Abstract Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, predicated on the principle of "never trust, always verify" to mitigate data breaches and network intrusions. Leveraging network segmentation, granular access control, and denial of lateral movement, ZTA secures increasingly decentralized digital environments. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) serves as the operational implementation of these principles, facilitating secure, identity aware remote access. This study provides a systematic, multi sector analysis of ZTNA adoption across ten distinct industrial domains, addressing the gap in existing literature which often confines to ZTA conceptual frameworks. Following a systematic review of 73 peer reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2024, identified using precise screening protocol, this work uncovers sector-specific threat vectors, implementation hurdles, and deployment maturity levels. Furthermore, the inclusion of financial modeling with Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Return on Investment (ROI), and Return on Security Investment (ROSI) provides an economic justification for ZTNA integration. The study concludes by mapping the convergence of ZTNA with emerging technologies such as post-quantum cryptography, 6G, Blockchain, and AI/ML, providing a strategic roadmap for future-proof security architectures.
Swapna et al. (Mon,) studied this question.