular. This easy to install solution enables Zero Trust communication for IoT and OT devices using only a cellular SIM card—eliminating the need for additional software or ineffective VPN connections.
Zscaler Cellular provides resilient connectivity by ensuring IoT/OT devices automatically connect to any cellular network globally, while providing zero attack surface by isolating each device on its own private island, with all connections securely routed through the Zscaler platform.
“Zscaler pioneered Zero Trust architecture; first with the introduction of Zero Trust for Users, then with Zero Trust for Cloud, followed by Zero Trust for Branch,” said Nathan Howe, Group VP of Emerging Technologies, Zscaler. “With the introduction of Zscaler Cellular, we have extended the power of the Zero Trust Exchange to IoT and OT devices with an easy ‘install and go’ SIM card that securely connects to any cellular network. This innovative solution provides customers with resilient connectivity, isolates each device to remove the attack surface, and ensures all inbound and outbound connections are protected through the Zero Trust Exchange.”
As enterprises rapidly deploy IoT/OT devices across diverse environments, traditional firewall and VPN-based security models fail to meet the demands of today’s mobile and distributed organizations, leaving devices exposed to cyber attacks. Legacy approaches depend on costly infrastructure that cannot scale and cellular networks by themselves aren’t designed to enforce Zero Trust principals resulting in security blind spots and expanding attack surfaces.
“Zscaler Cellular solved our long-standing challenge: how to effectively secure the IoT and mobile devices that we deploy at clients’ and customers’ properties,” said Brian Shelby, Director of IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity, Maverick Transportation. “We need to operate these tablets, time-tracking devices, and more on sites where we have no control over the networking options provided or the operating environment, and without adding software agents or using remote access VPNs.
“The solution allowed us to create device-bound authentication through Zscaler. This became our test case, and after equipping kiosks with Zscaler Cellular, our Zero Trust policies are enforced through the Zscaler Cellular Edge. The lines are gone, the employee experience is better, our business is still protected, and we don’t need a software agent or VPN on the device.”
Zscaler partners with telecommunications companies to bring advanced Zero Trust security to cellular-connected devices. By harnessing the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform with telecom infrastructure, Zscaler Cellular provides secure, scalable, and seamless connectivity for IoT and OT devices. Through solutions like Zscaler Cellular and in collaborations with providers such as NTT, enterprises gain managed security services that address the unique challenges of securing distributed, cellular-connected environments. These partnerships ensure organisations can extend Zero Trust principles across global cellular networks, reducing risks and enabling secure digital transformation at scale.
“Zscaler Cellular represents a significant advancement in IoT and mobile security,” said Zeus Kerravala, Founder and Principal Analyst, ZK Research. “By leveraging Zero Trust with cellular networks, Zscaler helps eliminate longstanding visibility and control gaps that have plagued enterprises for years. It’s the first solution I’ve seen that brings Cloud-scale security to every connected device—with the simplicity of activating a SIM.”
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