Zscaler Targets IoT And OT With Zero Trust Cellular Launch

Zscaler has extended its Zero Trust Exchange platform to mobile-connected IoT and OT devices, offering what it claims is the first Zero Trust solution activated entirely via a SIM card.

The new service, called Zscaler Cellular, enables secure connectivity over any cellular network without relying on VPNs or software agents. Each device is placed on an isolated network segment, with all traffic routed through the company’s Zero Trust Exchange.

Nathan Howe, Group Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Zscaler, said the product expands on the company’s phased Zero Trust rollout strategy.

“Zscaler pioneered Zero Trust architecture – first with users, then with cloud and branch,” Howe said.

“With Zscaler Cellular, we’re extending this protection to IoT and OT devices using a simple ‘install and go’ SIM that connects to any mobile network. The solution isolates devices and ensures traffic is secured via the Exchange.”

Bridging Visibility And Access Gaps

Zscaler said legacy perimeter models built on firewalls and VPNs are no longer sufficient for modern IoT and OT deployments, especially when devices operate in uncontrolled or remote environments.

The company argues that standalone cellular networks do not enforce Zero Trust controls and that existing approaches often rely on costly infrastructure, limited scalability and create blind spots in policy enforcement.

Brian Shelby, Director of IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity at Maverick Transportation, said the technology had addressed longstanding challenges in the field.

“We need to operate tablets, time-tracking devices and other endpoints at sites where we don’t control the networking environment,” Shelby said.

“Zscaler Cellular enabled device-bound authentication without agents or VPNs. It improved the employee experience and removed the need for local access controls. Our Zero Trust policies are now enforced through Zscaler Cellular Edge.”

Telco Integration To Expand Reach

To support scale and manageability, Zscaler has partnered with telecommunications providers including Stacuity and BT. These partnerships allow the company to extend its platform into mobile networks and deliver managed security for cellular-connected devices.

Zscaler said the integration supports enterprises facing growing complexity in distributed environments where visibility and policy enforcement are fragmented.

“Zscaler Cellular represents a meaningful shift in how enterprises can approach IoT and mobile security,” said Zeus Kerravala, Principal Analyst at ZK Research.

“By embedding Zero Trust into mobile connectivity, Zscaler closes visibility and control gaps that have existed for years. It’s the first cloud-scale solution I’ve seen that secures connected devices with just a SIM card.”

August Launch Planned

Zscaler Cellular will become generally available worldwide from August 2025. The platform is already in production use by customers such as Sandvik and Maverick Transportation, with more expected to follow.

The company said the new product supports its broader strategy to help enterprises secure remote workers, cloud workloads, physical branches and now mobile-connected edge infrastructure.

Zscaler’s move comes amid broader demand for security tools that can support distributed device deployments without relying on traditional networking or on-device agents.

Last Updated on July 9, 2025 by Nick Ross