April 11, 2024 at 12:42PM
Zscaler announced the planned acquisition of Airgap Networks, a startup focusing on network segmentation and secure access technologies. Financial details were not disclosed. Zscaler intends to combine Airgap’s technology with its Zero Trust SD-WAN suite to protect east-west traffic in various environments without the need for additional hardware or disruption. This move aligns with Zscaler’s active M&A strategy, which includes previous acquisitions of Avalor, Edgewise Networks, and Cloudneeti.
From the meeting notes, it is clear that Zscaler has announced its plan to acquire Airgap Networks, a Silicon Valley-based startup that specializes in network segmentation and secure access technologies. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Airgap Networks raised a total of $18.6 million in early-stage funding and is known for its zero-trust principles and identity-based secure access technologies.
Zscaler intends to integrate Airgap’s technology with its Zero Trust SD-WAN suite to enhance protection for east-west traffic in branch offices, campuses, factories, and plants with critical IT infrastructure. Zscaler was particularly impressed by Airgap’s agentless, identity-based approach to network segmentation, which allows for dynamic access control through continuous assessment of identity and context.
The acquisition is expected to eliminate the need for east-west firewalls, NACs, and microsegmentation, delivering greater operational simplicity. Additionally, Zscaler has been active in recent years in acquiring startups such as Avalor, Edgewise Networks, and Cloudneeti.
Overall, the acquisition of Airgap Networks aligns with Zscaler’s strategy to strengthen its cybersecurity offerings and expand its presence in the market through strategic acquisitions.