Cisco Security Cloud vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform comparison

Cisco and Zscaler are both solutions in the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) category. Cisco is ranked #33, while Zscaler is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.4. Cisco holds a 0.6% mindshare in SASE, compared to Zscaler’s 8.8% mindshare. Additionally, 98% of Zscaler users are willing to recommend the solution.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 8, 2026

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform and Cisco Security Cloud are competing in the cybersecurity space with unique capabilities. Zscaler leads in streamlined security controls and management, while Cisco stands out with extensive feature effectiveness and integration.

Features: Zscaler offers network security features like URL filtering, application segmentation, and seamless user authentication. Cisco provides advanced malware protection, security analytics, and superior integration with existing infrastructure. Zscaler focuses on zero trust architecture, while Cisco delivers a comprehensive security suite.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Zscaler's cloud-based deployment allows for quick setups and optimization. Cisco, with its extensive feature set, involves more complex configurations but offers robust customer support and detailed resources. Zscaler simplifies deployment, whereas Cisco offers comprehensive assistance during the process.

Pricing and ROI: Zscaler presents competitive pricing focused on cost efficiency and scalable returns, appealing to tight budgets. Cisco, despite a higher upfront cost, offers significant ROI through comprehensive security capabilities and integration benefits. Zscaler emphasizes affordability and quick returns; Cisco focuses on a long-term investment in security infrastructure.

To learn more, read our detailed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Report (Updated: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

June 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

iboss

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2026, in the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) category, the mindshare of iboss is 3.3%, up from 1.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco Security Cloud is 0.6%, up from 0.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform is 8.8%, down from 11.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform	8.8%
iboss	3.3%
Cisco Security Cloud	0.6%
Other	87.3%

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Featured Reviews

Ashok Ananthula

Senior Consultant Proxy Engineering at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

Cloud gateway has strengthened remote web security and now needs better Mac and ISP support

The problem our organization had is that iboss failed for the Mac devices. It is not able to give a successful agent for the Mac agents. That is where in 2025, we had to migrate to the Palo Alto-based platform. If your use case is for just Windows laptops,you can consider this platform as an option One issue is the data center resiliency part. In India especially, they are not tied up with the Tier 1 ISPs like Tata or Airtel; they were having Tier 2 ISPs and encountered many issues reaching few major sites that my organization depends on, and they were having problems that they could not fix quickly. They also lack a mechanism to route that traffic within their data center; rather, they ask customers to make a pac file change to route it to Singapore explicitly. It would be better if they route from their backend , i mean even if I send it to India DC, they should be able to route it internally to make that work; however, they fail to do that and ask the customer to route it in the pac file. Another suggestion is that in China, they do not have the proper setup; they used to have numerous problems with slowness and lack of premium circuits in China as well. That leads to multiple sites working slowly with latency-related issues. So the main issue is the ISP-related problems that need to be solved.

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AdnanKhan

Senior System Administrator at Ovrlod

Useful for data storage and API calls

Currently, the organization is not utilizing the Cisco Security Cloud for its live web applications or real-time traffic. My clients mostly use the tool for enterprise security. If you are a new user or student interested in security cloud systems, consider approaching Cisco Cloud for a free account. I rate the product a four out of ten.

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Vibin Thomas

Technical Team Lead - Content Security at Valuepoint Systems

Zero trust access has transformed remote connectivity and now simplifies secure app usage

