This paper is published in Volume-10, Issue-6, 2024
Area
Software Application Security
Author
Frank Mensah
Org/Univ
Paderbon University, Germany, Germany
Pub. Date
21 December, 2024
Paper ID
V10I6-1452
Publisher
Keywords
Zero Trust Architecture, Cybersecurity, Authentication, Encryption, Micro-Segmentation, Identity and Access Management, Digital Transformation, Cyber Threats, Enterprise Security, Post-Quantum Cryptography

Citationsacebook

IEEE
Frank Mensah. Zero Trust Architecture: A Comprehensive Review of Principles, Implementation Strategies, and Future Directions in Enterprise Cybersecurity, International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology, www.IJARIIT.com.

APA
Frank Mensah (2024). Zero Trust Architecture: A Comprehensive Review of Principles, Implementation Strategies, and Future Directions in Enterprise Cybersecurity. International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology, 10(6) www.IJARIIT.com.

MLA
Frank Mensah. "Zero Trust Architecture: A Comprehensive Review of Principles, Implementation Strategies, and Future Directions in Enterprise Cybersecurity." International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology 10.6 (2024). www.IJARIIT.com.

Abstract

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.