Zero Trust (ZT) is a security paradigm based on the principle that no user, device, application, or system—whether internal or external—should be implicitly trusted, regardless of ownership or location. Access is continuously evaluated and enforced using identity, policy, and context-aware controls.

As 5G networks introduce greater openness, virtualization, and automation, Zero Trust has become a foundational element of modern telecommunications security in North America. At the same time, applying Zero Trust consistently across dynamic, multi-operator, and multi-domain 5G environments requires greater alignment and operational guidance.

To address this need, ATIS launched the Enhanced Zero Trust and 5G Working Group in June 2022. The group has established core Zero Trust policy constructs and control models, providing a common foundation for applying Zero Trust within 5G architectures. Building on this foundation, the work now moves from principles to practice, examining how policies are defined, updated, verified, and enforced across dynamic network environments.

In parallel, the group is advancing a forward-looking track focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning, exploring how AI/ML can strengthen Zero Trust enforcement and enable adaptive, policy-driven security in real time.

This work culminates in actionable recommendations and best practices that support scalable, interoperable, and trustworthy Zero Trust implementation across 5G networks, while also informing the security and policy design of next-generation architectures, including future 6G systems.