Security
Reader small image

You're reading from  Zscaler Cloud Security Essentials

Product typeBook
Published inJun 2021
PublisherPackt
ISBN-139781800567986
Edition1st Edition
Concepts
Cloud Security
Right arrow
Author (1)
Ravi Devarasetty
Ravi Devarasetty
author image
Ravi Devarasetty

Ravi Devarasetty is originally from India and came to the United States for his higher education. He started his IT career in embedded software development, moved into 24x7 network operations, later transitioned into secure web gateways, and now works in public cloud security. He likes constant learning, both through self-study and via mentoring relationships. He likes to tinker with technology and loves it when he is able to put the things he has learned toward creating a unique solution. He has experience working as a Zscaler solution deployment engineer as part of a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) and as a Zscaler consultant. He holds multiple Zscaler certifications, and is also certified in CISSP, CCSK, AlienVault, AWS, and Microsoft Azure.
Read more about Ravi Devarasetty

Right arrow

Chapter 9: Using ZPA to Provide Secure Application Access

In this chapter, we will continue our journey into the ZPA Admin Portal configuration. Specifically, we will learn about the best practices when it comes to deployments within an enterprise, and the steps involved in deploying the App Connectors in both on-premises environments and cloud accounts.

These topics will further solidify the understanding you'll need to deploy a ZPA solution within an enterprise as an administrator. In this chapter, we are going to cover the following topics:

  • Deploying App Connectors
  • Configuring ZPA applications
  • Exploring the best practices for enterprise deployments

Deploying App Connectors

Now that we've reviewed how to install and configure the ZCC app for the originating enterprise end users, let's learn how to deploy the App Connectors for the enterprise's private applications.

Connector requirements

App Connectors are the only elements of ZPA that connect to the enterprise's internal network, near the private applications that need sharing. A connector is a lightweight Linux-based implementation that boots up extremely quickly and provides access to applications. Connectors only establish outbound connections to the ZPA infrastructure using a provisioning key.

Upon bootup, the connector is configured to contact the nearest healthy ZPA PSE. A control channel is then established that enables us to register and configure the connector. This also allows the connector to inform the ZPA Central Authority (CA) of the applications that have been discovered. Although not a requirement, it is recommended to deploy connectors...

Configuring ZPA applications

An application is defined as a combination of a port, along with a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), IP address, or a local domain hostname.

The next step after deploying the App Connectors is to configure the private applications themselves. After authenticating into the ZPA Admin Portal, the enterprise administrator needs to navigate to Administration -> Application Management -> Application Segments. This page displays a list of the existing application segments.

DNS search domains

If the enterprise wants end users to be able to access the private applications using a short name rather than the FQDN, the administrator needs to add the relevant domains that can be used to form an FQDN. For this, the administrator needs to select the DNS Search Domains icon from the top right-hand corner of the Application Segments page.

In the pop - up window, enter the domain name and then click on the Add More link to add more domains on a new line...

Exploring the best practices for enterprise deployments

The best practices for an enterprise ZPA deployment can be divided per component. Let's start with the connectors.

App Connectors

When configuring your App Connectors as part of an enterprise deployment, you should install the App Connectors on an internal network segment, adjacent to the private applications. It is recommended that the network segment be configured with a default route to the internet.

The connector should also have access to an internal DNS server that can resolve both the application hosts and the hosts on the internet. Full application port and protocol access, including internet control message protocol (ICMP) access, should be granted to the connectors. If possible, avoid an explicit proxy on the path between the connector and the ZPA cloud. ICMP access is required for User Data Protocol (UDP) applications, which allows the round-trip time (RTT) calculations to the application host. This is...

Summary

In this chapter, we continued our journey toward configuring the various components of a ZPA solution for an enterprise. We learned the steps involved in provisioning App Connectors and the applications themselves. We also explored the best practices that an administrator should know about before attempting to deploy a ZPA solution within their enterprise.

In the next chapter, we will explore the migration process to ZPA and how to troubleshoot the most common ZPA end user issues.

Questions

As we conclude, here is a list of questions for you to test your knowledge regarding this chapter's material. You will find the answers in the Assessments section of the Appendix:

  1. Every new ZPA account comes with which of the following default certificates?

    a. Root

    b. Connector

    c. Client

    d. All the above

  2. SSL interception can be performed on the path between which of the following?

    a. The ZCC app and the ZPA cloud

    b. App Connectors and the ZPA cloud

    c. None of the above

    d. All the above

  3. Applications such as active FTP and VoIP work great on ZPA.

    a. True

    b. False

Further reading

lock icon
The rest of the chapter is locked
Previous Chapter
Chapter 12 of 15
Next Chapter
You have been reading a chapter from
Zscaler Cloud Security Essentials
Published in: Jun 2021Publisher: PacktISBN-13: 9781800567986
© 2021 Packt Publishing Limited All Rights Reserved
Register for a free Packt account to unlock a world of extra content!
A free Packt account unlocks extra newsletters, articles, discounted offers, and much more. Start advancing your knowledge today.
Sign up now
undefined
Unlock this book and the full library FREE for 7 days
Get unlimited access to 7000+ expert-authored eBooks and videos courses covering every tech area you can think of
Start free trial
Renews at $15.99/month. Cancel anytime

Author (1)

author image
Ravi Devarasetty

Ravi Devarasetty is originally from India and came to the United States for his higher education. He started his IT career in embedded software development, moved into 24x7 network operations, later transitioned into secure web gateways, and now works in public cloud security. He likes constant learning, both through self-study and via mentoring relationships. He likes to tinker with technology and loves it when he is able to put the things he has learned toward creating a unique solution. He has experience working as a Zscaler solution deployment engineer as part of a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) and as a Zscaler consultant. He holds multiple Zscaler certifications, and is also certified in CISSP, CCSK, AlienVault, AWS, and Microsoft Azure.
Read more about Ravi Devarasetty

Other recommended products

Related to this chapter

Securing Remote Access in Palo Alto Networks

Securing Remote Access in Palo Alto Networks

This book focuses largely on different methodologies for connecting remote users, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks as well as step-by-step instructions. You’ll understand phishing prevention and log forwarding, and find a comprehensive section on troubleshooting common issues with the help of examples.

