From Legacy to Zero-Trust: Migration Strategies, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Security Gains in Mid-Sized Enterprises
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63084/cognexus.v1i04.213Keywords:
Zero-Trust Architecture, Cybersecurity Migration, Mid-Sized Enterprises, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Network Security, ZTNA, Micro-Segmentation, Identity VerificationAbstract
The transition from legacy perimeter-based security models to Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) represents a fundamental paradigm shift in enterprise cybersecurity. This comprehensive research paper examines migration strategies, cost-benefit considerations, and security improvements associated with Zero-Trust adoption specifically in mid-sized enterprises. Through systematic analysis of empirical studies, case implementations, and quantitative security metrics, this research demonstrates that Zero-Trust implementations can reduce lateral movement attempts by up to 90%, decrease insider threats by 65%, and reduce attack surfaces by 80% through micro-segmentation. However, implementation requires substantial resource commitments, with organizations facing challenges including legacy system integration, complex policy management, and significant upfront costs. This paper presents a structured implementation framework tailored for mid-sized organizations, incorporating phased migration approaches, hybrid architectures, and practical cost-benefit analyses. Key findings indicate that while Zero-Trust adoption demands considerable initial investment and organizational change, the long-term security gains, operational efficiencies, and risk reduction justify the transition. The research synthesizes current best practices, identifies critical success factors, and provides actionable recommendations for mid-sized enterprises navigating the complex journey from legacy security architectures to comprehensive Zero-Trust implementations.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ubakaeze Victor Chiagozie
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