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform, especially Zscaler Private Access, is very strong, though there are a few areas where improvements can be made. One challenge observed is around initial troubleshooting and visibility. While Zscaler Private Access provides logs, it can sometimes take time to pinpoint the exact cause of access issues, especially in complex environments with multiple policies and identity integration. Another area is the dependency on identity and connector health. Since Zscaler Private Access is heavily reliant on app connectors and identity providers, any issues with these components can impact user access, making proper monitoring critical. During the initial setup, policy configuration and application onboarding require careful planning, especially for larger environments with many applications. These challenges are manageable with proper design and monitoring. Overall, the platform delivers strong security and user experience. I would recommend a few improvements, especially around user interface, reporting, and troubleshooting experience. From a user interface perspective, while the platform is powerful, the policy configuration and navigation can feel complex, especially for new users. A more simplified and intuitive layout for policy mapping and application access would help reduce the learning curve. In terms of reporting, Zscaler Private Access provides logs, but having more built-in customizable dashboards and analytics would be very helpful. Better visibility into user access patterns, application performance, and real-time troubleshooting insights would improve operational efficiency. From a support and troubleshooting standpoint, it would be beneficial to have more granular centralized visibility, allowing for quick end-to-end tracing of a user request from authentication to application access without switching between multiple views. These improvements would make the platform even more efficient, especially for large-scale enterprise environments.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"We were impressed by the solution's mental health function, which can detect if someone needs help. It scans what users are browsing and flags warning signs so we can check to see if they are okay. We've had to use it a couple of times."

"Iboss is a solution that prevents advanced persistent threats, and has a zero tolerance for attacks."

"I would rate the technical support of iboss a solid 10 without a shadow of a doubt."

"From a corporate perspective, I understand that it's important to keep the company data safe."

"Our primary use case for this product is DLP,"

"We chose iboss for both zero trust and proxy (SWG) because their SWG was superior."

"The security aspect of the solution, particularly the malware behind it, is excellent. That's something that really helped us out. It's not just a simple proxy that just blocks the insights of potential threats that come on behind it. They do malware detection and that helps us a lot."

"The security aspect of the solution, particularly the malware behind it, is excellent."

More iboss pros

"The product offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for newcomers and experienced professionals to work on the platform. Its most valuable feature is the security layer."

"The agent's versatility is notable, used for digital experience monitoring to collect valuable endpoint metrics for troubleshooting."

"It has been helpful in maintaining our infrastructure. The granular level control it offers allows us to set application policies per application for each user."

"The initial setup is easy."

"The most valuable feature of Zscaler Private Access is we do not have to connect to a VPN, it is seamless. It is more convenient for us because we use one agent to cover the internet and VPN access."

"The ZPA is a unique feature which offers VPN along with all the additional security needed."

"We don't need to connect anymore. It is automatically connected when you log on in Windows."

"The in-line DLP feature is one of the most vital features"

"The most valuable feature is its seamless integration capabilities, streamlining the process by eliminating the need for extensive installations."

More Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform pros

Cons

"The endpoint-type solution is an area that needs some improvement."

"Sometimes when you call in support, you get someone who is just following a sheet. It feels like a runaround. You feel that you are running into that support wall."

"The reporting feature needs improvement."

"To scale up, a new iboss Node Blade Chassis must be purchased."

"File integrity monitoring would be very advantageous as an additional feature."

"The reporting feature needs improvement. It doesn't give you the expected results. It is quite difficult to get the specific reports needed, and it is not as intuitive as the rest of the platform."

"The area I would like to see improvement in is the ability with in the reporter to navigate directly to the content the user is traversing. It is kind of there, but it's not perfect. Quite frequently, I receive links that lead me to pages with error messages."

"I have heard they are doing DDoS filtering, but I am not certain if they are implementing it correctly."

More iboss cons

"Cisco Security Cloud needs to improve its pricing."

"User management can be improved."

"We'd like to have two-factor authentication that is quite simple."

"Zscaler Private Access also needs improvement in terms of its interface and security."

"The tool must provide IP-blocking features."

"We would like to extend the SASE applications for Zscaler."

"We faced certain migration and implementation challenges in executing the tasks, so I would suggest improvement related to the stability of the solution."

"The product is not reliable."

"Zscaler CASB breaks down at times."

More Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is not expensive, and it is also not cheap. iboss is priced right in the sweet spot for the number of features it offers."

"We had the cost of purchasing a new appliance along with the implementation and licensing costs. However, the following year, the cost of just licensing was similar to what was paid the previous year for a new appliance along with the implementation and licensing costs."

"It is probably in line with other solutions, but I do not deal with the financial side."

"The overall pricing for iboss is very competitive and transparent."

"We have not priced the solution recently, but they were competitive with other vendors in the past."

