The Importance of the Zero Trust IEEE Standard
February 25, 2026In our From the Expert blog series, we feature leading voices from Capitol Tech's network of thought leaders contributing their fresh insights, groundbreaking ideas, and real-world experience. From innovative research to practical applications, their unique perspectives on today’s most exciting scientific and technological discoveries bring us to the frontiers of discovery and inspire us to imagine the future.
The Importance of the Zero Trust IEEE Standard
by Dr. Ron Martin, CPP, CPOI
The significance of the Zero Trust Security Standard encourages organizations to review it for potential adoption. One of the key references for Zero Trust Security is the 2022 National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Special Publication 800-207. This document defines Zero Trust as a cybersecurity approach.
Recognizing the importance of this program and its potential to improve cybersecurity, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) launched a project to develop an IEEE and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard for Zero Trust.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient to protect sensitive organizational resources. The Zero Trust framework provides a robust approach to cybersecurity by adopting principles such as "never trust, always verify", “assume breach,” and “least privilege access.” This standard outlines a comprehensive framework to help organizations transition to a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) or build systems that fully embrace Zero Trust principles.
Why This Standard Matters:
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Enhanced Security: The framework addresses critical domains such as Identity, Devices, Networks, Applications, and Data, ensuring granular control and protection of organizational assets.
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Risk Mitigation: By implementing Zero Trust principles, organizations can reduce vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and safeguard against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
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Compliance: The standard aligns with regulatory requirements and provides guidance for maintaining accountability and evidence of ZTA compliance.
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Future-Ready: Zero Trust is a dynamic strategy that evolves with the threat landscape, ensuring organizations remain proactive and resilient.
Key Components to Review:
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ZT Domains: Identity, Devices, Networks, Applications, and Data.
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Cross-Cutting Domains: Governance, Visibility & Analytics, and Automation & Orchestration.
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Implementation Guidance: Practical steps for migrating to ZTA, including governance alignment, continuous monitoring, and automation.
This is not just a technical change but a strategic evolution that demands collaboration across all levels of the organization.
Reference: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (2025). Draft standard for zero trust security (P3409™/D6). IEEE Computer Society.
Dr. Ron Martin
Professor of Practice, CPP, CPOI
Dr. Ron Martin is a Professor of Practice at Capitol Technology University, specializing in the functional areas of Critical Infrastructure, Industrial Control System Security, Identity, Credential, and Access Management. Dr. Martin maintains professional relationships with a diverse mix of businesses. He serves on the board of directors for many profit and nonprofit organizations, such as the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) P2887 - Zero Trust Security Working Group (ZTSWG) as Vice Chair. He is a voting member of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to the International Standards Organization (ISO), which works to develop and articulate the U.S. position by ensuring public and private sector stakeholder involvement. He is also a member of the Cloud Security Alliance Zero-Trust/ Software Defined Perimeter Expert’s Working Group and the Security Industry Association Standards Committee. Recently, he has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Fulbright Specialist.