Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV057

Security Risks and Threats in Cloud Computing:

A Comprehensive Analysis
Rajesh Kumar
Cyber Security Professional, USA

Abstract:- The unparalleled scalability and flexibility of the wide range of security risks associated with cloud
cloud computing have fundamentally transformed how computing, which range from data breaches and unauthorized
businesses manage and store data (Hashizume, 2013). access to insecure interfaces and shared technology
However, security risks and hazards are becoming more vulnerabilities (Shaikh, 2011). Organizations must address
and more of a concern as businesses use cloud services. critical security issues like identity and access management,
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the various network security strategies, encryption protocols, and incident
security concerns that cloud computing infrastructures response planning to strengthen their defenses and maintain
have to address (Hashizume, 2013). By examining common stakeholder trust as cyber threats continue to grow in
threats like data breaches, unauthorized access, unsecured sophistication and frequency (Shaikh, 2011).
interfaces, and shared technological vulnerabilities, this
study aims to illustrate the critical importance of proactive This paper seeks to provide organizations with the
security measures in protecting sensitive data (Shaikh, knowledge and insights required to effectively navigate the
2011). Through an analysis of network security strategies, complexities of securing their cloud environments by
identity and access management, encryption technologies, exploring the nuances of security risks and threats associated
and incident response planning, this paper offers insights with cloud computing (Shaikh, 2011). Using an extensive
into best practices for managing security risks in the cloud examination of prevalent vulnerabilities, optimal approaches
(Shaikh, 2011). This paper provides businesses with a road for risk mitigation, and authentic instances of security
map for enhancing their cloud security. incidents in cloud environments, this research aims to enable
cybersecurity experts and decision-makers to reinforce their
Keywords:- Cloud Computing, Security Risks, Threats, Data safeguards and maintain the robustness of their cloud
Breaches, Unauthorized Access, Shared Technology infrastructure against a constantly changing array of threats
Vulnerabilities, Cyber Threats, And Encryption Protocols. (Shaikh, 2011).

I. INTRODUCTION II. IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF

SECURITY RISKS IN CLOUD COMPUTING
With its unmatched scalability, flexibility, and ENVIRONMENTS
affordability, cloud computing has become a fundamental
component of contemporary IT infrastructure in the age of There are a number of security risks associated with
digital transformation (Hashizume, 2013). But in addition to cloud computing environments that need to be carefully
all of the advantages that cloud computing offers, there is a identified and evaluated (Zhang, 2010). Because cloud
complicated web of security threats and hazards that infrastructure is multi-tenant, has a complex architecture, and
businesses need to be aware of to protect their sensitive data is a virtual environment, it requires careful risk analysis and
and maintain the integrity of their operations (Hashizume, mitigation techniques. In order to recognize and assess
2013). security risks in cloud computing, risk assessment frameworks
and models are essential (Zhang, 2010). These frameworks
This introduction provides an overview of the potential assist organizations in identifying potential vulnerabilities and
susceptibility that would jeopardize the privacy, availability, understanding critical areas of focus. They cover all cloud
and integrity of information processed and stored in the cloud services and deployment models (Zhang, 2010). But because
(Hashizume, 2013). It also opens the door to a deeper cloud computing is distributed and has its own features, it can
exploration of the complex world of cloud computing security be difficult to adapt existing risk assessment tools to it (Zhang,
risks and threats. Organizations are depending more and more 2010). Various methods have been suggested to tackle security
on cloud services to spur innovation and simplify operations, threats in cloud computing settings. Threat and Risk
so it's critical to comprehend the changing threat landscape Assessment (TRA) issues in cloud computing have been
and put strong security measures in place to protect their cloud proposed to be resolved by the iADTree mechanism, an
environments (Hashizume, 2013). A proactive and enhanced Attack-Defense Tree (Khan, 2012). Furthermore,
comprehensive approach to risk mitigation is necessary due to deep learning methods like CNN, RNN, and DNN have

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Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV057

demonstrated promise in identifying and stopping illegal III. MODELS OF CLOUD SERVICES
access to cloud computing environments. Cloud providers
should set up risk management frameworks and conduct Of the kinds of services that they can offer clients, cloud
routine security assessments in order to efficiently manage systems are categorized in to three primary types. Software as
security risks (Khan, 2012). This event entails determining a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and
risks and weaknesses as well as putting risk-reduction plans Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) are the three types of
into action. Ensuring a secure cloud ecosystem requires a services. Below are the descriptions of the three categories of
comprehensive approach to security risk management that services (Ashraf, 2014).
addresses availability, integrity, and confidentiality (Khan,
2012). In short, identifying and evaluating security risks in  Software as a Service (SaaS) - End Users:
cloud computing environments require a thorough process that It is a kind of cloud computing that Provides services to
considers the features of cloud infrastructure. Through the end customers Such as applications, computing processes, and
implementation of diverse risk assessment frameworks, storage, and users can use these services remotely (Ashraf,
sophisticated detection methodologies, and periodic security 2014). For this kind of service, there are numerous cost-plan
assessments, entities can enhance their comprehension and options, including use-based pricing and fixed subscription
reduce possible security risks in their cloud infrastructures models. The user interface of the software can live on a thin
(Zhang, 2010). client while it runs on the network (Ashraf, 2014).

