Cloud Security Challenges and Risk Management in Modern Cloud Computing Environment

Abstract

Cloud Computing has completely transformed the way businesses operate today with its scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Cloud platforms have become a key component for organizations in various sectors to store data, deploy software, manage infrastructure, and implement digital transformation efforts. But the adoption of cloud computing has made it extremely challenging to deal with several security concerns like data breach, cyberattacks, unauthorized access, insider threats, and compliance concerns. The research paper employs secondary data collection and thematic analysis to critically discuss challenges of cloud security and risk management approaches in contemporary cloud computing environment. A thorough literature review of the scholarly papers from 2015 to 2023 is conducted to assess cybersecurity threats, cloud vulnerabilities, identity management systems, encryption technologies, compliance frameworks, and artificial intelligence-based threat detection systems.Peer reviewed journal articles, conference papers and industry reports were analysed using the method of themed analysis, which identified themes that appeared repeatedly throughout. The results show that cloud environments are still very susceptible to advanced cyberattacks, ranging from weak authentication and insecure APIs to misconfigured cloud services and inadequate governance. The study also points out the effectiveness of modern technologies like multi-factor authentication, zero-trust security models, artificial intelligence, and encryption enhance cloud security performance. But there are still issues in the way of the organizations' operations regarding regulatory compliance, data governance and shared security responsibilities.The study demonstrates that the key factors to achieving effective cloud security are continuous monitoring, robust governance policies, employee awareness training, and high-level cybersecurity frameworks. The study adds to the body of knowledge about the security of cloud computing, and offers practical suggestions for any organization working in the cloud.