Zero Trust Architecture and Web3 | Elene Belocociccica

Zero Trust Architecture in the Web3 Era

Analyzing modern authentication models for blockchain applications and decentralized systems across distributed networks with practical implementation examples.

JavaScript snippets for verifying on-chain identity with Ethereum and zk-SNARK proof validation

Elene B.

Web3 architect, Helsinki

The Principles

What is Zero Trust?

A security model that requires strict identity verification and continuous validation for every user and device trying to access resources, regardless of location.

Web3 Implications

Decentralized identity systems, smart contract execution, and on-chain governance require new trust models that align with blockchain's trustless nature.

Implementation in Web3

DeFi Security

Zero Trust in blockchain systems means verifying every transaction, execution, and user intent in real-time through cryptographic proofs and continuous validation.

"In Web3, trust must be earned through cryptographic verification of state, not assumed based on network location or static credentials." – Elene B.

Smart Contract Verification

Verification Stack:

Zero-Knowledge Proofs

Decentralized Identity

State Validation

Live Code Example

// Ethereum Zero Trust Verification
const verifyTransaction = async (txHash) => {
    const proof = await getZKProof(txHash);
    const identity = await verifyDecentralizedIdentity(provver);
    return {
        verified: identity && zk.verifyProof,
        timestamp: Date.now()
    };
};