Why Government Facility Security Is Leading the Shift to Zero Trust
Government facilities are held to the highest standards of security—and for good reason. With the growing adoption of Zero Trust architecture, federal sites are transforming how physical access is controlled and verified. This approach doesn’t just change how doors unlock; it changes the entire mindset behind who is trusted and why. Now, this shift is influencing how private sector organizations think about access control and facility protection.
At Smart Digital, we help organizations align their physical security with emerging federal expectations. Our layered approach mirrors the strategies used in government-level security, ensuring that entry points, identity verification, and access logs are built to prevent both external breaches and internal misuse. These layers are essential for businesses that wish to future-proof their operations and comply with the standards being set by federal infrastructure.
Government Standards Are Shaping the Market:
- Zero Trust models are moving from policy to implementation across federal facilities.
- Private sector buildings are adopting similar verification and access protocols.
- Layered authentication is becoming standard in commercial security planning.
What Executive Order 14028 Means for Physical Access
Executive Order 14028, issued by the White House, introduced sweeping reforms around federal cybersecurity—and it directly impacts how physical access is managed at government buildings. The directive mandates that all access, whether digital or physical, must be continuously verified. Badge-only systems are no longer enough.
Facilities must now integrate multiple layers of authentication, including biometrics and video verification, to meet compliance goals. As this becomes the norm in public institutions, it creates an expectation—and often a requirement—for contractors, vendors, and private sector buildings to meet similar standards. Learn more from our partners at SentryPODS on how EO 14028 is reshaping physical security.
Trends Emerging From EO 14028:
- Multi-factor authentication at the perimeter
- Audit-ready access control systems with real-time logging
- Remote verification using live video and AI
Smart Digital Security Systems for Government and Business
Smart Digital designs and deploys advanced access control systems that reflect the same security expectations found in federal mandates. Our access control and gate access solutions are trusted by critical infrastructure providers, public institutions, and commercial campuses that cannot afford weak points in their security chain.
We incorporate layered identity validation—badges, biometrics, passcodes, and live video verification—into a single managed platform. This makes it easy to control access remotely, review entry logs, and flag anomalies without requiring a full-time onsite team.
Smart Digital Access Control Capabilities:
- Role-based access across departments and locations
- AI-assisted video verification before entry is granted
- Mobile-friendly administration for distributed teams
- Credential integration with keycards, facial recognition, and PINs
Why Businesses Should Follow the Government’s Lead
The federal government’s push toward Zero Trust isn’t just about policy—it’s about risk. And when government agencies demand continuous verification, their contractors, service providers, and suppliers must follow suit. Businesses that adopt these standards today will be better positioned for partnerships, contracts, and long-term resilience.
Private-sector buildings that once relied on static access cards or basic alarm systems are now upgrading to match the expectations set by EO 14028. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding operations from evolving threats.
Benefits of Aligning With Federal-Level Security:
- Improved resilience against internal and external breaches
- Competitive advantage for government and critical infrastructure contracts
- Better audit readiness and response capabilities
Take the First Step Toward Layered Access Control
Zero Trust is becoming the foundation of modern security. Whether you manage a government facility or a business campus, your access control systems must evolve to meet this new reality. That means investing in systems that verify—not assume—identity at every checkpoint.
Smart Digital provides the technologies and design strategies to get you there. Get in touch today to discuss how your organization can implement layered access systems that reflect the highest standards of protection.
