Exploring critical success factors and challenges to Zero Trust Architecture transformation

Abstract

Zero Trust is an emerging cybersecurity model designed to address the challenges of an increasingly complex technology landscape. Traditional trust models have proven to be insufficient to guard our valuable infrastructure as they are often too trusting of entities inside the network perimeter. Consequently, the industry is shifting towards Zero Trust Architecture, which never implicitly trusts users or devices and requires continuous authentication before granting access, resulting in a more secure and resilient system.

This thesis aims to identify best practices for successful Zero Trust implementation in organizations, through a literature review of scientific publications, white papers, scholarly books, and industry reports. The aim is to highlight transformational critical success factors and challenges across technological and organizational domains.

Research indicates that efficient Zero Trust implementation requires strong organizational awareness of security concerns, a strong security strategy, and technical readiness to deploy appropriate tools and procedures. Despite its growing relevance, implementing Zero Trust Architecture has its challenges due to its novelty and the lack of standardized tools and procedures. Avoiding common challenges, such as political resistance and vendor lock-in, allows for smoother implementation and greater resilience against evolving cyber threats.

To continue the research on this topic, empirical studies on the impacts of Zero Trust Architecture and case studies on its practical implications are needed. Furthering the understanding around Zero Trust Architecture and cybersecurity allows organizations to strengthen their security infrastructure, resulting in a more stable ecosystem.