Cloudflare has acquired BastionZero, a Boston-based startup specializing in zero trust infrastructure access, to bolster security for critical IT infrastructure such as servers and databases. This strategic acquisition will enhance Cloudflare’s ability to offer increased security, compliance, and control for hybrid and remote IT teams, eliminating the need for long-lived credentials. BastionZero, founded by Boston University professor Sharon Goldberg, brings a unique cryptographic approach to secure infrastructure access without traditional passwords, thus addressing the limitations of outdated VPN setups.
The integration of BastionZero into Cloudflare’s offerings will centralize the management and security of IT infrastructure, including Kubernetes clusters, and simplify zero trust practices. This move aligns with the modern workplace expectation of flexible and secure remote access. Cloudflare aims to extend these advanced security controls to organizations of all sizes, enhancing its position in the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) market.
BastionZero’s technology leverages OpenPubkey and OpenID Connect for secure, passwordless access, enhancing usability with clientless RDP access. This acquisition not only improves Cloudflare’s security offerings but also supports the changing work environment by enabling secure access to critical systems from any location. Over the coming quarters, the focus will be on integrating BastionZero’s features into Cloudflare One, particularly for organizations with fewer than 50 users, ensuring world-class security is accessible to all. This acquisition follows Cloudflare’s recent purchases of Baselime and Nefeli Networks, further solidifying its commitment to providing comprehensive, scalable, and secure internet services globally.
