Prisma Cloud vs Zscaler: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Prisma Cloud and Zscaler, two popular cloud security platforms. Both Prisma Cloud and Zscaler provide comprehensive security solutions for organizations, but they have some distinct features and functionalities.

1. Deployment and Platform Architecture: Prisma Cloud is primarily a cloud native security platform that offers security for public, private, and hybrid cloud environments. It is designed to seamlessly integrate with cloud-native tools and services such as Kubernetes, Terraform, and AWS, providing visibility and protection across the entire cloud infrastructure. On the other hand, Zscaler is a cloud-based security platform that focuses on providing secure access to the internet and cloud applications from any location or device. It operates at the edge of the network, leveraging a globally distributed network of data centers to ensure low-latency and secure connections.

2. Scope of Security: Prisma Cloud offers a broader scope of security capabilities, including cloud security posture management, workload protection, container security, and data security. It provides organizations with granular visibility and control over their cloud assets, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and mitigating security risks. Zscaler, on the other hand, primarily focuses on securing internet and cloud traffic by offering features such as secure web gateway, firewall as a service, data loss prevention, and advanced threat protection. It helps organizations protect their network from cyber threats and enforce security policies.

3. Data Protection : Prisma Cloud incorporates data security measures to protect sensitive data stored in the cloud. It provides capabilities such as data loss prevention (DLP), encryption, and access control to safeguard critical information and prevent data breaches. Zscaler also offers data loss prevention features, ensuring that sensitive data does not leave the organization's network. However, its primary focus is on securing access to cloud applications and preventing threats rather than data protection.

4. Threat Intelligence and Analytics: Prisma Cloud integrates with threat intelligence platforms and provides security analytics capabilities to identify and mitigate threats in real-time. It utilizes machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect anomalous activities and potential security incidents. Zscaler also offers threat intelligence and analytics features, but its focus is more on analyzing network traffic patterns and detecting threats at the network level rather than the application or workload level.

5. Network Performance: Zscaler's globally distributed network of data centers ensures low-latency connections and optimized network performance for users accessing the internet or cloud applications. It leverages advanced techniques such as caching, compression, and traffic optimization to minimize latency and improve user experience. Prisma Cloud, being a cloud-native platform, does not directly impact network performance as it focuses more on securing cloud resources and workloads rather than network traffic.

6. User Experience and Access Control: Zscaler provides a user-friendly interface for managing security policies and access control. It allows organizations to enforce granular access policies based on user roles, device type, and location. Prisma Cloud, on the other hand, caters more towards cloud administrators and security professionals, providing them with advanced capabilities to secure cloud resources and manage security posture.

In Summary, Prisma Cloud is a cloud-native security platform with a broad scope of security capabilities, focusing on securing cloud workloads and assets, while Zscaler is a cloud-based security platform that mainly focuses on securing internet and cloud traffic, providing secure access and threat prevention.