Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) announced a collaboration with IBM and Red Hat aimed at protecting private applications during the critical period between vulnerability disclosure and patch deployment.

The partnership combines Zscaler’s Autonomous Application Shield with Lightwell from IBM and Red Hat, allowing organizations to block exploit attempts in real time while validated software fixes are prepared and deployed. Zscaler said the approach is designed to address a growing cybersecurity challenge as AI accelerates the speed at which newly disclosed vulnerabilities can be exploited.

Operating through the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange, the system continuously assesses private applications for exposure and applies application-specific protections when new vulnerabilities emerge. Lightwell then provides validated source-level remediation for affected open-source software.

The companies said the integrated approach will support exposure discovery, machine-speed threat response and targeted remediation, reducing reliance on traditional patching cycles alone.

Zscaler’s Autonomous Application Shield is currently available through an Early Access Program.