Review Paper
Zero Trust Architecture: A Comprehensive Review of Principles, Implementation Strategies, and Future Directions in Enterprise Cybersecurity
In an era characterized by digital transformation and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, traditional perimeter-based security models have become inadequate for safeguarding modern enterprise IT infrastructures. Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) emerges as a pivotal paradigm shift, fundamentally redefining organizational cybersecurity by eliminating implicit trust and enforcing continuous verification of every access request. This review paper provides an in-depth examination of ZTA, tracing its evolution from foundational principles articulated by Forrester Research and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to its contemporary extensions addressing the complexities of diverse and decentralized digital environments. Key components of ZTA, including context-aware and continuous authentication, device authentication, and robust encryption mechanisms, are meticulously analyzed to elucidate their roles in enhancing security posture. The paper also explores the logical architecture of ZTA, highlighting the interplay between Policy Engine, Policy Administrator, and Policy Enforcement Points, which collectively enforce stringent access controls and monitor ongoing activities. Despite its advantages, the implementation of ZTA presents significant challenges, such as integration with legacy systems, operational overhead, and vulnerabilities related to policy decision processes and insider threats. Best practices for successful ZTA adoption are discussed, emphasizing comprehensive asset inventory, strong identity and access management, micro-segmentation, continuous monitoring, and phased implementation approaches. Furthermore, the review identifies emerging trends and future directions, including the integration of ZTA with 5G networks, Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, post-quantum cryptography, and blockchain technology. By synthesizing insights from recent studies and industry frameworks, this paper aims to provide a holistic understanding of Zero Trust Architecture, offering valuable guidance for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity resilience in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Published by: Frank Mensah
Author: Frank Mensah
Paper ID: V10I6-1452
Paper Status: published
Published: December 21, 2024
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