Zscaler Private Access

Basic Information

• Model: Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)
• Release Date: ZPA was introduced around February 2020.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Zscaler Client Connector:
    • RAM: 70-150 MB (Windows/macOS), ~0.5% of total RAM (Linux). VDI systems may require up to 200 MB.
    • Processor: x86-64 architecture.
    • Storage: ~200 MB for installation (Windows/macOS), ~181 MB (Linux), ~20 MB (mobile).
  • App Connector:
    • RAM: 4 GB, 8 GB recommended for Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX) deployments or when enabling AppProtection.
    • Processor: 2 CPU cores (physical machines without hyperthreading), 4 CPU cores (virtual machines with hyperthreading), 8 CPU cores recommended for AppProtection. Minimum PassMark CPU benchmark score of 2640. Intel AES-NI instruction set must be enabled.
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Zscaler Client Connector: Windows (10, 11), macOS, Linux (various distributions including Arch, CentOS, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE), Android (9.0+), ChromeOS (139+), iOS.
  • App Connector: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, Oracle Linux, and cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure.
• Latest Stable Version: Zscaler Client Connector is continuously updated. Zscaler supports the latest version and the two previous versions. Long-Term Support (LTS) versions are also available for specific platforms, supported for up to 12 months.
• End of Support Date:
  • App Connector and Private Service Edge on EL7 (CentOS 7, RHEL 7, Oracle Linux 7): March 31, 2025. Migration to RHEL 9 or later is required.
  • Zscaler Client Connector LTS: Specific LTS versions are supported for 12 months from their nomination date.
• End of Life Date: No specific End of Life date for the ZPA service itself as it is a cloud-native, continuously evolving platform. End of support dates apply to specific components or operating system versions.
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Not explicitly defined for the service. Zscaler Client Connector features automatic updates. LTS versions receive critical bug fixes and security updates for their 12-month support period.
• License Type: Subscription-based.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-native, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Technical Requirements

• RAM:
  • Zscaler Client Connector: 70-150 MB for Windows and macOS, approximately 0.5% of RAM for Linux. VDI systems may require up to 200 MB.
  • App Connector: 4 GB, with 8 GB recommended for ZDX deployments or when AppProtection is enabled.
• Processor:
  • Zscaler Client Connector: x86-64 architecture.
  • App Connector: 2 CPU cores for physical machines (Xeon E5 class), 4 CPU cores for virtual machines (e.g., AWS t3.xlarge, m5a.xlarge; GCP n2-standard-4, n2-highcpu-4; Azure Standard_F4s_v2, Standard_D4s_v3 or later). 8 CPU cores are recommended for AppProtection. A minimum PassMark CPU benchmark score of 2640 is advised, and the Intel Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions (AES-NI) instruction set must be enabled.
• Storage:
  • Zscaler Client Connector: Approximately 200 MB for installation on Windows and macOS, 181 MB on Linux, and 20 MB on mobile devices. Additional space is used for logging.
• Display: Not a primary technical requirement for the service.
• Ports:
  • Zscaler Client Connector: Requires egress traffic to the Zscaler cloud.
  • App Connector: Requires egress traffic to port 443 for Zscaler Service Edge connections and to the specific ports of configured applications.
• Operating System:
  • Zscaler Client Connector: Windows, macOS, various Linux distributions, Android, ChromeOS, iOS.
  • App Connector: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, Oracle Linux, and cloud-specific operating systems for AWS, GCP, and Azure.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Zscaler Private Access is designed for broad compatibility. The Zscaler Client Connector has minimal resource demands, ensuring it runs efficiently on most end-user devices without significant performance impact. App Connector requirements are scalable, allowing organizations to allocate resources based on traffic volume and enabled features like AppProtection, ensuring optimal performance for application delivery. The emphasis on modern CPU features like AES-NI highlights a focus on secure and efficient encryption processing.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Zscaler Client Connector is under continuous development, with Zscaler supporting the current version and the two preceding versions.
• OS Support:
  • Zscaler Client Connector: Supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, various Linux distributions, Android, ChromeOS, and iOS.
  • App Connector: Compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, Oracle Linux, and various cloud provider environments (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• End of Support Date: Support for ZPA App Connector and Private Service Edge software running on CentOS 7.x, RHEL 7.x, and Oracle Linux 7.x will end on March 31, 2025. Customers must migrate to RHEL 9 or later. Zscaler also offers Long-Term Support (LTS) for specific Zscaler Client Connector versions, extending support for 12 months with critical bug fixes and security updates.
• Localization: Zscaler Client Connector supports multiple languages for its user interface.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable, as ZPA is a cloud service and software solution, not a hardware asset requiring specific drivers.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Zscaler Private Access demonstrates robust support and broad compatibility across a diverse ecosystem of operating systems and cloud platforms. The continuous update cycle for the Client Connector, coupled with a clear LTS policy, provides flexibility for organizations with varying update cadences. The defined end-of-support dates for App Connectors on older Linux distributions ensure that the infrastructure remains secure and performant by encouraging migration to newer, supported platforms. Overall, ZPA offers a well-supported and highly compatible solution for modern enterprise environments.

