Skyhigh Private Access

Overview

Skyhigh Private Access is a zero-trust access service for organizations replacing remote-access VPNs with controlled connections to private applications. It is best suited to teams that want private-app access alongside data and threat controls across web and SaaS. Its breadth is useful, but the desktop client’s lack of Linux support and mandatory SAML authentication can rule it out for some deployments.

Access is denied by default, then granted explicitly after authentication and authorization using identity, device and user context. A unified console applies policies across web, SaaS and private applications, a practical advantage for organizations already consolidating those controls.

Key features

Integrated data-loss prevention scans sensitive uploads and downloads, while antimalware inspection and Remote Browser Isolation integration extend protection beyond access decisions. The broader toolset includes secure web gateway, cloud access security, web filtering, SSL inspection, sensitive-data discovery, compliance monitoring, exposure and permission analysis, and remediation workflows. This is a stronger fit for organizations seeking a joined-up security layer than for buyers who need only a VPN replacement.

Private applications connect through a virtual-machine connector deployed in the same data center or private- or public-cloud environment. It makes a secure outbound connection to the Private Access Gateway. Network Level Access covers IP ranges, wildcard domains and subnets, and UDP support suits real-time communications, IoT connectivity and multimedia streaming.

Clientless Access brokers HTTPS, RDP and SSH through a browser without Client Proxy, giving personal-device users, partners and contractors a route to private applications. For managed access, however, Skyhigh Client Proxy runs on Windows or macOS, not Linux. Android and iOS support includes phones and tablets. SAML is mandatory for private-app access; users do not need to re-authenticate for 12 hours after signing in. Skyhigh states a 99.999% uptime guarantee and global cloud-capacity scaling.

Integrations include Skyhigh SWG, CASB, DLP and RBI, plus identity providers such as Microsoft Active Directory and Okta for SAML SSO. This favors organizations invested in those controls and identity systems, while mandatory SAML is a meaningful constraint for deployments that cannot use it.

Pricing

Skyhigh Private Access: custom pricing. The paid product has no published plan price, so organizations should expect to request a quote rather than compare a self-service rate. There are no published seat or usage terms to weigh here; buyers should establish those in the quote. The product’s broad security scope may justify evaluation for organizations that need several of its controls, while teams seeking a narrowly scoped VPN replacement may find the cost harder to justify.

Platforms

Supported platforms are Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and browser-based access. Linux is not supported by Skyhigh Client Proxy, although browser-based Clientless Access provides a way to reach private applications without that proxy. The distinction matters: browser access supports selected application protocols, while managed client access is limited to Windows and macOS.

Who it's for

Skyhigh Private Access suits organizations that want explicit, context-based private-app access together with DLP and threat inspection, especially those using Skyhigh security products or Microsoft Active Directory or Okta for SAML SSO. Its browser-based option is useful for contractors, partners and personal devices. It is a weaker fit for Linux-heavy managed fleets, buyers unable to use SAML, or organizations that need only basic remote access.

Pros and cons

Pro: One console applies policies across web, SaaS and private applications, reducing the need to treat each access domain separately.

Pro: DLP, antimalware inspection and RBI integration add data and threat controls to private-app access.

Pro: Clientless HTTPS, RDP and SSH access gives unmanaged users a browser-based option without Client Proxy.

Con: Client Proxy does not support Linux, limiting managed-client deployment choices.

Con: SAML authentication is mandatory for private-app access, which excludes environments unable to use it.

Con: Custom pricing makes it difficult to assess cost before engaging with the vendor.

Alternatives

Netwrix Password Secure is a different paid alternative with a self-service plan starting at $60 a year and a one-year minimum purchase commitment; consider it when password security is the priority rather than private-app access.

Onam Security API Security is an API-focused alternative with a free plan capped at one cloud account, 500 resources and 30 days of finding history, plus a paid Pro plan. It is a better direction for API security needs than VPN replacement.

Proofpoint Email DLP and Encryption is a paid alternative for buyers focused on email DLP and encryption rather than private-app access.

Cyberhaven Data Security Platform offers a broader data-security focus and custom pricing; consider it when data security is the primary requirement.

Forcepoint Data Security Cloud is another custom-priced data-security option to compare for that focus.

Siberson Data Security Posture Management uses data-volume licensing for its enterprise edition, making it a relevant comparison when data discovery and posture management are the priority.

Privacera Data Security Platform is another paid data-security alternative, with a free trial.

For broader category comparisons, browse Security Service Edge Software, Secure Access Service Edge Software, Data Security Posture Management Software, Cloud Security Platforms, SaaS Security Posture Management Software and Forward Proxy Software.

Verdict

Choose Skyhigh Private Access if you want private-app access with DLP and threat controls managed alongside web and SaaS policies, and your environment supports SAML and Windows or macOS clients. Its clientless option helps extend access to unmanaged users. Look elsewhere if Linux client support or a published price is essential, or if you need only straightforward remote access.