Cognizant Transforms Security Infrastructure with Zscaler's Zero Trust Platform
Through a strategic partnership with Zscaler, Cognizant has transformed its security model, paving the way for enhanced AI adoption and operational efficiency by consolidating multiple security solutions into a single, unified platform.
Key Facts
- Cognizant eliminated 90% of legacy VPNs, enhancing security and reducing operational complexity.
- AI usage tripled in six months, indicating a strong shift toward digital transformation and innovation.
- Consolidation of security tools cut costs by 30%, showcasing efficiency gains and vendor management benefits.
- Zscaler's platform prevented 2.9 billion policy violations, highlighting significant risk reduction capabilities.
- Faster onboarding (from 120 to 30 days) accelerates revenue generation, improving competitive positioning.
Summary
Summary
Cognizant, a professional services organization with over 350,000 employees, faced challenges with legacy security systems that created gaps in data protection and complicated remote access. By implementing Zscaler’s unified zero trust platform, Cognizant eliminated 90% of its legacy VPNs and achieved a 30% reduction in vendor footprint, significantly enhancing security and operational efficiency.
Background
Cognizant operates in the high-tech industry, providing technology and professional services to various sectors, including healthcare, banking, retail, and manufacturing. Prior to deploying Zscaler, Cognizant relied on a fragmented mix of data loss prevention (DLP) tools and network security solutions, resulting in agent sprawl and limited visibility into user activity and data movement.
Challenge
Cognizant aimed to address security gaps caused by its legacy DLP and point solutions, which lacked enterprise-wide controls necessary to support the company's growing AI initiatives. The complexity of managing customer-specific VPN agents made remote access challenging and hindered scalability.
Solution
Cognizant consolidated its security tools into a single unified zero trust platform using Zscaler. The deployment included Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) for secure internet and SaaS access, and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) to replace legacy VPNs. This transition allowed Cognizant to reduce over-privileged app access by 60% and eliminate 90% of its legacy VPN infrastructure. Additionally, Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX) was implemented to monitor performance and enhance user experience.
Results
Cognizant achieved significant outcomes, including a 30% reduction in vendor footprint and the elimination of 2.9 billion policy violations. The company also blocked 403,843 security threats and detected 220,918 encrypted threats. The onboarding time for offshore delivery centers decreased from 120 days to 30 days, resulting in faster time-to-revenue for new client engagements.
Key Insights
Consolidating security tools into a unified platform can lead to substantial cost savings and improved visibility. Organizations should prioritize zero trust principles to enhance security while enabling innovation, especially in AI adoption.
Customer Testimonial
“The results have been significant. AI usage across Cognizant has tripled over the past six to eight months, with monthly data transfer now reaching 500 to 800 Gbps.” — Sivakumar Anantharaman, CISO for Cognizant Corporate Functions and AI.
Entities Mentioned
Companies
Products
Technologies
People
Organizations
Key Concepts
Definitions
- zero trust
- A security model that requires strict identity verification for every person and device trying to access resources on a private network.
- data loss prevention (DLP)
- A strategy and set of tools used to ensure that sensitive data is not lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users.
- GenAI
- Generative AI, a type of artificial intelligence that can generate new content or data based on existing data.
- TLS/SSL encryption
- Protocols that provide secure communication over a computer network by encrypting data in transit.
- browser isolation
- A security approach that separates web browsing activities from the local device to protect against online threats.
Use Cases
- →Consolidating multiple point products into a unified platform
- →Replacing legacy VPNs with zero trust access
- →Monitoring performance with AI-powered tools
- →Enabling secure AI adoption across the organization
- →Reducing onboarding time for offshore delivery centers
- →Improving security posture and reducing vendor footprint
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cognizant's approach to security?
Cognizant focuses on a zero trust security model that emphasizes strict identity verification and visibility into user activity. This approach helps to protect sensitive data while enabling innovation.
How has Zscaler impacted Cognizant's operations?
Zscaler has streamlined Cognizant's security infrastructure by consolidating multiple tools into a single platform, resulting in significant cost savings and improved visibility into app access.
What are the benefits of using GenAI tools at Cognizant?
GenAI tools enhance innovation and productivity by allowing employees to explore and utilize advanced AI capabilities. However, they also require robust security measures to protect sensitive data.
How does Cognizant ensure compliance with security standards?
Cognizant regularly assesses its security posture against frameworks like the NIST, which helps maintain compliance and strengthens relationships with cyber insurers.
What future plans does Cognizant have for its security strategy?
Cognizant plans to deepen its use of the Zscaler platform, focusing on extending protection to Zero Trust AI Access and enhancing security measures for emerging AI technologies.