What do Application Profile PAC files control?

Application Profile PAC files, or Proxy Auto-Configuration files, are integral to the functioning of web traffic routing in Zscaler's architecture. Their primary role is to determine how client requests should be directed, specifically managing the flow of traffic toward or away from the Zscaler Cloud. Essentially, PAC files contain rules that specify which proxy should handle a particular request, based on factors like URL, domain, and more.

By controlling the traffic routing, PAC files influence the user's experience and the overall security posture of the organization. For example, they can direct traffic meant for safe environments to the Zscaler Cloud, where advanced security measures can be applied. Conversely, they can route traffic away from Zscaler when necessary, ensuring that specific requests are handled in a predefined manner.

Choices related to executing security policies, managing user authentication, or prioritizing bandwidth allocation do not accurately reflect the primary function of PAC files. While those elements are important in network security and traffic management, they are handled through different mechanisms and configurations within the Zscaler ecosystem, making the role of PAC files specifically focused on traffic steering.