The Browser is the New Endpoint: Why Zscaler + SquareX Changes the Game
The enterprise security perimeter has officially moved from the network gate to the browser tab. Zscaler’s acquisition of SquareX is not just another line item in a consolidated security stack; it is a fundamental shift in how we think about protecting unmanaged devices and AI interactions.
Strategic Logic: Native vs. Proprietary
For years, the industry attempted to solve the "unmanaged device" problem by forcing users into proprietary enterprise browsers. The friction was immense. Users want Chrome and Edge. By acquiring SquareX, Zscaler is betting on Native Browser Security. Instead of building a new car, they are installing a sophisticated safety system into the one you already drive.
Direct Insights from Leadership
Jay Chaudhry, CEO of Zscaler, emphasizes the move away from siloed tools: "With SquareX, Zscaler is deepening our Zero Trust Exchange Platform's capabilities in standard browsers, such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, to stop threats without having to deploy a third-party enterprise browser" (Chaudhry).
Vivek Ramachandran, Founder of SquareX, highlights the empowerment of IT leaders: "This approach allows IT leaders to replace expensive, insecure legacy access tools with precise Zero Trust policies that protect data and AI interactions based on an organization's specific risk profile" (Ramachandran).
Contextualizing the Browser War: CrowdStrike, Seraphic, and Zoho
This acquisition must be viewed through the lens of a rapidly fragmenting market. As previously explored in the discussion on the Browser War, we are seeing three distinct philosophies emerge:
- The Platform Play: CrowdStrike’s integration of Falcon with browser-level telemetry aims for total endpoint visibility.
- The Shield Approach: Seraphic Security provides a unique "shielding" layer that wraps around any browser, focusing on exploit prevention without changing the user experience.
- The Privacy-First Productivity Browser: Zoho’s Ulaa represents a different path—a purpose-built browser that prioritizes privacy and productivity for the Zoho ecosystem, challenging the dominance of the Big Tech browsers.
Zscaler’s move to acquire SquareX places them firmly in the "shield" and "native" camp. By choosing an extension-based model, Zscaler avoids the friction associated with Zoho Ulaa's separate browser requirement while providing more granular web-native protection than a standard EDR like CrowdStrike might offer on its own.
What This Means for the C-Suite
- For CIOs & CTOs: This solves the productivity-security paradox. You can now support BYOD and contractor workflows without the friction of a virtual desktop (VDI) or a locked-down browser environment.
- For CISOs: This provides visibility into the "DOM layer"—the actual content of the webpage—allowing you to detect malicious extensions and credential phishing that traditional EDR often misses.
Background: The Rise of SquareX
Founded in 2023 by security veteran Vivek Ramachandran, SquareX was designed to bridge the visibility gap in web security. The company was recently recognized as the "Browser Security Solution of the Year" for 2025, having raised approximately $26 million to pioneer real-time threat mitigation within the browser itself.
References
- Bellamkonda, Shashi. "The Browser War Heats Up: CrowdStrike, Seraphic, and the Zoho Ulaa Factor." Shashi.co, 2026. Link
- Chaudhry, Jay and Vivek Ramachandran. "Zscaler Acquires SquareX to Advance Zero Trust Browser Security for the AI Era." Business Insider, 2024. Link
- "SquareX wins top browser security solution award for 2025." SecurityBrief, 2025. Link
- "SquareX Company Profile." Tracxn, 2024. Link
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects my personal views only. AI tools may have been used for brevity, structure, or research support. Please independently verify any information before relying on it. This content does not represent the views of my employer, Infotech.com.
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