White Papers
Learn in-depth about how to implement different data security frameworks and best practices
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Featured White Paper
Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture: NIST NCCoE
The NCCoE produced a document on Implementing Zero Trust Architecture, demonstrating proposed architecture(s) for on-premises and cloud environments that inherit ZTA solution characteristics outlined in NIST SP 800-207. The paper also discusses the impacts on the enterprise, administrator, and end-user when a ZTA strategy is employed.
In this resource, NextLabs reviews some of the key information of the NCCoE project in a summarized and easy-to-digest format.
All White Papers
A Holistic Approach to Regulatory Compliance and Data Security
Many organizations continue to rely on a reactive compliance model: introducing new controls only when a regulation becomes relevant, an audit uncovers deficiencies, or a security incident forces attention. This piecemeal response leads to fragmented, siloed solutions built to address one regulation at a time.
Implementation of Zero Trust Application Protection
This paper explains how Zero Trust principles and Data-Centric Security can be applied to protect applications, workloads, and APIs through dynamic, contextual, least-privilege enforcement.
Data Security Considerations for Generative AI
This white paper examines the data security and compliance challenges introduced by Generative AI and outlines how NextLabs’ policy-driven, data-centric solutions help organizations protect sensitive data, ensure regulatory compliance, maintain governance, and prevent data leakage across the AI lifecycle.
Securing Nearshore and Offshore Business Models A Data Centric Security Approach
This paper explores five critical data security challenges organizations must address when moving business functions across borders – ranging from cross-border data transfer issues to difficulties enforcing consistent access controls and maintaining visibility across jurisdictions.
NIST 800-162: Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-162 outlines Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) as a key data security implementation approach. ABAC enables organizations to enforce security policies dynamically based on contextual factors by leveraging attributes to make fine-grained access control decisions in real time. This framework helps organizations enhance security, streamline operations, and ensure compliance through the use of dynamic policies and contextual attributes. This whitepaper explores the significance of ABAC as defined in NIST SP 800-162 and its implications for organizations aiming to strengthen their access control mechanisms.
Zero Trust Data Protection
Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is critical to organizations navigating an evolving cybersecurity landscape marked by sophisticated threats and increasing regulatory demands. In our previous whitepaper, Implementation of a Zero Trust Architecture, we examined how organizations could implement ZTA to secure their IT environments. Specifically, we explored how data security is integrated into the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)’s Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM) and the Department of Defense (DoD)’s Zero Trust Reference Architecture (ZTRA). Additionally, we outlined how a ZTA protects modern IT ecosystems and how NextLabs’ Zero Trust Data-Centric Security platform, CloudAz, can be implemented as an organization’s Zero Trust Architecture.
Using NextLabs to Implement the Department of Defense (DoD) Zero Trust Reference Architecture
The DoD Zero-Trust Reference Architecture Version 2.0 establishes a framework which provides guidance through architectural Pillars and Principles for implementing a secure, Data-Centric, Zero Trust Architecture. This brief describes how NextLabs, the pioneer in Data-Centric Security and Attribute-Based Policy Enforcement, can help DoD stakeholders implement ZTA in alignment with the DoD ZTA RA with a simplified, automated approach.
What is Policy-Based Access Control?
Policy-based access control (PBAC) also known as Policy Based Access Management, is a security model that manages and enforces access to resources based on a set of policies rather than hard-coded rules, static permissions, roles, groups, or user identities alone. In PBAC, access decisions are driven by centrally managed policies that define conditions under which a user or entity is allowed or denied access to resources.
Policy-Based Access Control and Attribute-Based Access Control
With next-generation technologies such as dynamic authorization and fine-grained access control on the rise, it is important to understand the different frameworks to ensure organizations are using the best method for their needs. In this article, we will be covering the relationship between Policy-based Access Control (PBAC) and Attribute-based Access Control (ABAC), along with how PBAC can be used to implement ABAC and extend Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
How Dynamic Authorization Enables Real-Time Policy Enforcement and PBAC
Dynamic authorization refers to the real-time process of granting or denying access to resources based on a set of policies, contextual factors, and real-time conditions that can change during the access request process. Unlike traditional access control lists (ACLs) and role-based access control (RBAC) which are based on static authorization that grants access based on fixed roles or predefined permissions, dynamic authorization considers the context, environmental factors, and conditions surrounding the access request, such as the user’s location, time of access, device, behavior patterns, or other factors that may change during a session to make authorization decision. This flexibility allows organizations to apply more granular, flexible, and adaptive security policies.
