Zero Trust Policy Engine Functionality and Implementation

This white paper presents an in-depth analysis of the policy engine's role within Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). It outlines the functionality of a policy engine as a decision-making system that enforces organizational policies across various domains such as security and compliance. The document explains how the policy engine operates by evaluating inputs and contextual information against predefined policies to determine actions, including granting or denying access. It details the underlying architecture of the policy engine, including components like the Policy Decision Point (PDP) and Policy Enforcement Point (PEP). Additionally, the paper discusses the benefits of implementing a zero trust policy engine, such as fine-grained access control and enhanced agility in policy management. Challenges associated with implementation are also addressed, emphasizing the need for clear requirements and stakeholder engagement. The document concludes with industry-specific use cases, highlighting the importance of policy engines in maintaining security and compliance in complex environments.