Zscaler has acquired SquareX, a company focused on browser-based security controls, as part of a move to deepen browser security for modern, distributed organisations.
The acquisition is intended to extend Zscaler’s Zero Trust capabilities directly into standard web browsers, addressing growing security risks linked to unmanaged and third-party devices. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Zscaler said the acquisition would allow organisations to embed lightweight browser extensions without relying on third-party enterprise browsers or heavy agents.
Zscaler has built its reputation by challenging legacy enterprise access models, particularly vulnerability-prone virtual private networks and costly virtual desktop infrastructure. The company previously introduced Zscaler Private Access™, shifting enterprises away from traditional VPNs towards a Zero Trust architecture that continuously verifies users and devices. Its platform performs device posture checks and enforces security policies for tens of millions of users globally.
SquareX develops browser-native security technology designed to protect access to software-as-a-service and private applications. Its approach focuses on securing users directly within commonly used browsers, including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, removing the need for separate enterprise browsers or full endpoint agents. This capability is aimed at supporting bring-your-own-device environments while maintaining strong data protection controls.
By combining SquareX’s browser-level controls with Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange™ platform, the group aims to secure unmanaged devices with the same policy-driven approach already applied to managed endpoints. The move reflects broader shifts in enterprise security strategies as organisations adapt to hybrid working models, increasing SaaS adoption, and the rise of AI-enabled workflows.
Zscaler said the acquisition would help organisations reduce reliance on legacy access technologies while maintaining productivity and consistent security enforcement across devices. The company positioned the deal as part of its longer-term strategy to evolve its platform in response to escalating cyber threats and more complex enterprise environments.
Zscaler CEO, chairman, and founder Jay Chaudhry said, “Enterprises have historically relied on legacy VPNs and VDIs, but these technologies are fundamentally flawed and laden with security risks,” said Jay Chaudhry, CEO, Chairman, and Founder of Zscaler. “With SquareX, Zscaler is deepening our Zero Trust ExchangeTM Platform’s capabilities in standard browsers, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, to stop threats without having to deploy a third-party enterprise browser. Zscaler continues to set the standard as we evolve into an increasingly powerful platform for global enterprise security.”
Vivek Ramachandran, founder of SquareX, added, “By integrating with Zscaler, we will enable organizations to secure SaaS and private applications across any device – managed or BYOD – without compromising productivity,” said Vivek Ramachandran, founder of SquareX. “This approach allows IT leaders to replace expensive, insecure legacy access tools with precise Zero Trust policies that protect data and AI interactions based on an organization’s specific risk profile.”
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