Validated Trust: How to Implement and Sustain Zero Trust in Higher Education

Zero Trust Unlocked: From Theory to Practice

In today’s digitally distributed campus, the traditional security perimeter no longer exists. With users, devices, and data operating across cloud platforms, remote setups, and hybrid infrastructures, the need for a new security model is urgent. Enter Zero Trust — built on the principle of “never trust, always verify.”

This joint session by TU Dublin and DCU explores how academic institutions can move from Zero Trust theory to practical implementation.

Richard Dunne from TU Dublin will open with a brief history of Zero Trust and introduce its foundational equation:
Secure Identity + Secure Device = Secure Data
This formula emphasizes the need for continuous validation — not just at login, but at every access point, every time.

Richard will then detail TU Dublin’s implementation journey, focusing on CATZ (Conditional Access Zero Trust) — a persona-based access control framework that aligns security with user roles while minimizing friction.

Following this, DCU will present their own approach to Zero Trust, showcasing their deployment of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). This initiative reflects DCU’s commitment to securing the modern campus through adaptive access controls and network segmentation.

Together, TU Dublin and DCU will share practical lessons, implementation strategies, and sector-specific insights to help other institutions build resilient, identity-centric security frameworks.