How Zero Trust Data Security Can Neutralize the Impact of Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks in 2023 accounted for approximately 70% of all reported cyberattacks globally, with over 317 million attempts recorded, underscoring the significant increase in the frequency and severity of these threats. (Statista) These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, targeting industries like healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and government. The rise in attacks is largely driven by these industries’ reliance on sensitive data and critical infrastructure, making them prime targets.
Understanding NIST SP 800-171 and SP 800-172
In June 2015, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171. SP 800-171 provides guidelines for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. CUI encompasses sensitive information that requires safeguarding but is not classified under U.S. law. Protecting CUI is vital for maintaining national security, economic interests, and the integrity of federal missions, especially when such information resides in non-federal systems. Since its publication, SP 800-171 has been revised three times, with the most recent revision in July 2023. SP 800-171 outlines 14 families of security requirements that ensure the confidentiality of CUI. To build onto SP 800-171, NIST released SP 800-172 in February 2021. SP 800-172 adds enhanced security requirements to protect CUI within critical programs and high-value assets against advanced persistent threats (APTs). This white paper aims to provide an in-depth understanding of SP 800-171 and SP 800-172, as well as offer practical implementation strategies, discuss the challenges and benefits of compliance, and explore future trends in cybersecurity related to these standards.
Ensuring Data Security, Confidentiality, and Privacy for ERP Transformations
Fluctuating economic times have heightened the digital agenda for many organizations as they pivot to adjust to new market realities. Modernizing one’s ERP system and capitalizing on intelligent automation capabilities can help harness the necessary agility and data insights to compete in today’s increasingly challenging business environment. While working toward becoming an intelligent enterprise, many organizations are consolidating their ERP systems as they are modernizing. In doing so, it allows them to unlock the benefits of digital transformation, such as increased efficiency, greater business agility, and creating new value for employees, customers, and shareholders. However, digital transformation requires a new mindset, allowing enterprises to reimagine business processes. One area that’s receives less attention but is critical to the success of ERP transformations is ensuring data security, confidentiality, and privacy for sensitive information involved in the digital transformations. Explore in this white paper how enterprises can factor in data security when embarking on their ERP transformation.
Why Zero Trust Data-Centric Security is a Better Approach to Protecting Data
In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are more sophisticated and prevalent than ever, traditional perimeter-based security measures are proving insufficient for protecting sensitive information. A Zero Trust Data-Centric can overcome these challenges as the approach focuses on protecting data itself rather than relying solely on securing the network perimeter. By assuming that threats can come from both inside and outside the network, Zero Trust enforces strict verification for every access request, minimizing the risk of unauthorized data access.
Prevent Data Loss-Across the ERP Landscape (Deloitte)
Explore in this collaborative white paper with Deloitte methods used to prevent data loss within ERP systems. Additionally, learn about how too overcome challenges such as safeguarding essential business data for big data analytics, managing the complexities of evolving systems, handling extensive data volumes, and ensuring data integrity.
Safeguard AI with Zero Trust Architecture and Data-Centric Security
The consequences of not safeguarding AI systems are profound and farreaching- in sectors like healthcare and autonomous transportation, a breach in an AI system used for diagnosing patients or controlling vehicles could put entire lives at risk. In this paper, explore how enterprises can safeguard AI with Zero Trust Architecture and Data-Centric Security; along with the main types of AI threats, how the different pillars of safeguarding AI can address those risks, and how NextLabs’ solutions can be implemented to ensure robust protection for AI systems.
Technical Data Export Compliance
Satisfying ITAR and EAR regulations is a major challenge for Aerospace & Defense (A&D) firms. This paper discusses how the NextLabs and SAP solution helps A&D firms comply with ITAR and EAR export regulations.
Dynamic Data Protection Using Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
In this technical white paper, the importance of dynamic data protection in relation to Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) is discussed. With ABAC, companies can enhance their existing roles using attributes and policies. This is a more scalable method, which can adapt to everchanging dynamic environments. As seen through multiple use cases, NextLabs Data Access Enforcer (DAE) can be used to dynamically protect data using ABAC to ensure data remains secure through data masking, filtering, and data manipulation controls.
NIST 800-207 : Zero Trust Architecture
In this technical white paper, the importance of implementing Zero Trust Architecture is discussed. The growth in cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), business partnerships, and remote work has increased the complexity of managing digital enterprise resources, as network perimeters become increasingly hard to define. Traditional network security focused on securing the perimeter, which is no longer effective due to its limitations and vulnerability, given the growing number of points of entry, exit, and data access than ever before.
