IXT, a full MVNO specializing in secure IoT connectivity, today announced the integration of Zscaler Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) into its cellular platform, in collaboration with Shift Security. The solution enables enterprises to enforce Zero Trust security policies on IoT OT devices at the SIM level, without requiring VPN infrastructure or software agents on endpoints. Built into the IXT SecureNet platform, the integration routes all device traffic through the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform, where it is inspected and policy-enforced before reaching its destination.
IXT operates its own core network across 600+ mobile networks in 190+ countries.
Solution removes exposed ports and rejects inbound connections to reduce attack surface.
Privileged Remote Access allows contractors to access specific equipment via browser portal with time-limited, fully recorded sessions.
Supports standard protocols including SSH, VNC, and RDP.
Targets energy, utilities, water, industrial manufacturing, and transport infrastructure sectors.
EU NIS2 Directive imposes regulatory obligations and personal board accountability for non-compliance.
Most enterprises still rely on VPNs to secure remote access to operational technology. VPNs extend network access to anyone who connects. A contractor with a compromised laptop gets the same broad access as an internal system. At scale, this creates VPN sprawl, credential management overhead, and expanding exposure across distributed device fleets. With the EU NIS2 Directive now being transposed into national law across member states, organizations operating critical infrastructure face direct regulatory obligations to secure all network connectivity, including SIM-based IoT and OT devices. Under NIS2, accountability does not stop at the IT department. Board members and senior management are explicitly responsible for overseeing cybersecurity risk management and face personal accountability for non-compliance.
The IXT and Zscaler integration addresses this gap with four core capabilities: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) routing device traffic through the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform with no exposed ports or VPN tunnels; Privileged Remote Access allowing service technicians and contractors to access specific equipment through a browser-based portal using SSH, VNC, and RDP with time-limited, recorded sessions; Dynamic Firewall Inspection inspecting all traffic at the network edge with real-time policy enforcement; and Malware and Sandboxing scanning file transfers for threats and sandboxing suspicious files before delivery.
As Henning Solberg, CTO and Co-Founder of IXT, stated: "VPNs were designed to connect users on laptops to corporate networks. They were never built for thousands of headless devices in energy grids, water treatment plants and factory floors. With this integration, we bring the same Zero Trust architecture that Zscaler delivers to Fortune 500 IT environments directly to OT and IoT devices over cellular. For organisations facing NIS2 compliance obligations, this integration is designed to support key requirements with a reduced attach surface, no VPN dependencies, full traffic inspection, and audit-ready controls, all from a single SIM."
Marius Holmsen, CTO of Shift Security, added: "In most IoT environments, devices are connected, but not really controlled. This integration allows organizations to define exactly what each device is allowed to communicate with, and enforce that consistently across the network with full visibility."
Nathan Howe, SVP, Innovation at Zscaler, said: "By integrating Zscaler's Zero Trust service into the IXT SecureNet platform at the SIM level, IXT gives customers a simple way to apply Zero Trust controls to cellular-connected OT and IoT devices - without VPN complexity or exposed inbound access. Together, we're helping organisations reduce risk, enable safer third-party access, and improve compliance readiness."
Availability
IXT Zero Trust is available now for enterprise IoT and OT deployments, integrated into the IXT SecureNet platform at the SIM level.
About IXT
IXT is a full MVNO built for IoT. The company operates its own core network across 600+ mobile networks in 190+ countries, delivering cellular connectivity designed for connected devices at scale. IXT provides global SIM with multi-network redundancy, a shared Global Data Pool, IXT SecureNet private networking layer, and real-time device management through its Connectivity Management Platform (CMP). Headquartered in Norway with offices in Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany, IXT serves enterprises globally.
About Shift Security
Shift Security is a Norway-based cybersecurity and network architecture provider specializing in Zero Trust, microsegmentation, and secure connectivity for enterprise and industrial environments. The company designs and implements secure-by-design infrastructure in collaboration with leading technology partners.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.