Cognizant & Zscaler expand partnership for AI security

Cognizant and Zscaler have announced an expansion of their partnership to provide an AI-enabled zero trust cloud security platform aimed at transforming enterprise cybersecurity.

The enhanced collaboration between the two companies focuses on creating solutions that simplify security structures and anticipate modern threats by utilising Zscaler's platform and Cognizant's industry expertise. This partnership targets enterprises looking to modernise their security approach, responding to the demand for comprehensive, scalable, and cost-effective cybersecurity measures, the companies said.

As part of this expanded collaboration, Cognizant will also become a Zscaler customer, integrating these enhanced security capabilities to drive its own business growth and safeguard its client base. The joint plan is designed to cut down the complexity of security processes, bolster security measures, and deliver effective outcomes on a large scale.

Ravi Kumar S, Chief Executive Officer of Cognizant, commented on the development: "Increasing operational costs, skill shortages, and evolving cyber threats continue to be significant challenges for enterprises, CxOs, and corporate boards.

"Generative AI adds new dimensions to the scale and complexity of securing modern applications used by a technology-native workforce eager to unlock the value of unclassified, unvetted data," he said. 

"Together, Cognizant and Zscaler are committed to providing cutting-edge, AI-enabled and cost-effective solutions that help clients stay ahead of the threat curve," Kumar S said.

Jay Chaudhry, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Zscaler, remarked, "We are excited to not only welcome Cognizant as a new Zscaler customer but also deepen our collaboration to help enterprises accelerate their Zero Trust security initiatives.

"Legacy perimeter-based security solutions are not designed to deliver true zero trust, which can allow bad actors to infiltrate corporate networks and move laterally undetected while compromising sensitive data," Chaudhry said.

"Together, we aim to dramatically reduce business risk for our joint customers and provide comprehensive security solutions that address the needs of the highly mobile workforce and cloud-first enterprises as they continue their business transformation," he said.

The expanded partnership will support various capabilities, including Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), designed to enhance user experience and optimise security costs by enforcing security at access points. It will also feature Secure Branch solutions for compliant data management, as well as Secure Hybrid Cloud services for better visibility and threat posture management within hybrid cloud infrastructures.

This initiative comes amidst growth in the cybersecurity market, with Cognizant investing in its cybersecurity practice to help Global 2000 enterprise clients mitigate emerging threats.