ZERO TRUST SECURITY MODEL FOR MODERN CONNECTED SYSTEMS

The rapid growth of modern connected systems has introduced significant security challenges due to their distributed nature, diverse architectures, and increased exposure to cyberattacks. Traditional perimeter-based security approaches are no longer sufficient to protect these environments, creating the need for more robust security frameworks. This project addresses the problem by implementing a Zero Trust Security Model, where no user or system is inherently trusted and continuous verification is enforced. The main objective is to enhance overall security by ensuring strict identity authentication, device validation, and secure communication. The proposed method applies Zero Trust principles such as authentication, authorization, and encryption, along with network segmentation and real-time monitoring to minimize potential attack surfaces. The system design focuses on verifying every access request and maintaining least-privilege access control across all entities. The results demonstrate improved resistance against common threats such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and lateral movement within the network. Overall, the implementation of the Zero Trust model significantly strengthens security, ensuring a safer and more reliable environment for modern connected systems. KEYWORDS Zero Trust Security, Cybersecurity, Authentication, Authorization, Network Security, Data Protection, Encryption, Access Control, Threat Detection