Security Threats and Challenges in Cloud Computing

Dr. Deepak Kumar Mohd. Arif Mr. Ashish Saxena

(Assistant Professor) (Assistant Professor) (Assistant Professor)
R.I.M.T Bareilly(U.P) R.I.M.T. Bareilly(U.P.) R.I.M.T. Bareilly(U.P.)

Abstract:- Cloud computing has become a widespread phenomenon that many people rely on
daily. Similar to any major social trend, there are common themes that are universally
recognized. In today’s landscape, cloud computing is seen as a rapidly evolving field that
leverages hardware and software virtualization to provide scalable services over the Internet.
One of the key advantages of cloud computing is its ability to allow users to lease and release
resources based on their needs, offering flexibility. This leads to increased efficiency, which
helps balance operational costs and reduces the high expenses associated with hardware and
software.
While adopting cloud technologies brings numerous benefits, it also raises privacy concerns, as
data can move between different providers without the user's direct control. Over the past few
decades, demand for cloud services has grown steadily, driving greater interest in the field.
Organizations utilizing cloud storage solutions can enjoy benefits like cost savings, simplified IT
management, and remote access to data from anywhere with an Internet connection. However,
further research is necessary to fully address the security and privacy challenges associated with
cloud computing. Previous studies by academic, industry, and standards organizations have
proposed potential solutions to these concerns.
A primary issue arises from the fact that users no longer control their data, as it is stored on
servers owned by the cloud provider. This becomes problematic when the interests of the user,
who may prioritize privacy, conflict with the provider’s goals, which may involve using the data
for business purposes. Additional concerns include automated management, guaranteed service
provisioning, and uncertainty about future system upgrades, which can hinder broader adoption
of cloud technologies. This research delves into the core aspects of cloud computing,
highlighting its security flaws, vulnerabilities, and potential solutions. It also covers key topics
such as cloud technologies, architectural frameworks, and the risks and threats associated with
cloud security.

