Zscaler > Case Studies > API Group Enhances Security and Performance with Zscaler's Cloud-Based Solution

API Group Enhances Security and Performance with Zscaler's Cloud-Based Solution

Technology Category

Cybersecurity & Privacy - Application Security
Networks & Connectivity - Gateways

Applicable Industries

Packaging
Telecommunications

Use Cases

Traffic Monitoring
Transportation Simulation

Services

System Integration

About The Customer

API Group is a globally recognized manufacturer of specialized materials for packaging. The company's foil, holographic, and laminate products are renowned for their quality and technical excellence. With business units spread across the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, USA, and Asia-Pacific, API Group has a significant international presence. The company's IT infrastructure is complex, with Internet traffic from all international offices being managed centrally from the UK and US. API Group had recently invested in a new Multi Packet Label Switching (MPLS) network, making efficient use of bandwidth a priority.

The Challenge

API Group, a leading manufacturer of specialized materials for packaging, was facing significant challenges with their legacy IT solutions. The company's IT department was backhauling Internet traffic from all international offices to two central gateways in the UK and US, where URL and anti-virus filtering was handled using a traditional on-premise Web proxy-based solution. This process was not only cumbersome but also wasted much-needed and expensive bandwidth of their newly purchased Multi Packet Label Switching (MPLS) network. Additionally, the company lacked a reporting facility, making it difficult to monitor and manage their security posture effectively.

The Solution

API Group turned to Zscaler's cloud-based solution to address their challenges. Zscaler's web security service offered advanced threat protection against a range of security threats, including malicious active code, botnets, cookie theft, and phishing attacks. It also enforced granular user-based policies for Web 2.0 applications, provided URL filtering, and allowed management of Internet bandwidth. The service also offered full visibility of their security posture through a visual dashboard and powerful, real-time consolidated logging and reporting. API Group implemented a clientless deployment by forwarding web traffic directly from their employees’ browsers using Proxy Auto-Configuration files. This approach provided instant protection for API Group’s employees connected to the Internet from home or hotels. Furthermore, the global coverage of Zscaler’s cloud ensured minimum latency and a fast Internet experience for all API’s employees by sending traffic to a local enforcement node.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Zscaler's cloud-based solution has brought about significant operational improvements for API Group. The advanced threat protection has enhanced the company's security posture, protecting against a range of advanced security threats. The clientless deployment has simplified the process of web traffic management, providing instant protection for employees regardless of their location. The ultra-low latency has improved the Internet experience for all employees, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, the visual dashboard and powerful, real-time consolidated logging and reporting have given API Group full visibility of their security posture, enabling proactive management and decision-making.

Quantitative Benefit

Significant reduction in bandwidth usage by eliminating the need for backhauling Internet traffic across their MPLS network
Instant protection for API Group’s employees connected to the Internet from home or hotels
Minimum latency and a fast Internet experience for all API’s employees due to Zscaler’s global cloud coverage