Beyond MFA: Enhancing Data Governance

Oct 30

Enhance Data Governance with Zero Trust Data Security

To protect sensitive information, organizations must go beyond Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and implement a data governance framework centered around Zero Trust principles. The key to this approach is incorporating independent, external control channels, which are essential for all environments, especially in the cloud.

Attackers who use stolen credentials to pose as legitimate users can exfiltrate data unnoticed. To prevent this, organizations must deploy advanced security measures like encryption, Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), and Data Rights Management (DRM) at the record level, independently of cloud environments like Snowflake.

Why MFA Alone Falls Short

While MFA is a critical security measure, it isn’t a cure-all. Attackers can still bypass MFA by using legitimate credentials obtained through phishing or malware, giving them access to sensitive information. Without additional layers, they can navigate the environment and exfiltrate data without detection.

Elevating Data Governance with External Control Channels

Zero Trust Data governance requires external control channels that operate independently of the core environment. These channels add extra layers of security, complicating access for attackers and reinforcing the integrity of sensitive data.

Key Components of Effective Zero Trust Data Governance

Encryption: Encrypting data at rest and in transit ensures that intercepted data remains unreadable without decryption keys, maintaining data confidentiality and integrity.
Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC): By assigning access rights based on specific user attributes—like role, department, and security clearance—ABAC provides granular access control. This approach ensures users only access data relevant to their roles, enhancing governance and accountability.
Data Rights Management (DRM): DRM defines how data can be used and shared, maintaining control even after access is granted. By managing rights at the record level, DRM prevents unauthorized use, distribution, or modification of sensitive information.
Decentralized Keystore: The XQ Private Keystore empowers you with complete, persistent, and flexible control over who can access your sensitive information—protecting it from external entities like Google, Microsoft, and even XQ itself.

Why Choose XQ Private Keystore?

Affordable Data Control in the Cloud
XQ’s keystore solution provides a low-cost way to manage cloud-based data, putting security and affordability hand in hand.
Data Sovereignty and Compliance Guaranteed
With XQ, data sovereignty is ensured. It’s a keystore that supports compliance with strict regulatory standards like ITAR, CMMC 2.0, CJIS, and others, helping you stay audit-ready and in line with regional requirements.
Supports Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace CSE
Seamlessly integrate with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace Client-Side Encryption (CSE), allowing you to enhance security while maintaining productivity in familiar environments.

In short, the XQ Private Keystore keeps sensitive data within your control, empowering you to meet compliance standards, maintain sovereignty, and shield data from third-party access.

Independent Security Controls for Robust Protection

These measures should function independently of the data storage environment for maximum security. Organizations can better guard against unauthorized access, data breaches, and exfiltration attempts by decoupling security controls from platforms like Snowflake.

Conclusion

Achieving comprehensive data governance requires more than just MFA. By adopting Zero Trust Data security measures—encryption, ABAC, and DRM—organizations can establish a resilient, multi-layered defense system. This approach significantly strengthens governance, reduces data breach risk, and reinforces compliance across the organization.