Secure Access with Cloudflare. Zero trust on one platform
Replace your VPN and web proxy with Cloudflare Zero Trust: web, cloud apps, private apps and sensitive data protected on Cloudflare's network, with FirstNet to deploy, support and optionally manage it.
Too many tools, too little visibility
Hybrid work, SaaS sprawl and AI tools have pushed users and data beyond the network perimeter. Separate web proxies, VPNs and DLP tools each need their own console and policies, leaving gaps between them. Cloudflare One brings these controls into one platform with one policy engine.
- Risky web use by office, remote and contract users
- Shadow IT and unmanaged SaaS and AI tools
- Sensitive data leaving the business
- Overloaded or complex VPN access to private apps
- Too many consoles and overlapping security contracts
What's included in secure access (SSE)
Cloudflare One combines the core Security Service Edge controls on one platform: one dashboard, one device client and one policy engine. Every service runs in every Cloudflare data centre, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, so South African users are inspected close to home.
Secure Web Gateway (Cloudflare Gateway)
DNS and web filtering for internet and SaaS traffic, in the office and on the road.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
Visibility, policy control and posture insight for cloud apps, including shadow IT and AI tool usage.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Protects sensitive data across web, SaaS and AI tools, including prompts and uploads.
Zero Trust Access (Cloudflare Access)
Per-app access to private applications through an outbound-only tunnel, replacing the traditional VPN.
Browser Isolation
Opens risky web content in an isolated session on Cloudflare, reducing risk without over-blocking users.
Digital Experience Monitoring
Shows how apps, networks and devices perform for each user, so problems are found before tickets arrive.
Users and sites. One modern network
Cloudflare secures people wherever they work. To protect whole branches as well, FirstNet pairs it with a Peplink router at each site and FirstNet broadband underneath: the modern network, supplied and managed as one service.
The details
Choose how much we run for youSome customers want the technology and run it themselves.
Choose how much we run for you
Some customers want the technology and run it themselves. Others want FirstNet to deploy it, share the day-to-day work or run it entirely. We agree the split of responsibilities upfront so ownership is clear after go-live.
Supply
FirstNet supplies Cloudflare Zero Trust licensing for the agreed use case; your team or partner runs it.
Deploy
FirstNet designs and sets up the platform, then hands it over to your team.
Co-manage
FirstNet and your team share policy tuning, alert review and reporting.
Managed service
FirstNet runs the platform on an ongoing basis within an agreed scope and reporting cadence.
Start small, then expandMost customers do not buy the whole platform on day one.
Start small, then expand
Most customers do not buy the whole platform on day one. We solve the most urgent use case first, prove the value, then expand into adjacent controls. A structured Proof of Value lets you test a real use case in your own environment before committing.
- Discovery: business driver, current tools, users, devices and identity
- Optional Proof of Value with a small test group and success criteria
- Set up admin access, identity integration, traffic steering and first policies
- Pilot with a smaller user group, then production rollout
- Handover with documented policies, reporting and support channels
- Ongoing policy tuning for DLP, SaaS findings, RBI and access rules
Secure Access & SSE (Cloudflare) questions
Straight answers from the FirstNet team.
Read every answer in the Knowledge HubIs Cloudflare Zero Trust just a web proxy replacement?
No. A secure web gateway is often the first step, but Cloudflare Zero Trust also covers app access, cloud app control, DLP and browser isolation.
Can Cloudflare Access replace our VPN?
Yes. Cloudflare Access replaces VPN access with per-app zero trust access, so users reach only the apps they are allowed to use.
How does Cloudflare Tunnel publish private apps without a VPN?
A small connector inside your network opens an outbound-only link to Cloudflare, so private apps are reachable without a VPN or open ports.
Can it control how staff use AI tools?
Yes. Cloudflare Zero Trust, delivered by FirstNet, shows which AI apps staff use and stops sensitive data being pasted or uploaded into them.
Is a managed service included by default?
No. Managed and co-managed services are optional. You can buy licensing only, deployment, co-management or a full managed service from FirstNet.
Can we test it before we commit?
Yes. FirstNet runs a structured proof of value that tests your main use case with a small user group, against success criteria agreed upfront.
Does Cloudflare Zero Trust guarantee compliance?
No solution guarantees compliance alone. Cloudflare Zero Trust strengthens control, visibility and evidence, which supports compliance goals.
What is the difference between SSE and SASE?
SSE is cloud security for users: web gateway, CASB, DLP and zero trust access. SASE adds networking, such as SD-WAN, to the same cloud model.
How does Cloudflare compare with Zscaler?
Both are strong cloud security platforms. Cloudflare suits teams that want one network for zero trust, web security and app protection.
What is remote browser isolation?
Remote browser isolation (RBI) opens risky websites in an isolated session away from the user's device, so malicious code never runs on it.
Do we have to replace all our security tools at once to move to Cloudflare?
No. Most organisations start with one urgent use case, prove it, then add the next control on the same Cloudflare platform.
How do we move from Netskope to Cloudflare?
In phases: FirstNet maps your Netskope policies, rebuilds them in Cloudflare, pilots one team, then moves everyone before your renewal date.
From the Knowledge Hub
Where security fits
- Sovereign AI AI that stays home, in every layer.
- Voice Every call, clear.
- Security Threats, contained.
- Cloud Data, protected.
- Connectivity Always connected.
Enriched by Sovereign AI: keep AI POPIA-aligned: prompts, documents and data are processed on South African infrastructure instead of foreign APIs. Explore the AI Factory