Developing a Zero-Trust Security Model for Cloud Migration: Ensuring Data Integrity and Confidentiality in Hybrid Cloud Architectures

Abstract

Zero-Trust security models have emerged as a pivotal strategy in safeguarding digital infrastructures, particularly in the context of cloud computing. This paper focuses on developing a rigorous Zero-Trust framework tailored for organizations migrating data and services to hybrid cloud architectures. Through continuous verification of user and device authenticity, the proposed model aims to reduce vulnerabilities that commonly affect traditional perimeter-centric approaches. The framework is anchored on stringent access controls, identity-based policies, and robust encryption mechanisms, ensuring that no entity—internal or external—is inherently trusted. A formal mathematical representation of these policies is provided to reinforce their logical soundness and facilitate systematic analysis. Our discussion encompasses the strategic considerations necessary for hybrid cloud environments, including data synchronization, workload distribution, and compliance with regulatory standards. We extend our analysis with a performance evaluation that identifies trade-offs related to latency, resource allocation, and system reliability when Zero-Trust principles are rigorously enforced. A case study highlights how the proposed architecture can be deployed within a real-world organization to mitigate risks and achieve continuous security monitoring. Ultimately, our findings underscore that integrating Zero-Trust philosophies can enhance data integrity and confidentiality, thereby offering a resilient approach to cloud migration. Such measures enable organizations to foster trust through robust verification while navigating the complexities of hybrid cloud deployments.