"It is expensive compared to one of its competitors."

Information not available

"The product is a little more expensive than other tools."

"Pricing for Zscaler Private Access is moderate. It's acceptable, though I can't give you the exact price currently. It's not too expensive, and on a scale of one to five, I would rate it a four out of five in terms of pricing."

"As per industry leads, Zscaler CASB is an expensive solution."

"Zscaler DLP solution is expensive, with a fixed pricing structure that is billed annually and monthly. There are no additional costs for licenses."

"My company is a Zscaler Private Access partner, so the customers pay for the license fees."

"Zscaler Private Access can be an expensive solution, depending on the license type you will purchase."

"There is definitely an ROI."

"It's an affordable solution"

More Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

Construction Company

No data available

Financial Services Firm

12%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

Outsourcing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	7
Midsize Enterprise	7
Large Enterprise	8

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	16
Midsize Enterprise	12
Large Enterprise	46

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with iboss?

The problem our organization had is that iboss failed for the Mac devices. It is not able to give a successful agent ...

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What is your primary use case for iboss?

We used iBoss mainly for Internet Access by having an Agent on Windows laptops Primarily because when we try to use i...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for iboss?

I am not involved in pricing, but as per the information I have, during that time, the Blue Coat proxies we were usin...

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What is the better solution - Prisma Access or Zscaler Private Access?

We looked into Prisma Access before choosing Zscaler Private Access (ZPA). Palo Alto’s Prisma Access is a secure ac...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Zscaler Cloud DLP?

It's an affordable solution. I would rate the pricing a six out of ten. Once after deployment, you start bundling up ...

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What is your primary use case for Zscaler Cloud DLP?

In Qatar industries, the legacy systems like the Bluecoat Proxy is still being used, these solutions work at a limite...

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Comparisons

Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs iboss

Compared 10% of the time

Netskope vs iboss

Compared 9% of the time

Fortinet FortiGate vs iboss

Compared 9% of the time

FortiSASE vs iboss

Compared 7% of the time

Check Point Harmony SASE (formerly Perimeter 81) vs iboss

Compared 4% of the time

More iboss Competitors

Axis Security vs Cisco Security Cloud

Compared 45% of the time

Netskope vs Cisco Security Cloud

Compared 4% of the time

More Cisco Security Cloud Competitors

Cato SASE Cloud Platform vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 5% of the time

FortiSASE vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 4% of the time

Check Point Harmony SASE (formerly Perimeter 81) vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 4% of the time

Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 4% of the time

Cloudflare One vs Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

Compared 4% of the time

More Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

iboss

June 2026

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Buyer's Guide

Managed Security Services Providers (MSSP)

June 2026

Download Cisco Security Cloud product report

Buyer's Guide

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform

May 2026

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform report

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Also Known As

iBoss Cloud Platform

No data available

Zscaler SASE, Zscaler DLP, Zscaler CASB, Zscaler CSPM, Zscaler Browser Isolation, Zscaler Posture Control

Overview

Iboss offers a comprehensive cloud-based security platform valued for its scalability and autonomous features, ensuring robust security with easy deployment and management capabilities.

Renowned for its robust security architecture, Iboss integrates seamlessly within diverse networks, delivering efficient granular filtering and advanced content categorization. Its single pane of glass console provides ease of management, allowing rapid scalability suitable for rapidly deploying environments. Operates in BYOD setups due to inline filtering without device installation. Integration with cloud-based applications enhances user control, and features like SASE, SSL inspection, and ChatGPT risk protection stand as highlights. Despite its strengths, users have pointed out areas for enhancement like direct navigation in reports, SSL decryption, and better cloud integration while having room to improve data loss prevention.

What are the most important features of Iboss?

Scalability: Supports rapid deployment across diverse networks.
SASE: A consolidated approach to secure access.
SSL Inspection: Ensures safe data transmission.
Granular Filtering: Detailed control over accessible content.
Single Pane Management: Unifies control through a centralized console.

What benefits should users consider in reviews?

