When Zero Trust Meets Human Nature

Many workplaces have implemented Zero Trust policies. Does yours have one? Do you know what that term really means?

At its core, the idea sounds simple: never trust, always verify. That essentially means that, instead of assuming everyone and everything on your company network is safe, every request for access must be thoroughly checked, verified, and logged. When used well, it makes it much harder for attackers to move around unnoticed.

Unfortunately, the idea of “zero trust” often collides with the reality that businesses still rely on convenience, shortcuts, and trust in people. How can you ensure your data remains secure?

The Convenience Problem

Imagine trying to get your work done, but having to log in multiple times, juggle complex passwords, or use multi-factor authentication for every small task. Eventually, the frustration builds. You start to develop shortcuts or take the easy way out.

Stop right there!

People are wired to want a more straightforward approach, to confide in those around them, and to help one another. Many employees will:

• Reuse passwords across accounts.

• Store logins in unsafe places (like sticky notes).

• Click “approve” on MFA prompts without really thinking.

• Share program credentials.

While this system appears secure on paper, how many coworkers do you know who quietly work around it to make their lives easier? Knowing cyber-hygiene best practices does not erase human nature.

The Trust Problem

Humans are social creatures. We naturally trust coworkers, managers, or anyone who sounds like they belong. That’s why phishing works so well. When you combine trust with fear of authority, desire to fit in, and human frailties like tiredness and oversight, it’s easier to find a crack in defense.

Even in a Zero Trust environment, an attacker only needs to trick one person into sharing credentials or approving an access request. One slip can cause a damaging ripple effect throughout the entire organization. Human error causes 95% of breaches, after all!

In 2022, attackers breached Uber’s internal systems by tricking an employee into approving a flood of multi-factor authentication (MFA) login requests— a method known as MFA fatigue. Zero Trust principles were in place, but human behavior created an opening. The employee wasn’t careless; they were just overwhelmed. Therein lies the paradox: Security systems built on the principle of “never trust” can still fail if attackers know how to exploit human vulnerabilities. Zero Trust can protect systems, but it can’t rewire how people feel about “trusting others.”

Protecting Your Private Data

Awareness is the first step of the solution. Zero Trust works best when paired with mindful habits!

• Pause before approving MFA requests. If you didn’t initiate it, then deny it.

• Report suspicious activity quickly. It’s better to over-report than to miss a critical red flag.

• Recognize manipulation tactics. If someone pressures you to “just approve access,” slow down and look for other signs of phishing.

The bottom line? Technology can set guardrails, yet human choices still matter most.

Conclusion

Zero trust significantly reduces your chances of a breach. Understanding the paradox—humanity’s natural inclination toward convenience and trust—is the first step toward ensuring that we contribute to a culture of security.

While technology plays a significant role in our cyber defense, never forget the power that you hold as well. Our data is best defended when we work together with innovative technology to create a more secure cyber landscape for everyone.