Designing and Enhancing Cloud Security through the Implementation of Zero Trust Architecture in Cloud Environments

Mohanraj, Sandra Jacintha (2025) Designing and Enhancing Cloud Security through the Implementation of Zero Trust Architecture in Cloud Environments. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The shift to cloud computing requires a transformation towards resilient frameworks in the absence of traditional perimeter-based security. This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) on Amazon Web Services (AWS) to protect against distributed diverse assets that are assumed compromised at all times. The architecture follows the three core ZTA principles: network micro-segmentation that restricts lateral movement, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all identities, and least privileges access for all users and services. AWS monitoring tools maintained continuous visibility and threat detection. Efficacy was tested across automated scenarios representing various access attempts while also measuring the performance impact. Results show that the ZTA model prevented unauthorized access and state-fully enforced robust data policies in response to observed or attempted access. While not all controls are without latency, the generated lag was minimally penalizing, suitable for production environment use. Overall, this research demonstrates that a well-articulated ZTA improves security posture and provides quantifiable, real-world protection for current cloud environments.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Samarawickrama, Yasantha UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Cloud computing Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cloud Computing
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	30 Mar 2026 10:14
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2026 10:14
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9244

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