How does ZPA contribute to preventing lateral movement within a network?

Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) plays a crucial role in preventing lateral movement within a network through the practice of segmenting user network access. By assigning users access to only the applications they need based on their specific roles, ZPA creates a secure environment that limits a user's ability to navigate freely across the entire network. This precise segmentation ensures that even if a user's credentials are compromised, the potential damage is minimized as the compromised user account cannot easily traverse into unauthorized areas or systems beyond their assigned applications.

In essence, this approach reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information or critical systems within the network. By enforcing strict access controls and limiting connectivity to only necessary resources, ZPA effectively stops or at least hinders lateral movement, enabling organizations to better safeguard their assets.