Li-Fi Communication in the Context of Zero Trust Security Models

Abstract

Greater decentralization of modern IT environments, driven by distributed infrastructure, IoT devices, etc., has highlighted the limitations of traditional perimeter based security models, which are based on the assumption that the internal network is trusted, while threats exist exclusively outside of it. Implicit trust and broad internal access that perimeter environments have can create – and do create – favorable conditions for lateral movement, insider misuse, and unauthorized access. This paper examines Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) as a security paradigm designed to address these weaknesses. In parallel, the paper analyzes Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) communication as an alternative wireless technology whose physical properties, including spatial signal limitation and reduced penetration through walls, offer significant cybersecurity advantages compared to conventional radio frequency systems, but since the physical environment alone does not guarantee protection, cryptographic protection mechanisms in Li-Fi environments are emphasized. By combining the Zero Trust model with Li-Fi communication and secure key management mechanisms, a layered approach is provided for securing sensitive internal wireless communication against eavesdropping, message manipulation, and unauthorized access.