iWorld
Airtel Business partners with Zscaler for Airtel Secure Digital Internet
Mumbai: Airtel Business, the B2B division of Bharti Airtel, partners with Zscaler, a global cloud security leader, to launch ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’. This groundbreaking initiative represents India’s first fully managed Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)-based cyber protection solution, meticulously designed to shield enterprises from various cyber threats.
‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ strengthens enterprise cybersecurity by combining Airtel’s Internet Leased Line (ILL) connectivity with Zscaler’s advanced cloud security technology and Security Service Edge (SSE) technology. The solution provides robust security features, including comprehensive threat protection, SSL inspection, a cloud firewall, and secure access to cloud applications. Built on the principle of ‘never trust, always verify’ regarding users, devices, and networks, this solution empowers Indian enterprises to navigate the digital landscape effectively, scalably, and cost-efficiently.
Airtel Business CEO, Sharat Sinha expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with Zscaler to launch ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ ‐ a holistic solution for safeguarding enterprise networks. The cutting‐edge solution will ensure that every internet interaction is rigorously verified, authenticated and authorised to deliver a robust layer of security that protects enterprises from evolving cyber threats. Together with Zscaler, we will offer a seamless and secure experience for businesses across India, enabling them to operate with confidence in today’s complex digital environment”
Zscaler, area vice president, India & SAARC, Anant Nag added, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Airtel Business To create a solution to help the growing needs of our customer base. Cybersecurity is a critical business priority and enterprises across the market are doubling down on implementing zero trust solutions to keep their organisation secured. The inception of this joint solution stemmed from the market needs and growing demand and we are looking forward to helping our customers in their cloud security transformation journeys together with Airtel.”
India is experiencing a technology innovation surge, with enterprises of all sizes leading on a global scale. However, this rapid growth has also attracted cybercriminals targeting local entities. Zscaler ThreatLabz reports that Indian enterprises have faced over 79 million phishing attacks and more than 5 billion encrypted attacks in the past year, placing India among the top three most targeted markets globally. Therefore, enhancing cybersecurity while managing multi-vendor security stacks, budget constraints, skill gaps, and time-to-market issues is more crucial than ever for organisations in India.
The Zero Trust Architecture of ‘Airtel Secure Digital Internet’ minimises attack surfaces while simplifying security management through centralised policy enforcement. Its cloud-native security delivers consistent protection for users across all locations. The scalable, cloud-based platform reduces reliance on costly hardware, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and lowering total cost of ownership.
To optimise network performance and reduce latency, Airtel has strategically enhanced its Internet Points of Presence (PoPs) by integrating Zscaler’s advanced security stack. As a distinguished Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) partner of Zscaler, Airtel is well-equipped to provide comprehensive managed services that encompass the entire security lifecycle—from initial deployment to ongoing premium-grade support. Enterprises can leverage Airtel’s extensive pan-India Internet Leased Line (ILL) connectivity to ensure secure and consistent connectivity across all their office locations. Additionally, enterprises can procure Zscaler SSE as a standalone solution, bundled with Airtel’s managed services, tailored to meet their unique requirements.
iWorld
Netflix cuts jobs in product division amid restructuring
Layoffs hit creative studio unit as leadership and strategy shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: The streaming wars may be fought on screen, but the latest plot twist is unfolding behind the scenes. Netflix has reportedly begun laying off several dozen employees from its product division as part of an internal reorganisation, according to a report by Variety. The cuts are believed to have primarily affected the company’s creative studio unit, which works on marketing assets such as in app trailers, promotional visuals and live experience content for the streaming platform.
The company has not disclosed the exact number of employees impacted.
According to the report, the layoffs were not tied to employee performance. Instead, the restructuring eliminated certain roles while other employees were reassigned to different teams within the organisation.
The roles affected are understood to include designers, producers and creative specialists responsible for marketing and brand experience initiatives.
The job cuts come as Netflix adjusts its leadership structure and reshapes its product and creative teams. Last month, Elizabeth Stone was promoted from chief technology officer to chief product and technology officer, giving her oversight of product, engineering and data operations across the company.
Earlier, in December 2025, Netflix also appointed Martin Rose as head of creative for global brand and partnerships, a move seen as part of a broader restructuring of the company’s brand and product functions.
Despite the layoffs, Netflix remains one of the largest employers in the streaming sector. The company is estimated to employ around 16,000 people globally, with roughly 70 percent of its workforce based in the United States and Canada. In 2023, the company reported approximately 13,000 employees, indicating that its headcount had grown significantly before the latest restructuring.
The workforce changes arrive at a time when Netflix is navigating a shifting financial and strategic landscape in the global entertainment industry.
The streaming giant recently secured $2.8 billion in additional cash after receiving a breakup fee from Paramount Skydance following its withdrawal from a deal involving Warner Bros. Discovery.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Netflix co chief executive Ted Sarandos explained that the company had evaluated multiple scenarios during the negotiations but chose not to match the competing offer once it learned that a higher bid had been submitted.
Netflix had capped its offer at $27.75 per share and ultimately stepped back rather than pursue Paramount’s $111 billion acquisition deal, which included a personal guarantee.
Sarandos also cautioned that the financing structure behind the Paramount Skydance transaction could have ripple effects across the entertainment industry.
According to him, the debt heavy deal could trigger significant cost cutting, with David Ellison, chief executive of Paramount Skydance, expected to eliminate about $16 billion in costs and potentially cut thousands of jobs as part of the integration process.
For Netflix, the current restructuring appears to be part of a broader attempt to streamline operations while continuing to invest in product, technology and global content even as the streaming industry enters a new phase of consolidation and financial discipline.