Security Status

• Security Features: ZPA implements a Zero Trust architecture, providing micro-segmentation, making applications invisible to the internet, and preventing lateral movement within the network. It includes full inline inspection of private app traffic, advanced threat protection, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP). ZPA offers OWASP Top 10 prevention, AI-powered segmentation recommendations, integrated browser isolation, and deception technology to detect compromised users.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific known vulnerabilities for the ZPA service itself were found in the provided information. Zscaler regularly releases updates for its Client Connector to address security vulnerabilities.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable to a cloud-native service.
• Certifications: While not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets, Zscaler, as a leading cloud security provider, typically adheres to industry-standard certifications such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and FedRAMP to ensure compliance and data security.
• Encryption Support: Utilizes encrypted microtunnels (often double-encrypted) and TLS for secure communication between users, Zscaler Service Edges, and App Connectors.
• Authentication Methods: Integrates with various identity providers (IdPs) and supports standard authentication protocols such as SAML, SCIM, LDAP, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• General Recommendations: Organizations should leverage ZPA's Zero Trust principles by implementing continuous authentication and authorization, defining context-aware access policies, and integrating with existing Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: Zscaler Private Access provides a robust and advanced security posture, fundamentally shifting from traditional perimeter-based security to a Zero Trust model. Its core design minimizes the attack surface by hiding applications from the public internet and preventing lateral movement. Comprehensive features like inline inspection, DLP, and AI-powered segmentation contribute to a high overall security rating, making it a strong solution for protecting private applications and data.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific standardized benchmark scores for ZPA are not publicly available, as performance is highly dependent on network conditions and application types.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: ZPA offers fast, direct access to applications via over 160 globally distributed Points of Presence (PoPs), resulting in low latency and an improved user experience compared to traditional VPNs. App Connectors can achieve throughputs of 100 to 200 Mbps when AppProtection is enabled. ZPA Private Service Edge peak sustained throughput is less than 500 Mbps.
• Power Consumption: The Zscaler Client Connector has a negligible impact on device battery life for Windows and macOS.
• Carbon Footprint: As a cloud-native service, ZPA leverages Zscaler's global infrastructure, which is designed for efficiency, contributing to a reduced overall carbon footprint compared to managing on-premises hardware.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: ZPA is frequently positioned as a superior alternative to traditional VPNs, offering enhanced security, faster access, and a better user experience by eliminating the need for traffic backhauling and reducing the attack surface.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: Zscaler Private Access delivers excellent performance by leveraging its extensive global cloud infrastructure and direct user-to-application connectivity. This architecture minimizes latency and maximizes throughput, providing a seamless and responsive experience for users. Its cloud-native design inherently offers scalability and efficiency, outperforming traditional VPN solutions in both speed and security.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for Zscaler Private Access consistently highlight its strengths in modernizing secure access.

• Strengths: Users appreciate ZPA for eliminating the complexities and limitations of traditional VPNs, providing secure and seamless remote access to internal applications. Its Zero Trust approach is seen as a significant security enhancement. Many praise its faster performance, simplified access management, and reduced infrastructure costs. The user-friendly interface and consistent user experience across various locations are also frequently mentioned. Scalability and ease of integration are noted benefits.
• Weaknesses: Some users report that initial configuration and implementation can be complex and time-consuming. For smaller businesses, the pricing might be perceived as higher compared to traditional VPN solutions. Occasional incompatibilities with specific legacy applications, such as Cisco Jabber, have been noted. One review mentioned it could be "resource hungry" requiring fast internet to function properly.
• Recommended Use Cases: ZPA is highly recommended as a VPN replacement for secure remote access, especially for hybrid workforces. It is also used for securing third-party access, providing access to OT/IT environments, and as an alternative to VDI solutions. Its micro-segmentation and workload-to-workload segmentation capabilities are valuable for securing diverse application landscapes.

Summary

Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) is a leading cloud-native, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that redefines secure access to private applications based on Zero Trust principles. Introduced around 2020, ZPA fundamentally shifts from network-centric security to a user-to-application model, making applications invisible to unauthorized users and eliminating the risk of lateral movement.

Strengths: ZPA's primary strength lies in its robust security posture, built on a Zero Trust architecture that includes micro-segmentation, full inline inspection, advanced threat protection, and Data Loss Prevention. It delivers exceptional performance and a superior user experience through its global network of Points of Presence (PoPs), ensuring low latency and fast, direct access to applications, often outperforming traditional VPNs. The solution offers broad compatibility with various operating systems for its Client Connector and App Connectors, coupled with flexible support options including Long-Term Support versions. Its scalability, ease of management, and ability to integrate with existing identity providers are also significant advantages.

Weaknesses: While powerful, ZPA can present initial configuration complexities, which may require dedicated resources or expertise during deployment. For smaller organizations, the subscription-based pricing might be a consideration when compared to the perceived lower upfront costs of traditional VPN solutions. Some users have reported minor compatibility issues with specific legacy applications.

Recommendations: Zscaler Private Access is an ideal solution for enterprises seeking to modernize their remote access infrastructure, enhance their overall security posture, and improve the user experience for a hybrid workforce. It is particularly well-suited for organizations looking to implement a comprehensive Zero Trust strategy, secure access to applications hosted across various environments (on-premises, public cloud), and reduce their attack surface. Its capabilities make it a strong replacement for legacy VPNs and a viable alternative to VDI for secure application access.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.