What is Zero Trust Security Compliance?

It’s never been more important to ensure that data security is being maintained, as criminals are evolving ever more sophisticated means of getting their hands on valuable personal information. That’s why businesses and organizations are obliged to meet stringent compliance requirements or face hefty fines if they fail to follow the regulations.

An Essential For Data Centers

Of course, given the nature of many of the files being stored there, it’s particularly important to uphold the most rigorous security protocols in data centers. Being able to prove that sensitive personal data is being stored and managed appropriately and in a way that minimizes the risk of a breach is essential for meeting compliance regulations for PCI-DSS, HIPAA, FISMA and NERC CIP.

A key component of ensuring that data is secure is to manage just who has access to it. This can mean physical controls (such as aisle, cage and man trap locks) being put in place, as well as password protection for online systems and networks.

An Effective Protocol

This is where a Zero Trust Security protocol can make for the surest way of protecting your own and your clients’ sensitive personal information. Zero Trust is essentially a framework that is founded on the belief that there is no end to the organizational network: it extends beyond on-site networks and physical locations into the cloud. This means that each and every person who attempts to access any files must prove that they are authorized to do so, each and every time they need to work with this data. This may seem heavy-handed, but it prevents allowing hackers into a seemingly innocuous area of a network, from where “back doors” to sensitive files may be found.

Achieving this authorization means having a robust means of authentication in place. Good options use technology that cannot easily be forged, such as biometric fingerprint sensors built into cabinet door locks. Multi-factor authentication for accessing computer files is also a must, using the principles of producing a combination of “something you have” (such as a dongle), “something you know” (a password or PIN), and “something you are” (biometric markers such as facial recognition or fingerprint). By constantly reviewing who has access to sensitive data, organizations can optimize their protection against hackers.

Meeting Compliance With Zero Trust Principles

The principles of Zero Trust make it an effective framework for achieving vital compliance. By making authentication an essential step in working with any and all files or hardware components such as servers, it is easy to track who has been accessing what at any given time.

And using Zero Trust need not have an impact on productivity or efficiency. Using biometric identifiers to open doors or cabinets is quick and convenient for staff. Simply put, Zero Trust removes the guesswork and provides reassurance that all compliance regulations (such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA,FISMA and NERC CIP ) are continually being met.