Airtel Business Partners with Zscaler to Launch ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’: A New Era in Cybersecurity

In an age where digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses across the globe. Recognizing this urgent need, Airtel Business, the B2B arm of Bharti Airtel, has joined forces with Zscaler, a global leader in cloud security, to unveil ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’. This innovative solution marks India’s first fully-managed Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) designed to safeguard enterprises against a myriad of cyber threats.

Understanding the Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity

India is witnessing a technological renaissance, with enterprises of all sizes embracing digital solutions to enhance their operations. However, this rapid digitalization has also attracted the attention of cybercriminals. According to Zscaler ThreatLabz, Indian enterprises faced over 79 million phishing attacks and more than 5 billion encrypted attacks in the past year, positioning India among the top three most-targeted markets globally. As businesses navigate this complex landscape, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical.

The Essence of ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’

The ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ solution integrates Airtel’s Internet Leased Line (ILL) connectivity with Zscaler’s cutting-edge cloud security technology and Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities. This comprehensive solution offers advanced security features, including:

• Comprehensive Threat Protection: Safeguarding enterprises from various cyber threats.
• SSL Inspection: Ensuring secure data transmission by inspecting encrypted traffic.
• Cloud Firewall: Protecting cloud applications from unauthorized access.
• Secure Access to Cloud Applications: Facilitating safe connectivity to essential business tools.

At its core, the solution operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” ensuring that every user, device, and network interaction is rigorously authenticated and authorized. This approach not only fortifies enterprise networks but also simplifies security management by centralizing policy enforcement.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Sharat Sinha, CEO of Airtel Business, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with Zscaler to launch ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ – a holistic solution for safeguarding enterprise networks. The cutting-edge solution will ensure that every internet interaction is rigorously verified, authenticated, and authorized, delivering a robust layer of security against evolving cyber threats.”

Anant Nag, Area Vice President of Zscaler for India & SAARC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing demand for zero trust solutions. “Cybersecurity is a critical business priority, and enterprises are increasingly doubling down on implementing zero trust solutions to secure their organizations. This joint solution addresses market needs and supports customers in their cloud security transformation journeys,” he stated.

Simplifying Security Management

One of the standout features of ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ is its ability to reduce attack surfaces while simplifying security management. The cloud-native architecture ensures consistent protection for users across all locations, eliminating the need for costly hardware and enhancing operational efficiency. This scalability not only reduces the total cost of ownership but also allows enterprises to focus on their core business activities without the constant worry of cyber threats.

Optimizing Network Performance

To further enhance network performance and minimize latency, Airtel has strategically upgraded its Internet Points of Presence (PoPs) by integrating Zscaler’s advanced security stack. As a distinguished Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) partner of Zscaler, Airtel is well-equipped to deliver comprehensive managed services that encompass the entire security lifecycle—from initial deployment to ongoing premium-grade support.

Enterprises can leverage Airtel’s extensive pan-India Internet Leased Line (ILL) connectivity to achieve secure and consistent connectivity across all their office locations. Additionally, businesses have the flexibility to procure Zscaler SSE as a standalone solution, bundled with Airtel’s managed services, tailored to meet their unique requirements.

Conclusion

The launch of ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ represents a significant step forward in the realm of enterprise cybersecurity in India. By combining Airtel’s robust connectivity with Zscaler’s advanced security technologies, this solution empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of the digital world with confidence. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the partnership between Airtel Business and Zscaler stands as a beacon of hope for enterprises seeking to fortify their defenses and ensure a secure digital future.