Developing an AI-Powered Zero-Trust Cybersecurity Framework for Malware Prevention

Puttoj, Mani Kanta (2025) Developing an AI-Powered Zero-Trust Cybersecurity Framework for Malware Prevention. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

In this study, the author proposes and evaluates an artificial intelligence (AI) powered Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) framework with the goal of increasing malware prevention and security posture in hybrid environments. To validate the ZTA model proposed in this study, the author conducted an extensive simulation comparing the proposed ZTA model against a traditional security model (baseline). The simulation ran a hybrid working environment-simulating 50 users with 75 devices and ran both models against a number of breach attempts including: credential theft, lateral movement and device compromise. When comparing the results of the two simulation models (the proposed ZTA model and the traditional security model), the AI enabled ZTA framework achieved 44% improved breach prevention rating than the traditional security framework and an improved user experience in comparison to the baseline security framework. The overall outcome of this study serves to demonstrate how AI has the ability to enhance the principles of Zero Trust in order to mitigate advanced Cybersecurity threats.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mohamed, Mosab UNSPECIFIED Hamdan, Mosab UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology > Methods of research. Technique. Experimental biology > Data processing. Bioinformatics > Artificial intelligence Q Science > Q Science (General) > Self-organizing systems. Conscious automata > Artificial intelligence 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 Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	04 Sep 2026 09:19
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2026 09:19
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9820

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