Why is zscaler down

Overview

Zscaler is a cloud-based security company founded in 2007 by Jay Chaudhry, providing internet security, web security, and firewall services through its global cloud platform. The company went public in March 2018 (NASDAQ: ZS) and has grown to serve over 5,600 enterprise customers worldwide, including 450 of the Forbes Global 2000. Zscaler's architecture operates through 150+ data centers globally, processing more than 150 billion transactions daily. The platform's core services include Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) for secure web gateway functions and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) for zero-trust network access. As a critical infrastructure component for many organizations, any service disruption can impact business operations significantly, making reliability a top priority. The company's growth accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as remote work increased demand for cloud security solutions.

How It Works

Zscaler operates as a cloud-native security platform that routes user internet traffic through its global network of data centers rather than traditional on-premises appliances. When users attempt to access web resources, their traffic is redirected through the nearest Zscaler point of presence (PoP) using various methods including PAC files, GRE tunnels, or IPSec VPNs. At these PoPs, Zscaler applies security policies including URL filtering, malware protection, data loss prevention, and SSL inspection in real-time. The platform uses a multi-tenant architecture where all customer traffic is processed through shared infrastructure with logical separation. Outages typically occur when software bugs, hardware failures, or network issues disrupt this processing chain. Common causes include database corruption during updates, DNS resolution problems, or connectivity issues between PoPs. The company employs automated failover mechanisms and redundant systems to minimize downtime.

Why It Matters

Zscaler outages matter significantly because the platform secures internet access for millions of users across critical industries including healthcare, finance, and government. When Zscaler goes down, organizations lose visibility and control over web traffic, potentially exposing them to security threats while disrupting business operations. The March 2023 outage, for instance, prevented users from accessing cloud applications and websites, impacting productivity and potentially causing financial losses. For companies relying on Zscaler for regulatory compliance (such as PCI DSS or HIPAA), outages can create compliance gaps. The platform's importance has grown with the shift to remote work, where it provides essential security for distributed workforces. Zscaler's reliability directly affects organizational security postures and operational continuity, making any downtime a serious concern for IT teams and business leaders alike.