Skyhigh Private Access

Overview

Skyhigh Private Access is a zero-trust network access service for organizations moving away from remote-access VPNs. It is best suited to teams that want private-app access alongside data and threat controls across web and SaaS. Its broad security scope is a strength, but custom pricing, a connector-based deployment and the lack of a Linux client narrow its fit.

Instead of granting broad network access, it denies access by default and makes explicit access decisions using identity, device and user context. A unified console applies policies across web, SaaS and private applications, a useful approach for organizations bringing several security controls under one administration model.

Key features

Integrated data-loss prevention scans sensitive uploads and downloads; Skyhigh also describes antimalware inspection and integration with Remote Browser Isolation. The wider capability set includes secure web gateway, cloud access security, web filtering, SSL inspection, compliance monitoring, sensitive-data discovery, data classification, exposure and permission analysis, and remediation workflows. That breadth will matter most to teams seeking controls beyond private-app connectivity; buyers focused only on remote access may find the scope more than they need.

For private applications, an organization deploys a connector virtual machine in the same data-center, private-cloud or public-cloud environment as the application. The connector establishes a secure outbound connection to the Private Access Gateway. This model avoids requiring an inbound connection from the application environment, but it does mean deployment includes infrastructure alongside the service.

Network Level Access covers IP ranges, wildcard domains and subnets, and UDP support extends access to real-time communications, IoT connectivity and multimedia streaming. Skyhigh guarantees 99.999% uptime and says cloud capacity can scale globally. SAML is mandatory for private-app access, though users do not need to authenticate again for 12 hours after doing so. The requirement may suit organizations already using SAML, but it is a constraint for teams that cannot make that authentication model work.

Clientless Access brokers HTTPS, RDP and SSH through a browser without Client Proxy, making private apps reachable from personal devices and for partners or contractors. For client-based access, Skyhigh Client Proxy runs on Windows and macOS, not Linux. Android and iOS support, including tablets and phones, helps cover mobile users, but Linux-dependent teams should weigh the client limitation carefully.

Pricing

Skyhigh Private Access is paid software with custom pricing. There is no published price or free plan to compare, so organizations should request a quote and assess the cost against their user count and need for the broader security controls.

The single named plan, Skyhigh Private Access, has custom pricing. Its capability set includes private-app access, DLP, secure web gateway, cloud access security, remote browser isolation and the associated web, data and compliance controls. This breadth may suit organizations consolidating those needs, while a buyer seeking only private access should establish whether the full scope is worth the quoted cost.

Platforms

Supported platforms are Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and browser-based access. Browser access supports private applications without Client Proxy; the installed client is limited to Windows and macOS. There is no Linux client, so Linux users depend on browser-based access where the application and protocol fit.

Who it's for

Skyhigh Private Access is a stronger fit for organizations that need context-based access to private applications and want to apply data and threat controls across private, web and SaaS use from one console. It also suits organizations with partners or contractors who need browser-based access, and mobile teams using Android or iOS.

It is less suited to buyers who need a Linux client, cannot use mandatory SAML for private-app access, or want a straightforward remote-access replacement without the additional security scope. The connector virtual machine is another deployment consideration for teams that do not want to place infrastructure alongside private applications.

Pros and cons

Pros

• One policy console across web, SaaS and private apps: Useful for organizations managing access and security controls across all three areas.
• Data and threat controls are built into the offering: DLP scanning, antimalware inspection and RBI integration can address more than connectivity alone.
• Browser-based private-app access: Clientless access supports HTTPS, RDP and SSH for personal devices, partners and contractors.
• Broad network and traffic coverage: IP ranges, wildcard domains, subnets and UDP support accommodate varied private-app requirements.

Cons

• No Linux client: Client Proxy is limited to Windows and macOS, which restricts client-based access for Linux users.
• SAML is mandatory for private-app access: Organizations unable to use SAML cannot meet this access requirement.
• Connector deployment requires a virtual machine: Each application environment needs a connector deployed alongside the private application.
• Custom pricing: Buyers cannot compare a published price or free tier before requesting a quote.

Alternatives

Consider Zscaler Private Access if Linux client support matters: it supports Linux as well as Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Its Standard (Essentials Platform) plan is described as limited private access for 5% of users, while the broader ZPA Platform also has no published price.

For buyers comparing data-security platforms rather than primarily private-app access, Forcepoint Data Security Cloud supports Linux and self-hosted platforms and uses pricing by request. Cyberhaven Data Security Platform also supports Linux and offers pricing by request, with a product demo.

Palo Alto Networks Cortex Cloud API Security is another paid option, with API, Linux and web platform support. Varonis Data Discovery and Classification may suit buyers seeking data discovery and classification across Linux, self-hosted and web platforms; it is priced by quote. Securiti Data Command Center offers modules procured by use case and 1000+ integrations, with custom pricing.

For data-focused alternatives, Concentric AI prices its Semantic Intelligence plan by the amount of data scanned, with a custom quote tailored to the environment and data consumption. Cyera offers two comprehensive DSPM and DLP plans with custom pricing, plus optional Data Subject Request Automation and DataWatcher add-ons.

For a wider category search, browse Data Security Posture Management Software, SaaS Security Posture Management Software, Security Service Edge Software, Forward Proxy Software, Cloud Security Platforms or Secure Access Service Edge Software.

Verdict

Choose Skyhigh Private Access if your organization wants context-based private-app access combined with data and threat controls across web and SaaS. Its main advantage is that breadth, including clientless access for partners and contractors. Look elsewhere if you need a Linux client, cannot require SAML, or want a simpler remote-access product with published pricing.