In a significant move, Zscaler has integrated its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) service, Zscaler Private Access (ZPA), into RISE with SAP. This initiative aims to deliver a more secure and efficient approach to cloud migration for businesses, addressing inherent security challenges associated with traditional VPNs. According to the 2024 VPN Risk report by Zscaler, 56% of organizations experienced cyberattacks exploiting VPN security flaws in the preceding year, which underscores the necessity for enterprises to transition to more robust security solutions.
The Need for Enhanced Cloud Security
Addressing VPN Vulnerabilities
Traditional VPNs have long been the backbone of remote access solutions, but they come with significant security risks. The 2024 VPN Risk report by Zscaler highlights that over half of organizations faced cyberattacks due to VPN security flaws. These vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats, making it imperative for businesses to seek more secure alternatives. Relying on VPNs alone is increasingly proving to be an inadequate strategy, particularly in the context of sophisticated cyber-attacks that exploit these vulnerabilities.
However, replacing established VPN systems with more secure solutions can be challenging if not approached correctly. Modernizing security protocols needs to be strategic to ensure that critical operations are not disrupted. As the landscape of cyber threats evolves, there is an urgent need for solutions like Zscaler’s ZPA that offer robust security measures designed to address these evolving risks. These solutions not only enhance security but also ensure business continuity by mitigating the inherent risks associated with traditional VPNs.
Transition to Zero Trust Security
Zero Trust security principles offer a robust framework for modern cloud environments. By integrating ZPA with RISE with SAP, businesses can eliminate the need for conventional firewalls and VPNs. This transition not only mitigates security risks but also enhances cloud agility and compliance. Zscaler’s connectors provide native Zero Trust protection, ensuring secure access without relying on traditional VPN infrastructure. This switch represents a fundamental shift in how security is managed in cloud environments, prioritizing verification and control at every access point.
The Zero Trust model operates on the premise that no entity, whether inside or outside the network, is trusted by default. Instead, it emphasizes the necessity to verify every access request based on identity and context. This approach ensures that resources are protected continuously. For businesses, this means adopting a security model that aligns with the dynamic nature of cloud computing, where resources and users are constantly shifting. The layered security approach brought forth by Zero Trust principles extends beyond just safeguarding data, also aiding in the integration, deployment, and management of applications in cloud settings.
Benefits of Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)
Seamless Zero Trust Connectivity
ZPA provides seamless Zero Trust connectivity, supporting both client-based and client-less access. This capability ensures secure and direct access for employees and third parties to RISE with SAP applications and resources from any location. Such functionality is particularly vital in promoting a flexible ‘work from anywhere’ culture, which has become imperative in contemporary business environments. Employees need secure and uninterrupted access to enterprise applications, regardless of whether they are working from a central office, a branch, or remotely.
Moreover, Zero Trust connectivity also plays a crucial role in supporting collaboration with third parties such as vendors, partners, and contractors. Providing secure access to resources without the need for traditional VPNs ensures that businesses can operate smoothly and securely without compromising sensitive data. By eliminating the need for hardware dependencies and extensive configuration, ZPA simplifies secure access, thereby enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
Enhancing Cloud Agility and Compliance
The integration of ZPA within RISE with SAP enhances cloud agility while bolstering security and compliance. By eliminating the need for traditional firewalls and VPNs, businesses can modernize their security approach and streamline cloud migration processes. This integration supports secure remote access to business-critical applications, facilitating application modernization and supporting the vital ‘working from anywhere’ model. Companies can adapt swiftly to changing business environments without the constant concern of managing or updating conventional security infrastructure.
Enhanced compliance is another significant benefit of this integration. As data privacy regulations become more stringent, businesses must ensure that their security measures comply with various international standards. ZPA’s Zero Trust approach ensures that access controls are consistently enforced and audited, thereby simplifying compliance processes. This translates into not only meeting regulatory requirements but also building a secure and resilient IT framework that can sustain rapid digital transformation initiatives.
Industry Endorsements and Impact
Support from Key Industry Figures
Key industry figures have expressed strong support for this collaboration, noting its potential to transform cloud security. Punit Minocha, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Strategy at Zscaler, highlighted that customers have historically used Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange to protect a wide array of SAP workloads. By integrating ZPA with RISE with SAP, businesses can now securely migrate workloads to a managed service, ensuring a user-friendly experience by eliminating traditional firewalls and VPNs. This transition is not only about enhancing security but also about improving the overall user experience by removing the complexities associated with legacy security systems.