Keywords: Cloud computing, Internet, Hardware, Software, Technology

Introduction: "Cloud computing" resources—such as platforms, development

encompasses both the technology and the services, and hardware—that can be
software housed in data centers that deliver dynamically adjusted to maximize resource
Internet-based services, as well as the utilization through load balancing, elasticity,
applications themselves. The rapid growth and scalability. Unlike traditional methods,
of the internet and the expansion of cloud computing provides scalability and
computing resources have made enables the efficient delivery of services to
technological advancements more powerful multiple customers at an affordable cost. To
and widespread than ever before. As meet the demands of consumers for storage,
technology has become more accessible and processing power, and communication,
affordable, a new computing model known companies like Microsoft, Google, and
as cloud computing has emerged. Clouds are Amazon have established extensive global
large pools or clusters of virtualized data centers, offering public cloud services.
Cloud computing heavily relies on virtual
storage to deliver on-demand services over
the Internet. One of its key benefits is that it
removes the need for customers to invest in
costly computer infrastructure while
providing affordable services. Over the past
few years, cloud computing has become
deeply integrated into various sectors of the
economy, prompting researchers to explore
new technologies linked to this field. As Source: https://medium.com/@gevbimtek
cloud storage servers offer scalable and
easily accessible computing services, both
individuals and businesses are increasingly
migrating their applications, data, and Characteristics of Cloud Computing
services to these platforms. However, Cloud computing possesses several key
despite its advantages, this shift from local attributes that make it one of the fastest-
to remote computing introduces several growing sectors in today's economy.
security risks and challenges for both service
providers and users. The fact that many 2.1 Resource Pooling: Resource pooling is
cloud services are managed by trusted third a fundamental aspect of cloud computing. It
parties has led to an increase in security refers to a cloud service provider's ability to
threats. allocate resources across multiple clients
while delivering tailored services to meet
When we plug in any electrical appliance, each client's specific needs. This multi-client
we rarely think about how electricity is approach is applicable to processing,
produced or how it reaches the outlet. This bandwidth allocation, and data storage. The
process is made possible by the management system for real-time resource
virtualization of power. While power is allocation operates seamlessly, ensuring that
easily accessed from a wall socket, the vast the client's experience remains unaffected.
network of power grids and generating 2.2 On-demand self-services: This is a vital
facilities remains hidden from view. and essential aspect of cloud computing. It
Researchers can expand on this concept by allows the client to monitor the server's
enhancing information technology, performance, uptime, and available network
providing valuable information and services storage. This fundamental feature enables
to users without them being aware of the users to adjust processing power based on
underlying infrastructure. In this context, the their specific needs.
entire computational environment is 2.3 Easy Maintenance: One of the key
considered to be fully virtualized. advantages of cloud computing is its ease of
maintenance and minimal downtime. Cloud-
based resources are continuously updated to
improve performance. These updates are
faster than previous versions and offer better
compatibility with various devices.
2.4 Scalability and rapid elasticity: A key
benefit of cloud computing is its rapid
scalability. This feature allows clients to
handle workloads that require extensive
server resources affordably for short periods. services, such as servers, databases, and
These types of workloads are common network systems, can restart and recover
among users, and cloud computing's after a breach. Another critical factor is the
scalability makes it possible to manage them accessibility of cloud computing, as cloud
efficiently. services can be accessed from any location,
2.5 Economical: This cloud feature helps removing geographical restrictions and
businesses reduce their IT costs. Clients are enabling users to utilize cloud resources
only required to pay for the resources they without limitations.
use in the cloud, with no additional or 2.10 Large Network Access: One of the
hidden fees. Due to their efficiency, service standout features of cloud computing is its
providers often offer extra storage space at wide accessibility. Clients can access or
no additional charge. upload data to the cloud from anywhere, as
long as they have a device and an internet
2.6 Measured and reporting service: connection. These capabilities are available
Reporting services are just one of the many across the entire organization through online
benefits that make the cloud an ideal choice tools. Cloud providers optimize network
for businesses. A reporting and monitoring traffic by monitoring and managing factors
system benefits both cloud providers and such as latency, access time, and data
their customers by tracking service usage throughput, which reflect how customers
and its purposes. This helps manage billing interact with cloud services and data.
efficiently and optimize resource utilization. 3. Cloud Computing Architecture:
2.7 Security: Data security is a significant
advantage of cloud computing. Cloud
services create backups of data to prevent
loss. If one server experiences data loss, the
duplicate copy from another server can be
used for restoration. This feature is
particularly valuable when multiple users are
working on a single file simultaneously and
the file becomes corrupted.
2.8 Automation: Cloud computing stands
out for its ability to automate tasks.
Automation in cloud computing allows for
the automatic setup, installation, and
maintenance of cloud services. Essentially, it
aims to maximize technology while Source: https://www.guru99.com/
minimizing manual effort. However,
achieving automation in a cloud
environment can be challenging. It involves Cloud computing is designed to scale
deploying servers, virtual machines, and efficiently, enabling the processing of vast
extensive storage, all of which require amounts of data within a tenant
regular maintenance once properly set up. organization. Key attributes such as resource
2.9 Resilience: Resilience in cloud pooling, self-service capabilities, metered
computing refers to a service's capacity to services, and broad network access enhance
recover quickly from disruptions. A key cloud architecture. It integrates Service-
indicator of resilience is how fast cloud Oriented Architecture (SOA) with Event-
Driven Architecture (EDA) to optimize
performance. The cloud computing In cloud computing architecture, all user
architecture consists of several core interactions take place on the frontend. The
components, including runtime user interface consists of multiple
