Zero Trust Architecture in Corporate Networks: Reduced VPN Dependence, Threat Containment, and Access Governance in Hybrid Environments

• Author(s): Valdir de Espíndula
• Paper ID: 1718630
• Page: 1930-1933
• Published Date: 30-04-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 10 April-2025

Abstract

Zero Trust Architecture has been proposed as a structural response to the erosion of perimeter‑based security in corporate networks characterized by remote work, cloud migration, heterogeneous endpoints, and the rising frequency of ransomware and lateral‑movement attacks. Unlike the traditional perimeter‑centric model, Zero Trust assumes that no user, device, or session should be trusted by default, even when the connection originates from an apparently internal environment. This article discusses, based on scientific literature and a major technical reference document, the conceptual foundations of Zero Trust, its relationship with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), its differences from legacy VPN models, and its implications for access control, operational performance, and regulatory alignment. The analysis indicates that contextual policies, strict enforcement of least privilege, logical segmentation, and continuous verification can reduce unnecessary exposure to corporate resources while improving threat containment without necessarily increasing operational friction. The paper concludes that Zero Trust should not be understood merely as a tightening of controls, but as an architectural reorganization of security around identity, context, and continuous resource protection.

Keywords

Zero Trust, ZTNA, VPN, Network Security, Access Control.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Valdir de Espíndula "Zero Trust Architecture in Corporate Networks: Reduced VPN Dependence, Threat Containment, and Access Governance in Hybrid Environments" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 10 2025 Page 1930-1933 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV8I10-1718630

IEEE:
Valdir de Espíndula "Zero Trust Architecture in Corporate Networks: Reduced VPN Dependence, Threat Containment, and Access Governance in Hybrid Environments" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(10) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV8I10-1718630