Enhancing Law Enforcement Connectivity and Security with Zscaler Private Access

For law enforcement, seamless and secure connectivity is non-negotiable. For more than two decades, NetMotion Wireless has been a cornerstone technology, providing always-on VPN connectivity to patrol cars and other mobile units. However, as cybersecurity threats have  evolved and security requirements are increased to address this, there is an emerging need for a modern approach to providing secure connectivity for criminal justice. Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) offers a modern approach that not only matches NetMotion's reliable connectivity but also offers enhanced security features aligned with zero trust principles.

The Legacy of NetMotion Wireless

I first started working with NetMotion Wireless  in the early 2000s when law enforcement nationally was working with partners to enable ubiquitous access to CJIS data using cellular connectivity.  At that time, cellular providers were in the early phases of building out statewide connectivity and coverage could be intermittent.   Netmotion became a lifeline for law enforcement agencies. Its always-on VPN capability ensured that officers could maintain a seamless connection to their systems, even when driving through areas with inconsistent cellular coverage. This persistent connection was critical for accessing real-time information, such as running license plates, without the need for manual reconnections—a common issue with traditional VPNs of that era. NetMotion ensured that officers could access the vital intelligence needed to safely patrol our nation’s highways and protect residents.

Ahead of its time with it’s always-on connectivity approach, NetMotion has served law enforcement for decades.  However, the direct network access approach to VPNs that NetMotion enabled lacks the security benefits that Zero Trust brings to law enforcement agencies.  Because NetMotion connects users to networks instead of to applications, the connectivity it provides can be leveraged by attackers to move laterally between devices and deeper into the organizations internal network. 

Additionally, like other traditional VPN solutions NetMotion VPN servers must be exposed to the internet and can be attacked by malicious actors.  Maintaining a Netmotion environment requires maintenance of servers and client software versions. While Netmotion was acquired by Absolute Networks in 2021, many criminal justice agencies are operating on Netmotion branded systems which may not have updated security patches.

The Evolution to Zscaler Private Access

Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) offers the always-on VPN connectivity model that Law Enforcement has come to rely-on  from NetMotion, offering similar always-on connectivity while embedding advanced security features. ZPA’s architecture ensures that sessions remain intact, even when officers move through areas with varying connectivity. This seamless reconnection ability is vital for maintaining operational efficiency and security.

Zscaler ZPA's is built to provide Zero Trust connectivity. It integrates with modern identity providers like Microsoft Entra and Okta. This integration allows for seamless re-authentication and introduction of multi factor authentication (MFA), ensuring that officers can access their systems securely without disruptive untimely logins. This is particularly important as law enforcement agencies strive to comply with the FBI's Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) security policy, which mandates advanced authentication measures starting October 2024.

Ensuring Compliance and Security

The CJIS security policy's mandate for advanced authentication requires agencies still relying on traditional VPNs to modernize their remote connectivity approach.  Rather than implementing proprietary MFA approaches, ZPA leverages the MFA capabilities of our customer’s identify provider, aligning with modern authentication standards and ensuring compliance with minimal friction. 

ZPA’s zero trust architecture also reduces security risks by eliminating the need to bring devices directly onto law enforcement networks. Instead, it facilitates secure, inside-out connections through the Zero Trust Exchange, significantly enhancing the security posture of mobile data terminals.

A Smooth Transition Path

Transitioning from NetMotion to ZPA can be managed smoothly, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. Agencies can deploy ZPA alongside NetMotion, allowing for controlled testing and gradual migration. This approach ensures that officers can become familiar with ZPA without a steep learning curve, leveraging the similar administrative interfaces and always-on capabilities.

During my tenure in Illinois, the state successfully migrated 12,000 users from NetMotion to ZPA in less than a month. This rapid transition was facilitated by deploying ZPA with their existing Zscaler Client Connector, ensuring that users could seamlessly switch between the two systems during the testing phase. 

Conclusion

As law enforcement agencies navigate the evolving CJIS requirements and adapt to face the new increasingly hostile cybersecurity landscape, Zscaler Private Access can ensure that officer’s can continue to rely upon smooth access to the criminal justice data needed to keep officers and residents safe. It not only replicates the seamless, always-on connectivity of NetMotion but also introduces advanced security features aligned with zero trust principles. By ensuring compliance with CJIS requirements and offering a smooth transition path, ZPA empowers law enforcement agencies to modernize their operations while maintaining the highest standards of security and efficiency.

For agencies looking to enhance their connectivity solutions, ZPA offers a compelling, future-proof alternative to traditional VPNs, ensuring that law enforcement officers can perform their duties securely and without interruption, regardless of where their mission takes them. 

Download this solution brief: Zscaler for Public Safety and Law Enforcement.