A Modern Approach to Securing Public Payment Systems
As governments expand digital services—from utility billing and tax collection to permitting and court fees—the security stakes have never been higher. With more data flowing through online platforms and more staff accessing systems remotely, public agencies are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.
The old model of perimeter-based security—relying on firewalls, VPNs, and internal networks—is no longer sufficient. Today’s environment demands a new approach.
Zero Trust Security is that approach.
Instead of assuming that users or devices within the network are safe, Zero Trust continuously verifies every connection, user, and action, no matter where it originates. It’s a strategic shift from “trust but verify” to “never trust, always verify.” And for government payment systems, it provides a resilient defense without sacrificing operational efficiency or citizen experience.
Why Perimeter-Based Security Isn’t Enough
In the past, agencies built their defenses around the idea that threats came from outside the network. But with the rise of hybrid workforces, cloud applications, and third-party access, the perimeter has effectively disappeared.
That means a single compromised password, misconfigured device, or outdated access permission can open the door to bad actors, and traditional tools may never detect it.
Zero Trust offers a smarter path forward. By continuously validating who is accessing your systems, why they need access, and what they’re doing with it, agencies can better protect their most sensitive assets, including payment infrastructure.
What Zero Trust Looks Like in Practice
Government payment systems are complex and highly targeted. They involve sensitive financial data, integrate with multiple platforms, and serve a wide range of users—from internal staff to citizens, contractors, and vendors.
Zero Trust strengthens these systems through a combination of identity verification, access control, network segmentation, and real-time monitoring. It’s not just a new toolset—it’s a new way of thinking about security.
Let’s take a closer look at what that includes.
Strong Identity and Access Controls
Every login attempt is treated as potentially malicious unless proven otherwise. Gone are the days when a username and password were enough. Instead, Zero Trust requires:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Biometric login or digital certificates
- Session reauthentication for sensitive actions
- Device compliance checks (e.g., encryption, antivirus status)
If a login attempt comes from an unrecognized device, location, or time of day, access can be challenged or blocked altogether.
Least Privilege Access
Access is granted based only on what the user needs to perform their job. This reduces risk and limits what an attacker could access in the event of a breach.
A payment clerk doesn’t need access to server configurations. A contractor doesn’t need entry to financial reporting tools. APIs are tightly scoped to ensure data can only flow in specific, approved ways.
By keeping roles and access tightly aligned, agencies reduce exposure and make auditing simpler.
Micro-Segmentation of Systems
Zero Trust promotes breaking down large systems into smaller, isolated zones. Payment gateways might be separated from internal databases. Citizen portals are walled off from backend reporting tools.
This way, even if one segment is compromised, the attacker can’t move freely throughout the environment. It’s containment by design.
Detecting What Doesn’t Belong
Zero Trust isn’t just about blocking access. It’s also about recognizing when something unusual is happening—and responding in real time.
Modern Zero Trust systems integrate with behavior analytics and AI tools to watch for:
- Spikes in payment volume or irregular transaction patterns
- Staff using unfamiliar functions or accessing systems outside of their role
- Failed logins from unknown IP addresses or locations
- Unusual attempts to export or copy sensitive data
These systems don’t just raise flags, they can take immediate action to isolate a threat, lock a user account, or trigger an investigation. And because this monitoring happens automatically, agencies can act quickly without overburdening IT teams.
Beyond Security: Trust, Compliance, and Performance
Zero Trust delivers security benefits, but its value extends beyond that. It helps public agencies streamline operations, meet compliance mandates, and build credibility with the communities they serve.
By adopting a Zero Trust approach, agencies can:
- Simplify audits through clear, consistent access controls
- Meet regulatory requirements like PCI DSS and CJIS
- Reduce the time and cost of investigations through automated monitoring
- Increase public confidence by protecting citizen payments and personal data
As more citizens move online to make payments, expectations for secure and seamless service will only grow. Zero Trust helps agencies meet those expectations.
Where to Begin
Zero Trust doesn’t require a massive, all-at-once overhaul. Many agencies start small and scale over time.
Practical first steps include:
- Enabling MFA for all users
- Mapping roles to access permissions
- Segmenting systems based on risk
- Monitoring for unusual login or payment activity
- Centralizing identity and device management
From there, agencies can layer in more automation, expand monitoring capabilities, and update policies to reflect evolving risk.
Securing Payments Starts with Smart Strategy
Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated—and more persistent. Governments must be equally strategic in how they protect digital payment infrastructure.
Zero Trust offers a flexible, forward-thinking approach. By verifying every user, limiting access, and monitoring behavior continuously, it gives public agencies the tools they need to defend sensitive systems while delivering fast, citizen-friendly service.
Catalis Payments supports this mission through secure, modern solutions built on Zero Trust principles. From access control to anomaly detection, our tools help agencies reduce risk, streamline operations, and deliver trustworthy digital services.
Visit Catalis for a comprehensive list of our government/public sector solutions.