In a significant leap for securing Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) devices, Zscaler has unveiled its newest solution, Zscaler Cellular. This AI-powered addition to the company’s Zero Trust Exchange platform is engineered to provide robust security for devices using cellular connections through the novel use of a simple SIM card. This development eliminates the traditional reliance on additional software or outdated VPN infrastructure.

Facilitating seamless connectivity for distributed IoT and OT installations, Zscaler Cellular automatically links devices to available cellular networks globally, creating isolated virtual enclaves for each device. All data traffic, incoming and outgoing, is directed via Zscaler’s cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange, thus drastically diminishing potential attack surfaces and ensuring continual monitoring and enforcement of security policies across all devices.

“With Zscaler Cellular, we extend the capabilities of the Zero Trust Exchange directly to IoT and OT devices via an effortless ‘install and go’ SIM card for secure cellular network connectivity. This innovative solution offers customers robust connectivity, device isolation to minimize attack vectors, and protection of all connections with the Zero Trust Exchange,” said Nathan Howe, Group Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Zscaler.

The rapid expansion of IoT and OT devices into diverse environments has rendered traditional firewall and VPN-dependent security models inadequate for contemporary distributed enterprises, leaving such devices vulnerable to cyber threats. Conventional approaches demand expensive infrastructure that struggles with scalability, while cellular networks traditionally lack the capacity to enforce Zero Trust principles, leading to sizeable security vulnerabilities.

Zscaler Cellular surmounts these challenges by delivering secure connectivity without needing local network controls or endpoint software. Early adopters, including Maverick Transportation, have harnessed Zscaler Cellular to fortify mobile devices used in unmanaged environments. This solution effectively secures a variety of devices such as tablets and time-tracking instruments at client sites, which typically lack control over networking options or operate under restrictive environments. Without requiring software agents or remote VPNs, Zscaler Cellular facilitates device-bound authentication, enforcing Zero Trust policies seamlessly.

Collaborations between Zscaler and leading global telecommunication partners, such as NTT, aim to provide extensive Zero Trust services. These partnerships enable enterprises to implement secure, scalable connectivity for IoT and OT devices across worldwide cellular networks, fostering secure digital transformation even in the most remote or infrastructure-limited settings.

Anticipated to be globally accessible by August 2025, Zscaler Cellular is already operational for some organizations, including Sandvik and Maverick Transportation. As the solution extends its reach, additional deployments are expected to be rolled out, broadening Zscaler’s impact in worldwide device security.