Implementing Preventative Segregation of Duties with NextLabs
Segregation of duties (SoD), also called separation of duties, is a fundamental aspect to sustainable internal controls and risk management. The purpose of SoD is to prevent fraud, conflicts of interest, and errors by ensuring different individuals are responsible for separate areas of a task. SoD is commonly implemented to enforce financial controls, such as approval, accounting/reconciling, and asset custody as well as data controls, such as handling of confidential or sensitive data. In this white paper, learn how preventative SoD controls reduce an organization’s risk of conflicts of interest, fraud, and compliance violations.
Understanding the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
The NIST CSF 2.0 is a set of guidelines, best practices, and standards to help organizations manage and improve their cybersecurity posture. It provides a structured approach for organizations to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats and incidents. The framework is widely used by businesses, government agencies, and other organizations to assess and enhance their cybersecurity resilience. This whitepaper covers the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and explains the differences found in this updated Framework.
NextLabs Approach to CISA’s Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM)
CISA’s Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM), first released in August of 2021, provides an approach to achieve continued modernization efforts related to zero trust. CISA’s ZTMM is just one way an organization can implement their transition plan to zero trust architectures in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 14028 “Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity” which requires that federal agencies develop a plan to implement a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). In this white paper, learn about the pillars of the ZTMM, how an organization can implement a ZTMM, and more.
Implementation of Zero Trust Architecture
In this technical white paper, the importance of implementing Zero Trust Architecture is discussed. The growth in cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), business partnerships, and remote work has increased the complexity of managing digital enterprise resources, as network perimeters become increasingly hard to define. Traditional network security focused on securing the perimeter, which is no longer effective due to its limitations and vulnerability, given the growing number of points of entry, exit, and data access than ever before.
NextLabs and Access Controls of NIST SP 800-53
NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5 details a framework to protect an organization and its assets from a range of threats, including cyberattacks, insider threats, application security, supply chain risks, and human error, among others. This paper focuses on the selection of security controls, which is Step 2 of NIST’s Risk Management Framework (RMF).
NextLabs’ Solution for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance the cybersecurity posture of organizations in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It establishes a structured system of cybersecurity requirements and maturity levels that contractors and suppliers must adhere to in order to qualify for DoD contracts. CMMC certification ranges from basic cybersecurity hygiene to advanced practices, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and enhancing the overall security and resilience of the defense supply chain. In this white paper, discover more about CMMC requirements and how NextLabs can help streamline CMMC compliance.
Zero Trust Policy Engine An In-Depth Analysis
Today’s organizations face the task of securing a digital core beyond traditional network boundaries, while also ensuring that data can seamlessly traverse through various environments, from cloud infrastructures to mobile technologies. Coupled with the rise in data volumes and the sophistication of cyberattacks, the IT landscape calls for a paradigm shift in data security, propelling the adoption of the Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA).
The Next Frontier of SASE
In this white paper, the next frontier of SASE is discussed, along with the importance of securing access to protect data and applications in addition to networks and devices.
Managing Role and Group Explosion with Dynamic Authorization
In this technical white paper, current business drivers and how they are contributing to the challenge of role and group explosion are discussed. The importance of dynamic authorization in an organization’s data security solution is explained, as well as how Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) can be used to enhance Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
Implementing a ZTA-NIST NCCoE Overview
NCCoE produced a document on Implementing Zero Trust Architecture, demonstrating proposed architecture(s) for on-premises and cloud environments that inherit ZTA solution characteristics outlined in NIST SP 800-207. In this resource, NextLabs reviews some of the key information of the NCCoE project in a summarized and easy-to-digest format.
A New Approach to Enterprise Digital Rights Management (EDRM)
To fully extract the benefits of EDRM, a simpler, more manageable, user friendlier and more enterprise ready approach is needed. This paper looks at a new approach to EDRM and key issues with the traditional EDRM that needs to be addressed. It examines what EDRM needs to provide in order to be effective in satisfying the needs of today’s enterprises.
What Will Data-Centric Security Look Like Over the Next 5 Years
According to NIST Cybersecurity, confirming data-centric security is an important challenge to address over the next five years with the increased virtualization of the workforce in the post-COVID environment. We have entered a day and age where we need to start rethinking its relevance and how it needs to evolve to address the true needs of the hyper digital new world.
The Biggest Gap in Your Cyber Security Solution
Everyone agrees threats to cyber security are on the rise. But how well do organizations understand which threats they should worry the most about? This white paper describes the most commonly overlooked source of cyber breach and the challenges that occur when organizations try to implement a comprehensive solution to address it.
