Bharti Airtel Partners with Zscaler to Launch Airtel Secure Digital Internet: A New Era in Cybersecurity

In an age where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Bharti Airtel’s enterprise arm, Airtel Business, has taken a significant step forward by partnering with Zscaler, a leading cybersecurity solutions provider. Together, they have launched the Airtel Secure Digital Internet, a fully-managed solution designed to protect enterprises from a myriad of cyber threats through a robust zero-trust architecture (ZTA).

Understanding Zero-Trust Architecture

Zero-trust architecture is a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify." Unlike traditional security models that assume everything inside an organization’s network is safe, zero-trust requires strict verification for every user and device trying to access resources, regardless of their location. This approach is particularly crucial in today’s hybrid work environments, where employees may access corporate networks from various locations and devices.

Features of Airtel Secure Digital Internet

The Airtel Secure Digital Internet integrates Airtel’s Internet Leased Line (ILL) connectivity with Zscaler’s advanced cloud security technologies, including Security Service Edge (SSE) and Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA). This powerful combination offers enterprises a suite of advanced security features, including:

• Comprehensive Threat Protection: Safeguarding against a wide range of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
• SSL Inspection: Ensuring that encrypted traffic is scanned for potential threats without compromising user privacy.
• Cloud Firewall: Providing a robust barrier against unauthorized access and attacks targeting cloud applications.
• Secure Access to Cloud Applications: Allowing employees to access necessary applications securely, regardless of their location.

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 to deliver a robust layer of security that protects enterprises from evolving cyber threats.”

Anant Nag, Area Vice President for India & SAARC at Zscaler, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growing need for cybersecurity solutions among enterprises. He noted, “Cybersecurity is a critical business priority, and enterprises across the market are doubling down on implementing zero-trust solutions to keep their organization secured.”

The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape in India

The urgency for such solutions is underscored by alarming statistics from Zscaler’s recent study, which revealed that Indian enterprises faced over 79 million phishing attacks and more than 5 billion encrypted attacks in the past year alone. This positions India among the top three most-targeted markets globally, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Simplifying Security Management

One of the standout features of the Airtel Secure Digital Internet is its ability to reduce attack surfaces while simplifying security management. By centralizing policy enforcement, enterprises can manage security protocols more efficiently, ensuring consistent protection for users across all locations. This cloud-native security model is designed to adapt to the evolving threat landscape, providing enterprises with peace of mind as they navigate the complexities of digital transformation.

Previous Collaborations and Future Directions

This partnership with Zscaler is not Airtel Business’s first foray into cybersecurity. Recently, the company also collaborated with Fortinet to launch a fully-managed, end-to-end cybersecurity solution known as Airtel Secure Internet. These strategic partnerships underscore Airtel’s commitment to providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs of modern enterprises.

Conclusion

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the launch of Airtel Secure Digital Internet marks a pivotal moment for enterprises seeking to bolster their cybersecurity posture. By leveraging the strengths of both Airtel and Zscaler, businesses can now access a holistic solution that not only protects their networks but also simplifies security management. In a world where digital interactions are integral to business operations, ensuring robust security measures is no longer optional; it is a necessity.

For enterprises looking to safeguard their digital assets, the Airtel Secure Digital Internet represents a significant advancement in the fight against cyber threats, paving the way for a more secure future.