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International Journal of Modern Computer Science and IT Innovations

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A Comprehensive Architecture for Enhancing IoT Security Through Zero Trust Principles

DOI https://doi.org/10.55640/ijmcsit-v03i09-09
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Chinedu Emmanuel Okafor 1 ,
4 Department of Computer Science, Westbridge University of Technology, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has substantially expanded digital connectivity across industrial, healthcare, enterprise, energy, and consumer environments while simultaneously increasing cybersecurity exposure. Conventional perimeter-oriented security models are increasingly inadequate for IoT ecosystems characterized by heterogeneous devices, distributed communication, dynamic network boundaries, constrained resources, and diverse trust relationships. This paper presents a comprehensive architectural perspective for strengthening IoT security through Zero Trust principles. The study adopts a structured qualitative review methodology based exclusively on the selected literature concerning Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), IoT security, micro-segmentation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud security, and cyber-physical systems. The analysis identifies continuous verification, least-privilege access, identity-centric control, network segmentation, contextual authentication, and continuous monitoring as core architectural capabilities. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating Zero Trust mechanisms with IoT-specific operational requirements and cyber-physical environments. The reviewed literature indicates that Zero Trust can reduce implicit trust and limit lateral movement, but effective implementation requires intelligent policy enforcement, interoperability, resource-aware controls, and continuous risk assessment. The resulting architecture provides a conceptual framework for aligning device identity, authentication, authorization, segmentation, monitoring, and adaptive response within a unified security model. The study concludes that Zero Trust should be implemented as a continuous security architecture rather than as a single authentication mechanism.

Keywords

Internet of Things, Zero Trust Architecture, IoT Security, Cybersecurity

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