Zscaler Private Access – Pretty solid, but not perfect
What do you like best about the product?
Honestly, the best thing about ZPA is that it just works (most of the time). No need for a clunky VPN, and the security is top-notch with the zero-trust setup. Once it’s configured properly, users can access apps directly without dealing with unnecessary network hurdles. Also, the cloud-native approach means you don’t have to mess with extra hardware, which is a huge plus. The browser-based access for unmanaged devices is a lifesaver too. Overall, it’s a great way to secure remote access without too much hassle—when it’s working right.
What do you dislike about the product?
Setting it up can be kinda painful, especially if you’re new to zero-trust concepts. The policy configurations aren’t super intuitive, and troubleshooting is not always straightforward. There’s limited visibility into the backend, which makes fixing issues a bit annoying. Also, sometimes the connection just drops for no obvious reason, and it can take a while to figure out why. Support is okay but not the fastest, so if something breaks, you might be stuck waiting. And if you’re dealing with older applications, good luck—some just don’t work well without a workaround. It’s solid once it’s up and running, but getting there takes some effort.
What problems is the product solving and how is that benefiting you?
With ZPA, I don’t have to worry about connecting to a full corporate network—it just gives access to the specific apps I need, which makes things way more secure. It also prevents lateral movement, meaning even if a device is compromised, an attacker can’t easily jump around the network.