Roland Costea, Chief Information Security Officer at SAP Enterprise Cloud Services, emphasized that the integration of Zscaler Private Access with RISE with SAP enables streamlined Zero Trust security across SAP applications. This integration provides secure access for users and partners while supporting compliance and performance, irrespective of where the workforce, apps, or data is located. These enhancements align with the broader goal of maintaining robust security measures in dynamic, global business environments. Real-world applications and expert endorsements highlight the necessity and efficacy of transitioning to a Zero Trust model.
Real-World Applications and Testimonials
Tobias Thörmann, Network Security Architect at Volkswagen AG, stated that the Zscaler Private Access platform allows secure, remote access to SAP resources while maintaining the required flexibility and scalability. Thörmann acknowledged this integrated solution as a critical enabler for Volkswagen’s digital transformation through secure cloud services. This sentiment was echoed by Georgios Billios, Group Service Manager at Siemens AG, who regarded the ZPA integration with RISE with SAP as a significant advancement in securing and optimizing enterprise applications in the cloud. Such endorsements underline the platform’s capacity to cater to high-demand environments effectively.
Moreover, Nataliia Iskra, Head of IT Security Operations at Deutsche Börse, praised the innovative solution, highlighting its role in enhancing the security and reliability of SAP applications. By enabling secure, Zero Trust access to critical systems without relying on traditional VPNs, Zscaler supports teams working confidently, regardless of their location. This ability to securely connect and operate from anywhere significantly reduces risks and reinforces overall IT security strategies. Businesses can now innovate and scale confidently within today’s digital landscape by maintaining high security and performance standards.
Transforming Digital Transformation
Enabling Secure Digital Transformation
This partnership empowers organizations to innovate and scale confidently within today’s digital landscape by maintaining high security and performance standards. Companies can focus on leveraging new technologies, improving operational efficiency, and delivering enhanced services without compromising security. The integration of ZPA with RISE with SAP provides the foundation needed for this secure digital transformation, enabling businesses to harness the full potential of cloud technologies.
Britta Simms, Managing Director at Accenture, emphasized that using Zscaler’s ZPA solution to securely access SAP applications is a strategic move for organizations aiming to fortify enterprise security. Moving beyond traditional perimeter defenses like VPNs ensures that every access request is validated based on identity, context, and risk. This continuous authentication model is essential for protecting SAP applications in the cloud, enabling organizations to embrace digital transformation while maintaining a robust security posture. The proactive security approach ensures that businesses can prevent and efficiently respond to potential threats.
Supporting Innovation and Scalability
The Zero Trust model supports innovation by creating an environment where experimentation and growth do not compromise security. Organizations can adapt to varying demands while safeguarding sensitive data. Sachin Singh, Managing Director at Deloitte & Touche LLP, reflected on the hybrid landscape in which modern organizations operate SAP systems. Given that today’s distributed workforce requires access from various locations, this new solution from Zscaler and SAP simplifies the cloud migration of SAP applications. It provides a consistent, secure experience for users irrespective of application hosting locations.
Drawing from Deloitte’s deep technical cybersecurity knowledge, Singh acknowledged that this new solution helps clients navigate data protection compliance and optimizes user experience during migration. The enhanced security protocols and streamlined access mechanisms allow businesses to scale efficiently, accommodating an expanding global workforce within a secure digital framework. Eliminating traditional security bottlenecks frees resources and time to focus on innovative strategies and long-term growth.
Strategic Security Enhancements
Moving Beyond Traditional Perimeter Defenses
In a noteworthy development, Zscaler has incorporated its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) service, known as Zscaler Private Access (ZPA), into the RISE with SAP initiative. This strategic integration is designed to provide businesses with a more secure and effective method for cloud migration, addressing the inherent security issues of traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Traditional VPNs have long been the backbone for secure remote access, but they come with their own set of vulnerabilities.
The importance of this move is highlighted by the findings in Zscaler’s 2024 VPN Risk report. According to the report, 56% of organizations faced cyberattacks in the previous year that exploited weaknesses in their VPN security. This statistic emphasizes the urgent need for companies to adopt more advanced and reliable security solutions. Transitioning to Zscaler Private Access offers enterprises a safer alternative, ensuring that data is protected and access is secure, thus reducing the risk of cyber threats and enhancing overall corporate security.