CUI Compliant
0 NIST 800-171 gaps detected. FedRAMP High authorized. Cloud-native zero-trust network access. Replaces traditional VPN with identity-aware access.
Zscaler Private Access
by Zscaler
FedRAMP Status
FedRAMP Authorized
Impact Level
High
Category
VPN & Network Security
Authorized: April 29, 2020
Overview
Zscaler Private Access is a FedRAMP High authorized zero-trust network access solution that replaces traditional VPN with identity-aware, application-level access. Growing rapidly in the defense sector as organizations move to zero-trust architectures per DoD ZTNA mandates.
CUI Risk Assessment
FedRAMP High authorized. Cloud-native zero-trust network access. Replaces traditional VPN with identity-aware access.
Deployment & Architecture
Deployment Model: Cloud SaaS (vendor-hosted)
Zscaler Private Access operates within a FedRAMP-authorized boundary. CUI can be processed within the authorization scope, but contractors must verify their specific use case falls within the system's security boundary as documented in the SSP.
Configuration Checklist
- 1ISSO must update the System Security Plan (SSP) to document ZPA's role in boundary protection and access control per NIST 800-171 AC-3 requirements.
- 2Network administrator should configure ZPA application segments ensuring CUI applications are isolated from non-CUI resources following least-privilege principles.
- 3ISSO must establish identity federation between ZPA and CAC/PIV authentication systems to meet DFARS 252.204-7012 multi-factor authentication requirements.
- 4Security administrator should configure comprehensive logging of all ZPA access events and integrate with existing SIEM systems per AU-2 audit requirements.
- 5ISSO must update authorization boundary diagrams to reflect ZPA's cloud-based access model and data flows involving CUI.
- 6Network administrator should implement network micro-segmentation policies ensuring CUI applications are accessible only through authenticated ZPA connections.
- 7ISSO must create POA&M entries for legacy VPN decommissioning timeline and validation of ZPA security controls.
- 8Security administrator should configure ZPA policies enforcing device trust and endpoint security requirements before granting CUI access.
- 9ISSO must coordinate with legal team to review ZPA's FedRAMP authorization documentation and ensure alignment with contract CUI requirements.
- 10System administrator should establish backup access procedures for CUI systems in case of ZPA service disruption per contingency planning requirements.
Other FedRAMP Authorized VPN & Network Security Tools
Related Compliance Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ZTNA map to NIST 800-171 remote access requirements?
ZTNA brokers access per application rather than putting a device on the network, which is the shape 3.1.1, 3.1.2 and 3.1.12 ask for. That is an architecture point, not a vendor verdict — a VPN configured to the same least-privilege standard satisfies the same requirements. The FedRAMP Marketplace record for this offering is Zscaler Private Access - Government (FR1719759604), Class D (High), certified since 2020-04-29, read 2026-07-27.
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