A Cultural, Procedural, and Organizational Shift to Zero Trust
2.2 AWARENESS, TRAINING, AND DEVELOPMENT
Like other technology topics, ZT topics can be found across the public internet and sources. For example, the National Institute of Standards and Technology( NIST). NIST offers resources and guidance to educate on ZT through publications like SP 800-297, which defines ZT Architecture( ZTA) and provides frameworks and models for implementation, along with white papers and other materials [ 1 ]. NIST also introduces the concept of ZT architecture( ZTA) through a model that operates on the principle of“ never trust, always verify,” meaning that no entity, whether inside or outside the network, is automatically trusted [ 2 ].
Keeping NIST in mind, the organization’ s education and awareness will also need to be focused on the principles and importance of ZT to the organization especially the amount of change from legacy technology to the newer ZT paradigm. Training sessions and awareness can help instill the ZT mindset, but incorporating hands-on approaches that are reinforced with awareness enriches learning by making it interactive, engaging, and relevant. By adopting these strategies, organizations can enhance employee engagement, improve retention, develop critical thinking, and prepare students for real-world ZT success. Standardized education and awareness methods for use with ZT include:
• Provide Training on Organizational Tools and Techniques: ZT is very specific to the technology solution chosen and not all ZT solutions function or are configured the same. Offer workshops or online courses or material that employees can view at any time for support, questions or reminders.
• Encourage Continuous Learning: Promote a culture of ongoing learning and improvement, where employees are encouraged to stay up-to-date on the latest ZT solution methods.
• Leveraging industry standards and sharing within the organization such as NIST offer a standard lexicon and knowledge set as ZT becomes part of the industry discussions.
• Leverage engineer services from the vendor of choice to offer one-one assistance or questions and answers at any time. This will reduce employee frustration with the newer ZT solutions.
2.3 ENCOURAGE ORGANIZATION METHODS
Encouraging organization methods with positive change focuses on group dynamics through psychology methods as developed by Kurt Lewin then further enhances by Alfred Adler [ 3 ]. Encouraging adoption of organizational methods will promote organizational best practices, process improvement, and streamlining workflows all with the intent of positive change. These will reinforce leadership championing for implementing strategies and techniques to effectively knowledge share and offer methods to support the ZT paradigm shift. Programs, projects, and operations must also have a way to solicit ZT assistance or knowledge as an organization best
98 May 2025