Cisco zero trust data access is strengthened by FileFlex, which extends security to the data layer by enforcing continuous, granular file- and folder-level policies across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

Extending Cisco Zero Trust from Access to Data

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Introduction: Why Data-Centric Security is Critical

In today’s complex cybersecurity landscape, organizations increasingly rely on Cisco for its industry-leading networking and security solutions. Cisco’s Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) secures all users, devices, and applications across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, providing an identity-first foundation with continuous verification and adaptive access policies. Its broader security portfolio—including Umbrella, Secure Firewall, XDR, and Talos threat intelligence—further protects endpoints, networks, and applications.

Even with Cisco’s comprehensive security stack, a critical gap remains: control over how users interact with the data itself once access is granted. This is where FileFlex Zero Trust Data Access (ZTDA) becomes essential. FileFlex extends zero trust principles directly to the data layer, securing files and folders across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid storage. It applies continuous, granular access policies, integrates with AI-driven threat detection, provides full audit and compliance visibility, and defends against ransomware and insider threats. Together with Cisco, FileFlex ensures that organizations not only control who gets in but also what can be done with the data once inside, delivering a truly complete zero trust architecture.

Who is Cisco?

Cisco is a global leader in networking, security, collaboration, and cloud technologies that connect and protect organizations of every size. Its core strength is in end-to-end networking and security, but it increasingly delivers cloud-managed, subscription-based solutions.

What are Cisco’s Security Offerings?

Cisco’s security portfolio is comprehensive, spanning network, cloud, endpoint, and identity security. The full-stack platform, integrated with XDR and Talos intelligence, supports zero trust and SASE architectures. Key offerings include:

• Network Security: Secure Firewall (ASA/Firepower), VPN, SD-WAN/SASE integration
• Zero Trust & Identity: Duo for MFA and zero trust access; ISE for policy-based network control
• Cloud Security: Umbrella (DNS-layer protection, secure web gateway, CASB, firewall-as-a-service)
• Endpoint Security: Secure Endpoint (malware protection, EDR)
• XDR: Unified detection and response across endpoints, networks, email, and cloud
• Email & Web Security: Secure Email, Secure Web Gateway
• Threat Intelligence: Cisco Talos, integrated across products
• Security Services: Managed detection/response, incident response, advisory services

Cisco Zero Trust & Identity Overview

Cisco’s zero trust strategy focuses on verifying users and devices before granting access and continuously enforcing adaptive policies across hybrid environments. Its key offerings include:

• Cisco Duo: Multi-factor and passwordless authentication for apps and VPNs with adaptive, location- and device-based policies
• Cisco ISE: Ensures only authenticated, compliant devices connect, providing role- and policy-based access and full visibility, including IoT devices
• Cisco Secure Access: VPN-free, cloud-delivered access to SaaS and private apps, working with Duo to enforce zero trust beyond the network perimeter
• Integration with Broader Security Stack: Umbrella, Secure Firewall, and XDR extend protection to endpoints, networks, and applications, leveraging Talos AI-driven intelligence for continuous, risk-based decisions

The Access-to-Data Gap in Cisco Security

Organizations that rely on Cisco already benefit from one of the strongest security foundations in the industry. Cisco ensures that only the right users and devices gain access to networks and applications, with tools like Duo for multi-factor authentication, ISE for network access control, and Secure Access for cloud-delivered zero trust connectivity. This protects the access layer, but once a user is authenticated and inside, Cisco does not control what happens at the data layer.

Why Organizations Using Cisco Need FileFlex Zero Trust Data Access

That’s where FileFlex becomes essential. FileFlex Zero Trust Data Access extends security directly to the data itself, no matter where it resides—on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid storage. It applies continuous, granular permissions to files and folders, enforces zero trust principles during every interaction, and provides full visibility through auditing, anomaly detection, and ransomware defense. By adding FileFlex to a Cisco environment, organizations close a critical gap: Cisco ensures the right people get in, while FileFlex ensures the right actions are taken with the data once they’re inside. Together, they deliver a complete zero trust architecture that protects not just access, but the data that attackers are ultimately after.

Top Benefits of Combining FileFlex with Cisco Security

Here’s a list of the top reasons why organizations that rely on Cisco security still need FileFlex Zero Trust Data Access (ZTDA):

1. Extends Zero Trust to the Data Layer – Cisco protects access, but FileFlex governs who can open, edit, or share specific files and folders.
2. Continuous Enforcement – FileFlex applies policies in real time, even after access is granted.
3. Granular Permissions – Control access at the file, folder, or project level, including temporary or conditional access.
4. Audit & Compliance – Full visibility into file activity, supporting regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, FINRA).
5. Ransomware & Insider Threat Protection – Detects anomalous file activity and blocks unauthorized actions.
6. Hybrid & Multi-Cloud Support – Secures unstructured data across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid storage systems.
7. Seamless Integration with Existing Cisco Stack – Works alongside Duo, ISE, Secure Access, and Umbrella to provide end-to-end zero trust.
8. Data-Centric Security for Business Workflows – Ensures productivity tools and processes remain secure without disrupting work.
9. Bridges the Access-to-Data Gap – Complements Cisco’s access controls by enforcing policies inside the environment, where attackers often operate.
10. Improves Risk Visibility and Response – Provides actionable insights on data usage, helping security teams respond faster to threats.

 How FileFlex Complements Cisco in a Zero Trust Strategy

Conclusion: Achieving Complete Zero Trust with FileFlex and Cisco

In summary, while Cisco delivers industry-leading security at the access layer, organizations cannot fully protect themselves without extending zero trust principles to the data itself. FileFlex Zero Trust Data Access fills this critical gap by enforcing continuous, granular policies on files and folders across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid storage environments. By integrating with Cisco’s Duo, ISE, Secure Access, and broader security stack, FileFlex ensures that verified users not only gain access safely but also interact with data in a secure, controlled, and auditable manner. Together, Cisco and FileFlex provide a complete zero trust architecture that protects both access and data, helping organizations reduce risk, meet compliance requirements, and defend against ransomware and insider threats.

For related blogs on how FileFlex closes the data security gap see Extending Microsoft Entra to Protect Your Data with Zero Trust Data Access, Top Reasons to Add Zero Trust Data Access to Palo Alto Cybersecurity,  How to Build a Complete Zero Trust Security Framework, and How to Enforce Zero Trust Access Control to Mitigate Data Breach and Ransomware.

Source: Cisco