Why Businesses Struggle to Adopt the Fed’s Zero Trust Principles
A colleague of mine in the DoD cyber world recently commented on an article I reposted where I commented on the importance of Zero Trust, saying, “Whoah Jack, a security leader outside the Federal Govt calling for Zero Trust, you don’t see that every day.” That remark got me thinking: why does the private sector have such a hard time adopting the Zero Trust principles the federal government has been championing? It’s a transformative model with clear benefits, yet businesses seem stuck on the sidelines. Let’s break it down.
1. Business Priorities Clash with Security Goals
At its heart, Zero Trust is a complete shift in how we think about security. It assumes nothing and requires validation for everything — every user, device, and interaction. It’s a bold, necessary approach, but let’s be honest: businesses live and die by their ability to deliver quickly. Zero Trust isn’t a something you can issue a PO for; it demands time, resources, and significant architectural change, which can feel like slamming the brakes on business momentum.
Here’s the rub: When delivery timelines collide with security needs, security often gets pushed aside. Unlike the federal government, which can mandate compliance (no profit margins to worry about), private companies are constantly balancing the demands of shareholders, customers, and market pressures. This tug-of-war leads to half-hearted attempts at Zero Trust or worse — no attempts at all.
2. Confusion Around What Zero Trust Actually Is
Zero Trust isn’t something you can buy off the shelf, no matter how flashy the vendor pitch. It’s a strategy, not a product. Yet, many businesses fall into the trap of thinking, “If I buy this ‘Zero Trust tool,’ I’m good to go.” Spoiler alert: that’s not how this works.
To do Zero Trust right, businesses need:
• Visibility: Know what’s in your environment.
• Dynamic Policies: Adapt as conditions change.
• A Strong IAM Foundation: Because if you can’t trust the “who,” you can’t trust anything else.
Here’s the problem: Many organizations lack the expertise to weave all this together. Without a clear roadmap or skilled staff, Zero Trust becomes just another buzzword on a PowerPoint slide.
3. Legacy Systems: Can’t Get Rid of Them, Can’t Secure Them 🤷♂️
If you’ve ever tried to retrofit modern security into a 20-year-old system, you know it’s like trying to upgrade a rotary phone to run on 5G. Federal agencies might have mandates and funding to modernize, but businesses? Not so much.
Legacy systems are everywhere, and many of them were never built with security — or adaptability — in mind. Trying to shoehorn Zero Trust principles into these environments can be expensive, time-consuming, and operationally disruptive. It’s no wonder many organizations throw their hands up and stick with the status quo.
4. Culture is the Hardest Mountain to Move
Zero Trust isn’t just about tech; it’s a mindset. For decades, companies have operated on the assumption that “inside the network” equals “safe.” Shifting to a “never trust, always verify” model feels like a 180-degree turn — and not everyone is on board.
Employees grumble about extra authentication steps, seeing them as productivity killers. Executives, used to their VIP shortcuts, might resist changes that slow them down. Without buy-in from leadership and a culture that understands why these steps matter, Zero Trust initiatives often grind to a halt.
5. Regulations Don’t Always Push the Needle
The federal government can push Zero Trust from the top down. Businesses don’t have that luxury. Regulatory requirements vary widely by industry. Financial and healthcare sectors might feel the heat to adopt robust security measures, but retail or manufacturing? Not so much.
And let’s be real — without strong incentives or looming penalties, many businesses don’t see the ROI in Zero Trust. Until regulations catch up, Zero Trust might remain an aspirational goal rather than a tangible priority.
6. “Good Enough” Security is a Dangerous Myth
Finally, there’s the complacency factor. Many organizations believe their current security measures — firewalls, VPNs, and EDR — are “good enough.” But attackers constantly evolve, and “good enough” doesn’t cut it anymore.
Without proactive steps toward Zero Trust, businesses leave themselves wide open to ransomware, lateral movement attacks, and insider threats. And by the time they realize their defenses aren’t sufficient, it’s often too late.
How Businesses Can Close the Gap
So, what’s the way forward? Zero Trust isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Here’s where businesses should start:
1. Educate Leadership: Help execs understand that Zero Trust isn’t just a security model — it’s a business enabler. Protecting assets and reputation is a competitive advantage.
2. Start Small: Focus on high-risk areas first, like privileged access or critical data systems. Build momentum with small wins.
3. Invest in Expertise: Whether hiring new talent or training your team, make sure you have the right people guiding the journey.
4. Use Frameworks: Resources like CISA’s Zero Trust Maturity Model can provide a roadmap.
5. Focus on Culture: Security isn’t just IT’s job. Everyone has a role to play. Communicate the “why” behind Zero Trust and make it part of your organization’s DNA.
Conclusion
Zero Trust is like climbing a mountain — it’s daunting, and the path isn’t always clear. But the alternative? Sitting at the bottom, exposed avalanche that comes down the slope. Businesses face real challenges — legacy systems, cultural resistance, and competing priorities — but these obstacles aren’t insurmountable. By educating leadership, planning strategically, and fostering a culture that values security, the private sector can embrace Zero Trust as more than just a buzzword. It can be the foundation of a secure, resilient future.
