Security Challenges and Solutions in Cloud Computing Environments
Cloud computing has become a fundamental paradigm for delivering scalable, flexible, and cost-effective computing resources through Internet-based platforms. Its rapid adoption across various sectors has enhanced operational efficiency, resource utilization, and service delivery. Despite these advantages, cloud environments continue to face significant security challenges that threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and services. This review examines the major security threats affecting cloud computing environments, including data breaches, account hijacking, insider threats, insecure application programming interfaces (APIs), cloud misconfigurations, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, multi-tenancy risks, and regulatory compliance issues. The study also analyzes the security implications associated with different cloud services and deployment models. Furthermore, it reviews contemporary security mechanisms and mitigation strategies, including encryption techniques, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), Artificial Intelligence-based security systems, DevSecOps practices, and Confidential Computing. In addition, the strengths and limitations of existing approaches are critically discussed, while emerging trends, research gaps, and future research directions are highlighted. By synthesizing recent developments in cloud security, this review provides researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers with a comprehensive understanding of current challenges and promising solutions for securing modern cloud computing environments.