Abstract

Modern enterprise networks face an unprecedented scale and sophistication of cyber threats, driven by cloud adoption, remote work, and complex hybrid environments. Traditional perimeter‑based security models are increasingly ineffective as attackers exploit trust implicit in internal networks. Zero Trust Security (ZTS) represents a paradigm shift by assuming no implicit trust, continuously verifying identity, device posture, and contextual attributes before granting access. This study explores the conceptual foundations, architectural components, and implementation strategies of Zero Trust models in contemporary enterprise environments. It examines core principles such as least privilege, microsegmentation, continuous authentication, and dynamic policy enforcement, and evaluates how emerging technologies like Software‑Defined Perimeter (SDP), Identity‑aware Proxies, and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) support Zero Trust frameworks. Through a mixed‑method research methodology incorporating literature synthesis, case analyses, and comparative evaluations, the research identifies key benefits, challenges, and performance indicators for Zero Trust adoption. Findings suggest that Zero Trust significantly enhances security posture, reduces lateral movement opportunities for adversaries, and aligns with regulatory compliance. However, barriers such as organizational change, integration complexity, and performance overhead are significant. The study concludes with practical insights for enterprise deployment and identifies future research directions to mature Zero Trust architectures in evolving threat landscapes.