Zscaler: The Ultimate Security and Compliance Safeguard for GLBA, NPI, and other Sensitive Data

Introduction

Retailers, Financial and Higher Education Institutions make Zscaler their top choice to not only protect GLBA data—but to fortify and protect their entire security posture from modern threats. These institutions reference Zscaler as the ultimate safeguard for financial institutions and colleges seeking ironclad protection for GLBA-regulated data, including non-public personal information (NPI). 

Legacy security solutions like VPNs leave organizations are vulnerable to cyberthreats; in contrast, Zscaler’s cloud native secure access service edge (SASE) delivers unmatched security with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and real-time threat detection. By continuously verifying users and devices, enforcing encryption, and blocking ransomware and data leaks, Zscaler ensures compliance while proactively defending against evolving attacks.

1. Safeguards Rule and Information Security Program

Zscaler’s cloud native architecture aligns with the GLBA’s Safeguards Rule by offering:

• Centralized security policy management: Organizations can define, enforce, and update security policies across users, applications, and devices from a single console.
• Adaptive risk-based access: Enforces continuous user verification based on device health, location, and behavioral analytics.
• Granular data access controls: Implements least-privileged access through ZTNA to limit exposure to sensitive customer data.

2. Key Zscaler Elements for Enforcing a GLBA Information Security Program

Risk assessment and continuous monitoring

• AI-powered threat detection scans over 300 billion transactions daily, identifying anomalies, insider threats, and malware before they impact systems.
• Advanced threat protection neutralizes zero day exploits, phishing attempts, and ransomware using ML-driven behavioral analytics.

Access controls and data encryption

• Zscaler’s Private Access (ZPA) ZTNA replaces legacy VPNs, restricting access to only authorized users and devices based on identity and context.
• ZPA’s end-to-end encryption (TLS 1.3) protects data in transit and at rest, securing financial transactions and sensitive customer information.

Secure Software Practices and Change Management

• CASB security controls to enforce policy-based restrictions on cloud app usage, preventing unauthorized access and shadow IT risks.
• Automated security updates to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements and patch vulnerabilities proactively.

Incident Response and Real-Time Risk Mitigation

• Data loss protection (DLP) inspects traffic in real-time, blocking unauthorized sharing of sensitive financial and tax-related records.
• Cloud sandboxing isolates suspicious files and malware, preventing breaches before they occur.
• Automated threat containment stops ransomware in its tracks by cutting off compromised connections instantly.

Third-Party Risk Management

• Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) secures third-party vendors and contractors by ensuring they only access authorized applications—not the entire network.
• Service provider risk monitoring detects misconfigurations and risky behaviors across third-party applications.

Pretexting Protections

Zscaler prevents social engineering attacks, including pretexting, through:

• AI-based user behavioral analytics: Detects anomalies in user behavior that indicate credential theft or insider threats.
• Phishing and malware protection: Blocks malicious links, fake login pages, and impersonation attempts before users can engage.
• Policy-based access restrictions: Prevents unauthorized access to FTI and limits exposure to phishing schemes.

GLBA Compliance and the Cost of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with the GLBA Safeguards Rule can result in hefty fines, reputational damage, and legal consequences. More critically, it exposes institutions to ransomware, fraud, and identity theft. That’s why Zscaler: 

• Reduces attack surface by 90% through ZTNA-based least-privileged access
• Processes 300 billion transactions daily for real-time threat intelligence
• Cuts incident response time by 75% with automated threat containment
• Prevents 7 billion threats annually, ensuring compliance and operational resilience

Take Action: Strengthen Security and Compliance

As financial institutions and colleges face evolving cyber threats and strict regulatory mandates like GLBA, outdated security models (e.g., VPNs) no longer suffice. Secure access service edge (SASE) offers a cloud native, scalable solution to protect sensitive assets, ensure compliance, and streamline secure network access.

Safeguard sensitive information, comply with GLBA, and future-proof your security with SASE technologies. Contact us today to schedule a personalized demo.