Ask FirstNet about Security
Secure Access. One Platform
Protect web use, cloud apps, private apps and sensitive data from one Netskope console, with FirstNet to deploy, support and optionally manage it.
The challenge
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. Netskope 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
Quick answers
Is Netskope just a web proxy replacement?
No. A secure web gateway is often the entry point, but Netskope also covers CASB, DLP, Private Access, remote browser isolation, analytics and wider SSE and SASE capabilities on the same platform.
Can Netskope replace our VPN?
Yes. Netskope Private Access replaces traditional VPN access with app-level zero trust access, so users reach only the applications they are allowed to use.
Can it control how staff use AI tools?
Yes. Netskope can identify and control AI app usage and help prevent sensitive data being exposed through AI interactions, such as prompts containing confidential information.
Is a managed service included by default?
No. Managed and co-managed services are optional and scoped clearly. You can buy licensing only, deployment support, co-management or a full managed service from FirstNet.
Platform
What's included
The Netskope One platform combines the core Security Service Edge controls under a shared architecture: one console, one client and one policy engine. Traffic runs over NewEdge, Netskope's private cloud backbone, for consistent performance and user experience.
Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
Secures internet and SaaS traffic inline. A strong starting point for proxy refresh and hybrid-work security.
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, endpoint, email and AI channels, including prompts sent to AI tools.
Private Access (ZTNA)
Zero trust, app-level access to private applications, replacing traditional VPN with least-privilege access.
Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)
Opens risky web content in an isolated session, reducing risk without over-blocking users.
Advanced Analytics
Dashboards, KPI reporting and board-ready visuals that turn platform data into security insight.
Service options
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 Netskope 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.
How we deliver
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
Can we test it before we commit?
Yes. A Proof of Value tests your main use case with a small group in your own environment, against success criteria agreed upfront, so you can build an internal business case.
Does Netskope guarantee compliance?
No solution guarantees compliance on its own. Netskope strengthens control, visibility and reporting, which supports your compliance goals, but outcomes depend on your setup, governance and operation.
What is the difference between SSE and SASE?
Security Service Edge (SSE) is a group of cloud-delivered security services that protect users and their access, such as a secure web gateway, cloud access security broker, data loss prevention and zero trust network access. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines those security services with networking, such as SD-WAN, in one cloud model. Netskope delivers SSE capabilities on one platform, and many organisations start with SSE and add networking as their needs grow.
How does Netskope compare with Zscaler?
Both are strong cloud security platforms. Netskope is usually the better fit when your priorities are SaaS visibility, data protection, control over AI tool use, and a single platform with one policy model and one console. Zscaler is well known for zero trust access and web security at large scale. The right choice depends on your main use case, users and existing tools, so FirstNet recommends comparing them against your own requirements rather than on general claims.
What is remote browser isolation?
Remote browser isolation (RBI) opens risky or uncategorised websites in an isolated session away from the user's device, so potentially malicious code never runs on the endpoint. Users can still view the content, which means security teams can reduce risk without blocking large categories of websites outright. In Netskope, RBI is part of the same platform as the secure web gateway, CASB and DLP, and its triggers are tuned after go-live.
Do we have to replace all our security tools at once to move to Netskope?
No. Most organisations start with one urgent use case, such as replacing a web proxy, controlling SaaS and AI tool use, protecting sensitive data or replacing a VPN. Once that use case has proved its value, they expand into adjacent controls on the same platform. Rollouts usually begin with a pilot for a smaller group of users before production, so policies and traffic steering can be tested without disrupting the business.
From the Knowledge Hub
In-depth answers about Secure Access & SSE
- Do we have to replace all our security tools at once to move to Netskope?
- What is remote browser isolation (RBI), and how does Netskope use it?
- How does Netskope compare with Zscaler for secure access and data protection?
- What is the difference between SSE and SASE, and where does Netskope fit?
- Does Netskope guarantee compliance with POPIA or other regulations?
- Can we trial Netskope SSE with FirstNet before we commit?
Your place in the stack
Security is layer 3 of 5.
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 →
Bring us a problem.
We’ll show you the stack that solves it.
Ask FirstNet for an instant answer, or leave your details in the chat and the right specialist will contact you.