 Platform as a service (PaaS)- Programmers

It's a type of cloud service that gives developers access to
an extremely integrated environment so they can create, test,
and implement practice software (Ashraf, 2014). Even so,
there are certain restrictions that developers must deal with
when deploying software in this type of service and trading
scalability for software (Ashraf, 2014).

Fig 1. Cloud Service Models

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 Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV057

 Provision of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)-  Data Loss:

Administrators of Systems In the cloud, data loss may be caused by events like
This type of cloud computing focuses on giving system inadvertent deletion, data corruption, or service provider
administrators (sysadmins) access to IT by supplying outages. Permanent data loss is more likely when there are his,
hardware, software, and equipment to create software her, their, etc. inadequate backup. and recovery procedures and
application environments with resource usage-based pricing when there is a reliance on a single cloud provider
(Ashraf, 2014). IaaS can automatically scale up or down based (Alshammari, 2017).
on the resources needed for a given application. The public
can access the IaaS computing process and storage Companies that use cloud services need to put strong
infrastructures at no cost using a fixed utility pricing model security measures in place to reduce these risks and guarantee
(Ashraf, 2014). the privacy, availability, and integrity of their data on the cloud
(Alshammari, 2017). This event entails putting robust
IV. COMMON SECURITY RISKS AND THREATS IN encryption mechanisms in place, carrying out frequent
CLOUD COMPUTING security evaluations, keeping an eye on access-related
activities, and enforcing security best practices in cloud
Cloud computing presents previously unheard-of chances configurations (Alshammari, 2017). Organizations can
for businesses to improve innovation and operational improve their cloud security posture and safeguard sensitive
effectiveness (Alshammari, 2017). But in addition to all the data from potential cyber threats by being aware of the
advantages, using the cloud comes with a number of new security risks and threats related to cloud computing and
security risks and threats that businesses need to be aware of putting proactive security strategies into place (Hashizume,
and guard against. This section sheds light on the difficulties 2013).
that organizations find in safeguarding their data and assets in
the cloud by giving a general overview of some common V. EVALUATION OF EXISTING SECURITY
security risks and threats inherent in cloud computing ASSESSMENT MODELS AND THEIR
(Alshammari, 2017). APPLICABILITY TO CLOUD ENVIRONMENTS

 Data Breaches Numerous studies have assessed the security assessment

The possibility of data breaches, in which unauthorized models that are currently in use for cloud environments,
users obtain access to private information kept in the cloud, is highlighting both their advantages and disadvantages
one of the biggest security concerns associated with cloud (Akinrolabu, 2019). Traditional risk assessment frameworks
computing. Insider threats, insufficient encryption protocols, have been found to be inadequate for cloud computing due to
and weak authentication systems can all lead to data breaches, its unique characteristics and distributed nature (Akinrolabu,
which pose a serious risk to the confidentiality and integrity of 2019). Based on their suitability, flexibility, and engagement
data (Alshammari, 2017). with cloud-based hosting strategies, a number of models have
been contrasted. With minor adjustments needed, OCTAVE
 APIs that aren't Properly Secured: Allegro, COBIT 5, and CORAS were suggested as the best
Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs, are models for cloud hosting (Akinrolabu, 2019). These models
utilized in cloud services and can be subject to attacks. address the CIA Triad and concentrate on the transmission,
Unauthorized access, the exposure of private information, and processing, and storage of information. However, it was
the integrity of cloud apps can all be caused by insecure APIs discovered that ISO27005, NIST SP 800-30, and CRAMM
(Alshammari, 2017). only provided an abstract description of risk management and
assessment, possibly leaving out important details for
 Inadequate Access Management: evaluating cloud risk (Akinrolabu, 2019). It is noteworthy that
Unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and data although management studies have a plethora of security
exposure can result from poorly maintained identity models, very few of them are appropriate for the quickly
management systems and user access controls in cloud evolving cloud environment (Akinrolabu, 2019). Proposed as
environments. Risks associated with access management are an automated security assessment tool for cloud environments,
increased by inadequate access monitoring and weak Cloud Safe has proven to be effective in obtaining security
authentication procedures (Alshammari, 2017). data and generating security reports. Furthermore, the Access
Control Tree (ACT) has been expanded to support instance-
 Malware Infections: based access control models in cloud services, demonstrating
Data integrity may be jeopardized in cloud environments early performance and production-setting suitability results
by malware infections that can propagate throughout that are promising (Akinrolabu, 2019). To sum up, the analysis
networked systems. Data loss and operational disruption are of current security assessment models indicates that more
possible outcomes of malware that targets cloud infrastructure, flexible and dynamic methods are required, especially for
apps, or data (Alshammari, 2017). cloud environments. For cloud-based hosting environments, a
hybrid approach that incorporates components from several

