International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Okpala Charles Chikwendu
Abstract: As traditional network perimeters continue to dissolve due to the rise of cloud computing, remote work, mobile access, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, organizations are compelled to rethink long-standing assumptions about trust in cybersecurity. Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) offers a transformative approach that replaces implicit trust with continuous verification, contextual access controls, and the principle of least privilege. This article explores the conceptual foundation, core principles, enabling technologies, implementation strategies, and real-world applications of Zero Trust in both public and private sectors. It also examines the challenges associated with legacy system integration, scalability, user experience, and cost, while highlighting future directions such as AI-driven trust scoring, privacy-preserving authentication, and Zero Trust for IoT and operational technology environments. Through a comprehensive review of literature, case studies, and emerging trends, the article positions ZTA as a critical framework for securing modern digital ecosystems in a perimeterless world.