Secure Global Collaboration with Information Labeling and Handling (ILH)
Today, large engineering and manufacturing projects are performed across borders, with all the accompanying laws and regulations that govern the export and import of hardware, software and intellectual property. This paper introduces ILH, its functional approach, components and application.
Secure Collaboration for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Organizations find themselves grappling with the increasing complexity of multiple, overlapping dimensions of information risk that expand beyond the subject matter expertise and solution design of their I.T. departments. This white paper examines the risk embedded in collaboration models related to core business initiatives and the risk inherent in the expanding functionality of PLM applications.
Secure Deployment of Microsoft SharePoint Extranet for Enterprises
Enterprises use extranets for external collaboration with partners, suppliers, customers, clients, joint-ventures and remote employees. This paper addresses issues that need to be considered when deploying a Microsoft SharePoint Extranet.
Safeguarding Data in Joint Ventures, Mergers & Acquisitions, Divestitures, and Sanctions
According to IBM, more than one in three executives surveyed said they have experienced data breaches that can be attributed to merger and acquisition activity during integration. This paper will analyze the challenges joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and companies facing imposed sanctions encounter when safeguarding data throughout these structural changes.
Managing Information Risk for Microsoft SharePoint
The explosive nature of SharePoint can catch data owners and information managers off guard, especially when it comes to ensuring that sensitive information is protected once it is shared. This paper discusses how to balance between collaboration and data governance.
Intellectual Property Protection
As products become more complex companies find themselves in increasingly distributed and collaborative supply chains. This paper describes some of the key challenges to protecting IP within the collaborative supply chain, outlines ten real-world best practices for managing those risks, and describes NextLabs’ solution for implementing those best practices.
Implementing Data Security Using Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC)
Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) has proven to be the best approach to data-centric security to keep pace with the demands of today’s extended enterprise. This white paper explains how NextLabs’ solution enables real time authorization and dynamically evaluates information access events by using the most up-to-date information.
GRC for Info Export Control
Many Aerospace and Defense, High Tech and Industrial companies use SAP GRC Global Trade Services (GTS) to manage compliance with ITAR and EAR for export controls. This paper discusses how the eGRC solution for Information Export Control allows organizations to automate how technical data is identified, controlled, and audited to ensure that the disclosure or export of such data meets regulatory requirements.
Evolution of Role Based Access Control (RBAC) to Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC)
When an organization expands, Role Based Access Control (RBAC) reveals its limitations. This paper discusses the limitations and future of RBAC, and how Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) can resolve the challenges.
Ensure Successful Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) Implementation
Attribute-based access control (“ABAC” for short) has reached the point of mass adoption with respect to access control technologies. This paper discusses how to establish best practice guidelines when it comes to implementing ABAC successfully.
Designing Electronic Barriers Around Digital Assets
As businesses eagerly position themselves to take advantage of these opportunities, they discover new forms of information risk. This white paper explores a technique commonly used to mitigate wrongful disclosure: implementing electronic barriers that segregate data and users, as well as a different approach to implementing electronic barriers.
Data-centric Security for the Extended Enterprise
Yesterday’s security is no match for the challenge of protecting data across the extended enterprise, with sensitive data increasingly shared across organizations, over external systems, and with unknown users and devices. This white paper outlines four changes organizations must make to achieve data-centric security, its importance, and a brief overview of the NextLabs approach to Information Risk Management.
Automated Information Handling
With increased mobile users and data, portable devices, partners, and remote workforces, risks are growing over sensitive business information. This paper introduces the concepts behind automated information controls, today’s business risks when relying on manual policy approaches, typical automation scenarios, and the benefits for automating policies and procedures.
Attribute-Based-Access-Control for SAP
Data security has become one of the most significant challenges in global businesses. This paper will discuss the features and roles of functional and data access level controls and how they interoperate to address the data security challenges companies operating globally face within the context of their enterprise SAP landscape.
Applying Zero Trust Principles to NIST-800-53
With the proliferation of cloud services, mobile technologies, and increasingly globalized workforces, trying to contain and validate access to data within an enterprise-owned network is challenging. This paper examines how NextLabs employs a data-centric approach that aligns with the requirements of a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA).
Addressing Gaps in Your Cyber Security
Most cyber security solutions protect infrastructure, assuming that data stored within containers will be protected. This paper explains why this assumption is no longer valid and outlines an approach to designing a cyber security solution directly around data.
