Conceptual Article

Human-Centered Cybersecurity: Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Zero Trust and Security Awareness to Defend U.S. Institutions

Abdoulie Sowe
Independent Researcher, USA
📘 Volume 1, Issue 1 📄 Pages: 1-17 📅 September 20, 2026 🔗 DOI: Pending 🏷️ Conceptual Article

Article Information

Article Type: Conceptual Article
Submitted: September 04, 2026
Accepted: September 12, 2026
Published: September 20, 2026
Pages: 1-17
DOI: Pending
Language: English
License: CC BY 4.0

Abstract

The increasing sophistication of cyber threats presents significant challenges for U.S. institutions responsible for protecting sensitive information, critical infrastructure, and essential services. Traditional cybersecurity approaches that rely primarily on technical controls may be insufficient against threats that exploit human behavior, compromised identities, and rapidly evolving attack techniques. This paper examines a human-centered approach to cybersecurity that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI), Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and continuous cybersecurity awareness. Through a qualitative review of cybersecurity research, government guidance, and industry practices, the study examines how these three capabilities can complement one another to improve organizational cyber resilience. AI can enhance threat detection, behavioral analysis, automation, and incident response; Zero Trust can reduce unauthorized access and limit attacker movement through continuous verification and least-privilege principles; and cybersecurity awareness can strengthen employee preparedness and reduce human-related security risks. Based on this analysis, the paper proposes a Human-Centered Cybersecurity Framework that integrates technology, governance, and people into a unified defensive strategy. The framework emphasizes continuous monitoring, adaptive defense, risk reduction, and workforce participation as interconnected components of cyber resilience. The study concludes that U.S. institutions can strengthen their cybersecurity posture by treating technological innovation, security governance, and human awareness as mutually reinforcing rather than independent security functions. The proposed framework provides a foundation for future empirical research examining the effectiveness of integrated cybersecurity strategies across different organizational and critical infrastructure environments.

Keywords

Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Zero Trust Architecture Cybersecurity Awareness Insider Threats Cyber Resilience Critical Infrastructure Human-Centered Security U.S. Institutions Cybersecurity Governance Behavioral Analysis Least-Privilege Continuous Verification Incident Response Adaptive Defense

Cite

Citation: Abdoulie Sowe (2026) Human-Centered Cybersecurity: Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Zero Trust and Security Awareness to Defend U.S. Institutions. Epistora J. Artif. Intell. & Intell. Syst. 1(1), 1-17. Article EJAIS-111