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 Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV057

frameworks might offer a more reliable security assessment  Data Access Control:
methodology (Akinrolabu, 2019). Strict access controls and role-based permissions should
be implemented to guarantee that only individuals with the
VI. APPLICATION OF DATA GOVERNANCE AND proper authorization can view and alter data on the IaaS
SECURITY CHECKLISTS IN IAAS CLOUD platform (Saed, 2018).
COMPUTING
 Data Loss Prevention (DLP):
When incorporating security checklists and data To monitor and stop unwanted data movements or
governance practices into your Infrastructure as a Service exfiltration, incorporate DLP policies and solutions into the
(IaaS) platform, it is imperative to prioritize measures data governance framework (Saed, 2018).
designed to avoid data breaches and losses in your cloud data
center (Saed, 2018) (Singh, 2019). The key things to consider  Incident Response and Disaster Recovery:
in this situation are: To guarantee data continuity and integrity in case of
breaches or data losses, clearly define incident response and
A. Security Checklist: disaster recovery procedures within the data governance
framework (Saed, 2018).
 Comprehensive Security Configuration:
Create and keep an IaaS platform-specific security C. Secure Cloud Data Centers against Data Loss and
configuration checklist (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) in Leakage
place (Singh, 2019). Baseline security settings for network
setups, access controls, encryption techniques, and logging  Real-Time Monitoring:
and monitoring systems should be established via this Integrate threat detection and continuous monitoring into
checklist (Singh, 2019). IaaS environments to quickly detect and resolve possible
security incidents (Almutairi, 2015).
 Identity and Access Management:
IAM has the best configurations, such as multi-factor  Backup and Redundancy:
authentication, least privilege principles, and strict access To reduce the impact of data loss, include strong backup
limits. As a part of the security checklist, examine and update and redundancy procedures in your security checklist. This
user permissions on a regular basis (Singh, 2019). will ensure that important data is regularly backed up and
stored safely (Almutairi, 2015).
 Secure Network Architecture:
To prevent unwanted access and lateral movement in the  Ongoing Security Awareness Training:
cloud environment, include security measures like network To reduce human error and increase awareness of
segmentation, robust firewall setups, and intrusion potential breaches, provide security awareness training to
detection/prevention systems in the security checklist (Singh, those responsible for overseeing the IaaS platform (Almutairi,
2019). 2015).

 Data Encryption: Organizations can take a proactive approach to ensuring

Both in-transit and at-rest data encryption should be data integrity, confidentiality, and availability in IaaS cloud
required by checklist items. Determining encryption computing environments by combining security checklists
mechanisms for sensitive data and confirming their application with data governance practices. This will reduce the
throughout the IaaS infrastructure is part of this (Singh, 2019). possibility of data breach and loss (Almutairi, 2015).

B. Practices for Data Governance: VII. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR

POTENTIAL IMPACT ON CLOUD SECURITY
 Data Classification and Lifecycle Management
Classification and Lifecycle Management of Data The future of data protection in cloud environments is
Creates a data governance architecture with explicit retention, being shaped by emerging technologies, which are crucial in
classification, and disposal policy guidelines (Saed, 2018). addressing cloud security challenges (Rath, 2021). To reduce
Adopt automated data lifecycle management solutions to security risks and create a more secure future for cloud
guarantee adherence to corporate guidelines and legal computing, the latest techniques such as machine learning
obligations (Saed, 2018). (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time monitoring are
being used. These technologies have the potential to increase
system resilience overall, automate security responses, and
improve threat detection (Rath, 2021).

