# Analysis of Azure Zero Trust Architecture Implementation for Mid-Size Organizations
## 6 Analyzing Azure ZTA Implementation and Implications  
We successfully implemented a ZTA using Microsoft Azure based on the mid-size corporate scenario. For this purpose, we created one hundred users and distributed them into ten groups. We also created twenty virtual machines in one region without adding infrastructure redundancies. On top of this configuration, we made the usual three-tier networking infrastructure so that our networking evaluations can have different sources and destinations within Azure. Our scenario demonstrates how a zero-trust model can protect an organization's resources by continuously verifying identities and strictly controlling access, reducing security brech risk in a cloud-centric environment. We analyzed the Azure ZTA implementation by employing an extensive array of security measures:  
* MFA is a security measure that mandates using multiple verification methods to gain access, minimizing the chances of illegal access;
* Self-Service Password Reset enables users to manage their passwords securely, reducing the need for administrative intervention;
* Passwordless Authentication: Mitigates the risks associated with weak passwords, bolstering security;
* Access Reviews: Consistently validates permissions to conform with the idea of least privilege;
* Just-in-Time Access: Grants temporary authorization to resources, minimizing vulnerability to potential risks;
* Network Security Group: manages traffic within Azure, providing an additional layer of network security. Implementing ZTA guarantees a strong security position by consistently validating access requests, anticipating possible breaches, and reducing vulnerable areas that attacks can target. ZTA is an active security approach that safeguards sensitive data, ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, and improves overall resilience. ZTA combines these technologies to create a flexible and responsive security framework that effectively safeguards corporate resources and tightly regulates and monitors access, even in the face of changing threats. By employing a holistic approach, the danger of data breaches and illegal access is greatly diminished, creating a secure and compliant IT environment. It is essential to consider certain disadvantages. Implementing and configuring a ZTA can be intricate and time-intensive, necessitating a substantial commitment in terms of time and experience. Due to duplicate features in multiple locations, the Azure portal can present challenges, particularly for inexperienced users. However, some of these features may not function as intended, exhibiting either bugs or inconsistent results despite being the same feature but in a different location. Organizations needing a dedicated IT security team may find disabled security settings and establishing customized policies challenging. In addition, although Azure provides a free trial for many services, utilizing advanced capabilities such as Microsoft Entra ID P2 licensing for an extended period incurs extra expenses, which can be significant for large enterprises. Another possible drawback is the difficulty level involved in handling and keeping the ZTA. Organizations must ensure their staff receive comprehensive training to manage the new security protocols and tools effectively. This may require continuous training and education to stay updated on the ever-changing security threats and updates to Azure services. Organizations must consider these variables regarding improved security and operational benefits to assess whether this approach aligns with their strategic goals and available resources. Let us now analyze the Azure ZTA implementation by using two case studies. The first case study involves a typical mid-size corporation, Company X, that uses hybrid Active Directory and Microsoft 365 for its employees, but that is where the hybrid aspect of the environment stops. We could call this a semi-hybrid cloud approach.