Wedoany.com Report on Feb 6th, cloud security company Zscaler announced the completion of its acquisition of cybersecurity firm SquareX, aiming to enhance the application of zero trust architecture in browser environments by integrating its browser-native security technology. This move primarily addresses the growing security needs of enterprises for SaaS applications, AI tools, and Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) work scenarios. It embeds zero trust controls directly into standard browsers, eliminating the need to deploy full proxies or dedicated enterprise browsers.
Zscaler is known for helping enterprises transition from Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), with its core product, Zscaler Private Access, playing a key role in this process. Through the acquisition of SquareX, the company can now deploy lightweight browser extensions on common browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge to enforce security policies on unmanaged endpoint devices. This approach helps reduce reliance on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) while maintaining monitoring and management of user activities.
SquareX's technology enables enterprises to protect SaaS and private applications on various devices, including third-party systems and personal devices, and implement granular policies based on user risk levels and data sensitivity. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
"Enterprises have historically relied on traditional VPNs and VDI, but these technologies are fundamentally flawed and fraught with security risks," said Jay Chaudhry, CEO, Chairman, and Founder of Zscaler. "With SquareX, Zscaler is deepening the capabilities of our Zero Trust Exchange platform within standard browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge to block threats without needing to deploy third-party enterprise browsers."
As enterprises adopt AI-driven workflows and extend SaaS applications beyond managed endpoints, browser-based security has become an industry focus. Zscaler's acquisition aligns with the trend towards in-browser controls, as industry competitors are increasingly turning to browser isolation, extensions, and inline detection as alternatives to heavy VDI architectures.
Zscaler is a Nasdaq-listed cloud security company headquartered in San Jose, California, focused on protecting users, devices, and applications through a zero trust architecture. Founded in 2007 by serial entrepreneur Jay Chaudhry, its mission is to replace traditional perimeter security with a cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange platform to enable secure digital transformation. This platform enforces policies between users and applications without exposing the network to the internet.
SquareX is a Singapore-based cybersecurity company specializing in developing browser-native security technology. It aims to protect web access on unmanaged and third-party devices without the need for dedicated enterprise browsers or full endpoint agents. The company has built a lightweight, policy-driven browser extension platform that can enforce zero trust controls directly within any standard browser to combat risks like phishing, session hijacking, malicious extensions, and data exfiltration.
