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Zscaler How-To Wiki

Table of Contents

Getting Started

Zscaler is our cloud security platform that protects internet traffic (ZIA) and provides secure access to internal apps (ZPA) without a traditional VPN.

What it does: - Filters and inspects web traffic for threats - Enforces company internet usage policy - Grants access to internal/private applications - Works the same whether you're in the office or remote

Installing Zscaler Client Connector

Windows

  1. Download the installer from <internal software portal link>
  2. Run ZSAInstaller.exe
  3. Enter your company email when prompted
  4. Complete SSO login via your browser
  5. Wait for the tray icon to turn green

macOS

  1. Download the .pkg file from <internal software portal link>
  2. Open and run the installer
  3. Grant system extension permissions when prompted (System Settings → Privacy & Security)
  4. Log in with company SSO
  5. Confirm the menu bar icon shows connected

Mobile (iOS/Android)

  1. Install Zscaler Client Connector from the App Store / Play Store
  2. Enter company cloud name (e.g., mycompany.zscaler.net)
  3. Log in with SSO credentials
  4. Allow VPN profile installation when prompted

Connecting / Disconnecting

  • To connect: Open the app → click Connect (usually auto-connects on startup/login)
  • To disconnect: Click the tray/menu bar icon → Disable Internet Security or Turn Off
  • Note: some environments restrict disconnecting except for a short grace period (policy-dependent)
  • To restart the service:
  • Windows: Right-click tray icon → Exit → relaunch from Start Menu
  • macOS: Quit from menu bar → relaunch from Applications

Checking Your Status

Icon Color Meaning
🟢 Green Connected, protected
🟡 Yellow Connecting / partial issue
🔴 Red Disconnected / error
⚪ Gray Service not running

To view detailed status: 1. Click the tray/menu bar icon 2. Select Advanced or App Details 3. Review connection status, policy name, and current gateway

Common Tasks

Export logs (for support tickets)

  1. Open Zscaler Client Connector
  2. Go to Advanced → Export Logs
  3. Save the .zip file
  4. Attach to your support ticket

Check which policy you're on

  1. Open the app → Advanced → App Details
  2. Look for Policy Name and Location

Force a reconnect

  1. Tray icon → Exit
  2. Relaunch the app
  3. Confirm green connected status

Report a blocked site

  1. When blocked, note the block page code/message
  2. Submit via <internal request form/portal> with the URL and business justification

Accessing Private Apps (ZPA)

  1. Ensure Client Connector shows Private Access: ON
  2. Access internal apps/sites exactly as you normally would (via browser, RDP, SSH, etc.) — no separate VPN client needed
  3. If access fails:
  4. Confirm you're connected to ZPA (not just ZIA)
  5. Try restarting Client Connector
  6. Contact IT if the app still isn't reachable

FAQ

Q: Why is my internet slow after connecting? A: Traffic is being inspected for security. If it's unusually slow, restart the client or contact IT — it may be a routing/gateway issue.

Q: Can I use Zscaler and a personal VPN at the same time? A: No — running another VPN client simultaneously often causes conflicts. Disable personal VPNs first.

Q: A site says "blocked by your organization" — what do I do? A: Note the block code shown on the page and submit a request via <internal form> for review.

Q: Do I need Zscaler when working from home? A: Yes — it should auto-connect and provide the same protections as in-office.

Q: My cert/site shows "not secure" or throws an SSL warning. A: The Zscaler root certificate may not be installed. Contact IT to push/reinstall it.

Getting Help

  • IT Help Desk: <internal contact info>
  • Self-service portal: <internal link>
  • Status page: https://trust.zscaler.com
  • Escalation: Include exported logs, screenshots, and timestamp of the issue