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 Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV057

Blockchain technology is starting to show promise as a IX. CASE STUDIES

remedy for cloud computing security issues. It is especially
helpful in addressing privacy and security issues because of its The protection of cloud computing systems affects many
convincing data integrity properties (Rath, 2021). As well, areas of the US economy as well as national security (Ahn,
cloud native technologies are posing new security challenges 2014). The growing utilization of cloud technologies in
that call for creative solutions. It is expected that cloud various industries demands the implementation of strong
security will be significantly impacted by the integration of security protocols to safeguard confidential information and
these cutting-edge technologies (Rath, 2021). They may vital infrastructure (Ahn, 2014). In the US, advances in cloud
strengthen access controls, strengthen authentication security have improved risk management and data protection
procedures, and mitigate the dangers of insider threats and measures. One large participant in cloud space, IBM, for
illegal access (Rath, 2021). Moreover, these technologies may example, has concentrated on "Securing Cloud Environments
contribute to the security of cloud orchestration and for Enterprise Computing" (Ahn, 2014). This strategy shows
management platforms, enhancing the dependability and how big businesses are giving cloud security top priority in
accessibility of cloud services (Rath, 2021). Interdisciplinary order to protect their operations and customer information. In
cooperation between academics, business professionals, and a similar vein, Cisco's initiatives to create "cloud-based threat
legislators will be essential in creating cutting-edge security detection" systems demonstrate how important proactive
solutions and best practices to successfully use these cutting- measures are becoming in cloud environments (Ahn, 2014).
edge technologies as cloud computing continues to advance It's interesting to note that, despite being one of the top
(Rath, 2021). contributors to cloud security research, the US places a strong
emphasis on real-world applications as opposed to merely
VIII. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE theoretical developments (Ahn, 2014). The need for effective
ISSUES FOR CLOUD COMPUTING security solutions that don't impede cloud performance has led
to the development of “strong, quick, and economical security
There are many legal and regulatory compliance issues measures for safeguarding cloud data stored on virtual
with cloud computing, especially when it comes to data machines”, which demonstrates this. In short, cloud security is
security and privacy. When implementing cloud services, essential to the United States of America's technological
organizations have to navigate complicated legal frameworks leadership and national security (Thiam, 2019). Case studies
because they are in charge of guaranteeing data protection and from well-known tech firms like Cisco and IBM show how
regulatory compliance (Yimam, 2016). Data privacy is one of cutting-edge security measures are put into practice (Thiam,
the main issues, particularly when sensitive data is kept on the 2019). The US needs to stay focused on creating cutting-edge
cloud. Laws relevant to data security, like the General Data security solutions to safeguard its digital infrastructure and
Protection Regulation (GDPR), must be followed by keep its competitive advantage in the global technology
organizations. These laws have a significant impact on the market as cloud adoption keeps increasing (Thiam, 2019).
cloud computing sector (Yimam, 2016). For companies
utilizing cloud services, factors like data ownership, security, X. CONCLUSION
and adherence to data protection regulations are crucial
(Yimam, 2016). Due to cloud computing's global reach, legal To protect their data and operations, businesses need to
issues also arise. There may be concerns regarding applicable be aware of the various security risks and threats posed by
laws and regulations when data is processed and stored across cloud computing (Hashizume, 2013). The efforts of academic
legal jurisdictions. Safe harbor provisions were created to communities and technology organizations to look into threats
handle the legal and regulatory concerns associated with and vulnerabilities related to cloud systems demonstrate the
sending data overseas (Yimam, 2016). To guarantee adherence relevance of these security concerns (Zhang, 2010). The risks
to national and international laws, businesses must still associated with cloud adoption are increasing, especially in
manage these cross-border data transfers with caution. virtualized and multi-tenant environments (Shaikh, 2011). It's
Contractual arrangements between clients and cloud service interesting to note that even though cloud computing is usually
providers are yet another essential component of legal regarded as safe, there are still security risks associated with it
compliance (Yimam, 2016). To manage risks and achieve that users need to be aware of (Khan, 2012). This paradox
regulatory compliance, especially for international emphasizes how crucial user awareness and education are to
transactions and those involving regulated industries like prevent security lapses. Moreover, combining cloud databases
healthcare and financial services, comprehensive contracts and with cutting-edge technologies like blockchain presents
efficient compliance efforts are essential (Yimam, 2016). potential ways to improve security (Alshammari, 2017). In
short, managing cloud security threats necessitates a
diversified strategy. This entails carrying out thorough risk
analysis, putting in place customer-specific security measures,
and encouraging communication between consumers and
cloud service providers. To keep ahead of new cyber threats,
continual research and innovation in cloud security measures

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ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV057

are essential as the threat landscape changes (Hashizume, [13]. Ahn, G.-J., Oprea, A., & Safavi–Naini, R. (2014,
2013). November 7). Proceedings of the 6th edition of the ACM
Workshop on Cloud Computing Security.
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