Investigating the Efficacy of Zero-Trust Security Models in Mitigating Insider Threats in Enterprise Environments

Abstract

The increasing sophistication of insider threats poses a significant challenge for enterprise environments. Traditional security models, which rely heavily on perimeter defenses, are often inadequate in addressing the risks posed by trusted individuals within an organization. The Zero-Trust Security Model (ZTSM) has emerged as a promising paradigm to mitigate these threats by operating on the principle of "never trust, always verify." This paper investigates the efficacy of Zero-Trust strategies in mitigating insider threats by analyzing its core components, deployment challenges, and potential benefits. Through a systematic examination of authentication, least privilege access, continuous monitoring, and data segmentation, this study illustrates how ZTSM can enhance enterprise security. Findings suggest that while Zero-Trust significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized data access and minimizes damage from insider threats, its implementation requires substantial organizational commitment and resources. This paper concludes that a well-implemented Zero-Trust framework provides enterprises with a robust defense mechanism, though success ultimately hinges on seamless integration with organizational processes and culture.