Description: Zonal Authentication refers to authentication methods that apply different criteria based on the access zone. This approach allows for more granular security management, adapting authentication levels to the specific characteristics of each area or context. For example, in a public key infrastructure (PKI), zonal authentication can use digital certificates that vary in their trust level depending on the access zone, such as an internal network versus a public network. In the context of network security, this method can help protect network integrity by requiring different forms of authentication for devices accessing sensitive data compared to those that only require basic access. In identity and access management, zonal authentication allows organizations to implement more flexible and secure access policies, ensuring that users only have access to the necessary information based on their location or role. In cloud environments, this approach is crucial for protecting data and services, as it enables companies to define specific access rules that adapt to the different zones of their infrastructure, thereby enhancing overall security and compliance with data protection regulations.