BookJul 2021336 pages
Mastering Palo Alto Networks

Mastering Palo Alto Networks

This guide helps you quickly set up the Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall, configure the technology, and perform troubleshooting. Each chapter builds on what you learn, with tips and tricks to make your job easier. Expand your skill and knowledge with this learning guide and reference tool, and deliver critical security to your business.

BookSep 2020514 pages
Network Security with pfSense

Network Security with pfSense

pfSense is the world's most trusted open source network security solution. In this book, you’ll learn about pfSense, all of its key features, how you can install and deploy it, as well as the different tasks you can perform.

BookJul 2018152 pages
Okta Administration: Up and Running

Okta Administration: Up and Running

Okta is one of the leading IAM platforms that consolidate identities for company tools. Okta Administration: Up and Running is a comprehensive introduction for those who are new to Okta’s products and will help you to understand and implement Okta’s features for enhanced security in your applications.

BookDec 2020268 pages
Practical Network Scanning

Practical Network Scanning

Network administrators use network scanning tools to build a network inventory and to perform security audits by examining active hosts on a network with the help of IP address ranges. The same principles can also be used in cyber attacks to find weaknesses in a system. This book will help you not only find flaws but also strengthen the security of your organization.

BookMay 2018326 pages

Personalised recommendations for you

Based on your interests and search pattern

Attacking and Exploiting Modern Web Applications

Attacking and Exploiting Modern Web Applications

Attacking and Exploiting Modern Web Attacks will help you understand how to identify attack surfaces and detect vulnerabilities. This book takes a hands-on approach to implementation and associated methodologies and equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively combat web attacks.

BookAug 2023338 pages
Automotive Cybersecurity Engineering Handbook

Automotive Cybersecurity Engineering Handbook

This Automotive Cybersecurity Engineering Handbook untangles the complexities of building secure automotive products and helps you to comply with cybersecurity standards. It provides practical tools, tips, and techniques coupled with real-world examples to enable you to create cyber-resilient automotive products with ease.

BookOct 2023392 pages
Official Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Security Engineer Exam Guide

Official Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Security Engineer Exam Guide

This book will help you to design, develop, and operate security controls on Google Cloud as well as discover best practices for relevant security domains, including identity and access management, network, and data.

BookAug 2023496 pages
Cloud Penetration Testing for Red Teamers

Cloud Penetration Testing for Red Teamers

The advent of cloud networks and the AWS, Azure, and GCP platforms has revolutionized how companies of all sizes in all industries do business online. This book will help you meet the emerging demand for pentesting as it guides you through the tools, techniques, and security measures used by pentesters and red teamers in the 2020s and beyond.

BookNov 2023298 pages
ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC®) Exam Guide

ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC®) Exam Guide

ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC®) Certification Guide is an enterprise IT risk management professional’s dream. With its in-depth approach and various self-assessment exercises, this book arms you with knowledge of every single aspect of the certification, and is a fantastic career companion after you’re certified.

BookSep 2023316 pages5
Burp Suite Cookbook

Burp Suite Cookbook

Burp Suite is an immensely powerful and popular tool for web application security testing. This book provides a collection of recipes that address vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs. It offers guidance on how to configure Burp Suite, make the most of its tools, and explore into its extensions.

BookOct 2023450 pages
Building and Automating Penetration Testing Labs in the Cloud

Building and Automating Penetration Testing Labs in the Cloud

This hands-on guide will help you design and build a variety of penetration testing labs that mimic modern cloud environments running on AWS, Azure, and GCP. In addition to these, you will explore a number of practical strategies on how to manage the complexity, cost, and security risks involved when setting up vulnerable cloud lab environments.

BookOct 2023562 pages
Ethical Hacking Workshop

Ethical Hacking Workshop

As cyber-attacks grow and APT groups advance their skillset, you need to be able to protect your enterprise against cyber-attacks. In order to limit your attack surface, you need to ensure that you leverage the same skills and tools that an adversary may use to hack your environment and discover the security gaps. This book will teach you how to think like a hacker, use state-of-the-art hacking tools, and protect yourself and your organizaiton.

BookOct 2023220 pages
Windows Forensics Analyst Field Guide

Windows Forensics Analyst Field Guide

This book contains step-by-step processes to guide you in any investigation related to Windows OS. You’ll find out how to acquire evidence using multiple tools as well as examine and analyze the collected artifacts, while discovering multiple techniques used in real-world forensic incidents.

BookOct 2023318 pages
Implementing DevSecOps Practices

Implementing DevSecOps Practices

This book is a comprehensive, hands-on guide for individuals new to DevSecOps who want to implement DevSecOps practices successfully and efficiently. With its help, you’ll be able to shift security toward the left, enabling you to merge security into coding in no time.

BookDec 2023258 pages