The recently proposed security requirements from the US Government’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) mark a significant shift in how organizations need to think about protecting sensitive data. While traditional security has focused on endpoints and access controls, CISA highlights the need for a deeper level of protection: securing data workflows themselves.
A New Security Baseline
As sensitive data moves—between systems, across organizations, and throughout workflows—it remains vulnerable. The proposed requirements (available in full via CISA's PDF) make it clear: securing data in motion will become a baseline expectation.
The message to businesses is unmistakable: perimeter defenses are no longer sufficient. Instead, organizations must focus on:
- Protecting data throughout its journey—at rest, in transit, and during use.
- Minimizing exposure risks as sensitive information moves between partners or systems.
- Maintaining data utility for operations, analysis, and collaboration, even as it is secured.
Why Workflows Are the Next Frontier
Most organizations already encrypt data at rest or behind firewalls, but what happens when that data needs to move—whether for analysis, matching, or collaboration? That’s where exposure risks arise. CISA’s proposed requirements highlight that securing sensitive data workflows isn’t just about compliance—it’s about reducing risk and building trust.
For example:
- Sensitive data matching across partners often involves transferring or exposing information unnecessarily.
- Cross-organizational workflows require sharing data without compromising security or privacy.
- Real-time analytics demands sensitive information be processed securely, without creating new vulnerabilities.
Preparing for New Requirements
Organizations that begin addressing these challenges now will not only be prepared for compliance but will also gain a competitive edge:
- Evaluate Your Workflows: Where does sensitive data move, and where are the potential exposure points?
- Implement Zero-Exposure Solutions: Solutions that ensure sensitive data is never unnecessarily transferred or visible.
- Secure Collaboration: Look for ways to enable cross-organizational workflows without compromising security or utility.
- Extend the Scope Your Protection: Evaluate the control and safety of your data when it flows to vendors and partners, which are a common weak point for security compromises.
A Transformative Opportunity
CISA’s proposal is more than just a set of requirements – it signals a new era in data security. By transforming your data workflows to meet these emerging requirements, you’re not only achieving compliance but also:
- Enhancing trust with partners and stakeholders.
- Reducing risk of breaches, penalties, and reputational damage.
- Enabling secure collaboration that drives innovation and operational success.
- Future-proof against quantum computing by implementing the latest PQC encryption standards from the NIST.
How Karlsgate Can Help
At Karlsgate, we understand that securing workflows requires more than traditional encryption. Our solutions leverage cutting-edge features to address the specific cybersecurity needs:
- Actionable De-identification and Anonymous Analytics ensure that sensitive data remains protected while enabling meaningful analysis and collaboration without exposing it.
- Downstream Data Flow Protection (DDFP) and Zero-Exposure Data Pipelining prevent data from being exposed during its movement, ensuring compliance with requirements.
- Non-disclosure Remote Matching directly links data securely without revealing PII through the use of one-time-use crypto-identities, aligning with the EO’s mandates on data security and privacy.
- Configurable Cryptography leverages a wide range of advanced encryption algorithms with a simple drop-down menu, enabling post-quantum computing and FIPS-compatible options with no additional complexity.
- Automated Data Masking and Anonymization apply strong data protection measures to meet criteria for secure data sharing.
- Controlled Access and Authorization and Integrated Consent Management manage access effectively, ensuring data is only used in compliant ways.
By adopting these Karlsgate features, organizations can transform their data workflows to meet new requirements, enhance security, and drive innovation.
Are your data workflows ready?
About Karlsgate
For executive leaders concerned about balancing data security with the demand for data across all facets of the business, Karlsgate offers a robust, easy-to-implement solution. Protect your data from risks and breaches while seamlessly accessing it for critical initiatives. Secure and maximize your data's potential with Karlsgate.