Zero-Trust Architecture: Compliance Requirement, Not Best Practice

Zero-Trust Architecture: Compliance Requirement, Not Best Practice** Zero-trust is shifting from "best practice" to "regulatory requirement." **68% of enterprises cannot monitor all cloud workloads; API misconfigurations are the #1 attack vector.**[31] **Regulatory drivers:** NIST, EU AI Act, OSFI E-23, PRA all expecting zero-trust frameworks with strong authentication, continuous verification, and encrypted communications.[32][33] **Strategic Recommendation:** Zero-trust is a multi-year infrastructure overhaul (12–36 months); prioritize high-risk assets (customer data, trading systems, compliance systems) in Year 1. **Investment: High ($20–50M+).** ***