The study helped investigate Peruvian Higher Education Institutions' (PHEI) security posture and how the adoption of modern technology enhanced the operational processes to reduce cyber threats. The purpose of the research was based on research questions to assess access controls effectiveness, infrastructure security gaps, emerging technology challenges, Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and cybersecurity policy governance. The research included 14 of the 23 NIST categories. A semi-structure interview instrument was used to collect data. Twenty-five professionals from six higher education institutions from the eastern region of Peru participated in the study. Qualitative data analysis was done by using Atlas.Ti software. The cybersecurity maturity assessment used a rubric by the Cybersecurity Coalition for Education aligned with the standard of NIST ZTA and the five core functions of the cybersecurity Framework. The cybersecurity assessment provided information about legacy technology infrastructure, lack of management support, and challenges in terms of investment and policy compliance. The PHEIs' lack of integrated systems prevents an efficient data-sharing process. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]