Zscaler announces acquisition of Airgap Networks to strengthen its Zero Trust Exchange. The goal of this acquisition is to protect east-west traffic in branches, campuses and the OT infrastructure.

Zscaler has entered into an agreement to acquire Airgap Networks. The company’s goal is to expand its zero trust exchange platform with technologies that specifically address east-west traffic within networks. The integration of both companies’ technologies is intended to improve the security of IoT and OT devices in various infrastructures.

Technology integration

Traditional networking approaches such as static access control lists (ACLs) are often inadequate to combat complex threats spreading across local networks. Airgap Networks introduces a new method that isolates each device and controls access based on identity and context. This system, which uses a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) proxy architecture, provides a differentiated approach to network security through active access control.

These technologies are primarily aimed at strengthening security on internal networks by applying the principles of Zero Trust to internal device traffic. The result is a reduced internal attack surface that helps counter threat movements within organizations.

New beginning

Airgap’s solution also aims to reduce reliance on traditional and risky security measures such as NAC and east-west traffic firewalls. End-to-end identification and control of traffic without the need for changes to existing network infrastructure could significantly improve organizations’ security posture.

The terms of this acquisition were not disclosed. The impact and further developments of this integration will potentially change the approach to security for networks supporting critical infrastructure.