A zero trust security model in network protection is based on the principle of never trusting any entity by default, whether inside or outside the network perimeter. In this model, all users and devices must be verified before being granted access to resources, regardless of their location. This rigorous approach includes continuous authentication and authorization measures, ensuring that every access request is scrutinized based on identity, context, and security posture. The zero trust framework minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and lateral movement within networks by adopting a strict 'verify first, trust later' philosophy.