Cost-effectiveness: Offers competitive pricing with robust features.
Autonomous Operation: Reduces management overhead.
Responsive Support: Provides assistance when needed.
Flexible Deployment: Available for both cloud and on-premises environments.

The usage of Iboss spans educational institutions, specifically K-12, to enforce internet policies, protect data, and support remote work environments. It provides web filtering and security frameworks to ensure safe browsing. Its platform-as-a-service model offers flexibility for both cloud-based and on-premises requirements, integrating seamlessly to deliver enhanced security features suitable for various deployment needs including zero trust, CASB, and network security for work-from-home setups.

iboss

Cisco Security Cloud offers comprehensive security solutions suited for diverse corporate requirements. With its advanced features, it is designed to address key security concerns while enhancing data protection and compliance.

Cisco Security Cloud provides a robust suite of features that protects critical assets by leveraging cutting-edge security technologies. Its integration capabilities enable organizations to unify security processes, offering scalable solutions that grow with company demands. Many users appreciate its innovative approach to security with practical use cases, highlighting the strength in defending against threats. However, users suggest improvements in analytics and reporting functions.

What are the key features?

Threat Intelligence: Real-time detection and prevention of potential threats.
Compliance Management: Assists in adhering to industry regulations.
Scalability: Expands security measures as business needs grow.
Integrated Security Architecture: Unifies diverse security applications, ensuring cohesive operations.

What benefits can users expect?

Enhanced Protection: Improved defense against cyber threats resulting in safer environments.
Regulatory Compliance: Simplifies the process of meeting compliance standards.
Cost Efficiency: Reduction in security management costs through advanced automations.
Increased Efficiency: Streamlined processes allow IT teams to focus on critical tasks.

In industries such as finance and healthcare, Cisco Security Cloud is implemented to maximize data security and compliance. These sectors depend on the platform's scalability and integrated security features to secure sensitive information and ensure adherence to compliance norms. By incorporating Cisco Security Cloud, businesses achieve a well-rounded and responsive security infrastructure that aligns with industry-specific demands.

Cisco

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange enhances security with seamless cloud-based connectivity and VPN-less operation, offering integration with multiple identity providers and advanced security features, suitable for remote work environments.

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange provides secure, adaptive connectivity without traditional VPNs, allowing organizations to replace legacy systems and bolster remote work security. The platform offers cloud-based protection, single sign-on, dynamic URL categorization, and scalable solutions. While advanced security features like DLP and threat protection enhance data protection, users may face issues with speed, connectivity, and some customization options. Integration challenges, latency due to multi-tenant hosting, reporting delays, and licensing costs require consideration. It supports secure internet access and private application security, ensuring traffic control and data compliance.

What are the key features of Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange?

VPN-less Connectivity: Enables secure remote access without traditional VPNs.
Cloud-based Security: Offers scalable protection utilizing cloud infrastructure.
Single Sign-On: Integrates with multiple identity providers for streamlined access.
Dynamic URL Categorization: Provides real-time URL filtering to enhance security.
Advanced Threat Protection: Detects and mitigates sophisticated threats effectively.
Customizable Policies: Allows tailored security protocols to fit unique requirements.
Comprehensive DLP: Protects sensitive data through robust data loss prevention.
Integration Capabilities: Connects seamlessly with cloud services and applications.

What are the benefits of using Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange?

Enhanced Security: Delivers consistent protection regardless of user location.
Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to data protection regulations.
Streamlined Access: Simplifies connectivity to private and cloud applications.
Scalability: Supports expanding organizational demands with cloud scalability.
Real-time Visibility: Provides instant insights into security incidents and network traffic.

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange is deployed across industries to secure remote access and enforce zero trust principles. Organizations in finance, healthcare, and technology sectors utilize it for secure internet access and visibility into cloud applications, enhancing performance and compliance in dynamic environments.

Zscaler

Sample Customers

More than 4,000 global enterprises trust the iboss Cloud Platform to support their modern workforces, including a large number of Fortune 50 companies.

Information Not Available

Siemens, AutoNation, GE, NOV

Buyer's Guide

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

June 2026

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