environments, storage, infrastructure, subcomponents that function together
management, security, client infrastructure, seamlessly. The primary elements of the
and applications. frontend include the User Interface, Client
Infrastructure, Software, and Network.
The frontend architecture is the user-facing 4.2 Back-End Cloud Architecture
component, encompassing client-side The backend is responsible for supporting
interfaces and applications that facilitate the functionality of the frontend. It consists
interaction with cloud platforms. of hardware and storage components, all
Communication between the frontend and managed by the cloud service provider.
backend occurs via networks such as the Reliability is a crucial aspect of the cloud
Internet, with middleware acting as a bridge backend, as it ensures seamless operation
that enables data exchange. Examples of and integration. The key components of
frontend components include web browsers, backend architecture include the application,
mobile applications, tablets, and other client runtime environment, storage, infrastructure,
devices. management software, and security.
5. Objectives of the study
The backend, in contrast, represents the 5.1. Identify the current security challenges
cloud infrastructure itself. It consists of the in cloud computing and explore the
essential tools and systems managed by solutions proposed in existing literature.
cloud service providers to operate and 5.2. Analyze the difficulties for which there
maintain cloud services. This includes data are no established mitigation techniques.
storage, security mechanisms, and 6. Research Question
middleware, which facilitate seamless 6.1. What are the security challenges in
connectivity between devices. The backend cloud computing?
plays a critical role in protecting user data, 6.2. What remedies are available to address
ensuring security, and managing network cloud security-related issues?
traffic. Key aspects of backend operations 6.3. How can a company handle a security
include traffic management systems, virtual issue that has been identified but lacks a
machines, and large-scale data storage mitigation plan?
solutions. 7. Methodology and Results
The proposed framework ensures data
4. Component of cloud Architecture protection even from system administrators
with the highest level of access on a storage
node. Each storage node is integrated with a
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip,
which enables remote attestation and
securely stores encryption and decryption
keys for client data. The TPM maintains the
necessary cryptographic keys, while every
storage server incorporates an encrypted file
system to safeguard client data.
Source: https://websitetoon.com/
Cryptographic methods are utilized to
4.1 Front end cloud architecture establish secure communication between the
client and the cloud. This system ensures
that client data is stored only on trusted
servers, preventing malicious administrators
from transferring it to compromised nodes.
7.1. Implementation Design
For implementing the aforementioned
framework, a cloud computing platform is
deployed on at least one host, with each host
equipped with a hardware TPM chip and
network connectivity between the hosts. In
the current setup, two physical servers were
Source: https://www.veritis.com/
utilized: one host ran the OpenStack
"While cloud computing undeniably offers
Compute service, while the other managed
numerous benefits, it also introduces various
additional OpenStack services along with
security challenges. Below are some of the
the Trusted Third Party service.
key security concerns associated with cloud
Communication between the nodes was
computing. One of the main obstacles to
established through a directed Ethernet
cloud adoption is the multi-tenancy nature,
connection over a Cat6 link.
which can complicate security
7.2 Controller node setup
management."
A Dell OptiPlex 170L with an Intel(R)
8.1.Privacy: "The hosting company may
Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz processor and
access user data, whether with
1 GB RAM served as the cloud controller's
consent or not. The service provider
host.
has continuous access to the data
7.3 Compute node setup
stored in the cloud and could
A Dell PowerEdge 310 with an Intel(R)
potentially alter, delete, or modify it
Xeon(R) CPUX3450, 2.67GHz, and 8 GB of
at their discretion."
RAM served as the process node's host. The
8.2.Compliance: "Various types of
host had a TPM chip 1.2 Level 2 installed.
hosting and data are required in
7.4 Implementation of TPMI
different locations. To meet specific
The following ancillary public services were
regulations, such as the Federal
discovered by the TPMI to support the
Information Security Management
proposed convention:
Act or the Health Insurance
Calling Attest host/2 from manager.py is
Portability and Accountability Act,
necessary to verify the host and obtain the
users may need to implement costly
N0, HVM
deployment procedures."
Initiate_ attestation (URL :: string (),
8.3.Security: "Cloud services often rely
Token :: string ()
on third-party security and storage
8. Issues in cloud computing solutions. When users access these
services for free or at a discounted
rate, it raises the question of whether
they can reasonably expect their data
to be fully protected and preserved.
There's a possibility that user data
may be shared with third parties, and
security risks can emerge within the
cloud environment.”
8.4.Sustainability: "The location of entrusted to a third party. Choosing
servers in cloud computing can have the right provider can help mitigate
various environmental impacts. concerns about potential data loss
Some regions benefit from easy and ensure smooth recovery if
access to renewable energy sources needed.
and natural cooling, which have 8.8.IT Management: To ensure a secure
minimal environmental effects. A computing environment that adheres
slight reduction in energy to corporate IT and legal regulations,
consumption can lead to a significant an appropriate IT governance model
decrease in carbon footprint, as data is essential for cloud computing.
centers are spread across different Successful implementation and
cloud locations and can tap into a maintenance of cloud services
mix of energy sources, including require various organizational
renewable." capabilities, including demand
8.5. Abuse: Along with acquiring management, relationship
hardware for personal use, management, data security, risk
individuals may also subscribe to management, and compliance
cloud computing services for oversight.
malicious purposes. This can involve 8.9.Lack of resources/Skilled
initiating cyberattacks or cracking expertise: One of the key challenges
passwords by leveraging premium businesses and organizations face
resources. today is the lack of skilled
8.6.Higher Cost: A basic cloud service professionals and resources. With
subscription may not be sufficient for many companies either transitioning
a large and diverse business. To to cloud services or already utilizing
ensure seamless access to cloud them, cloud service providers must
resources, a high-capacity network is rapidly innovate to accommodate
essential, as standard internet increasing workloads. As new tools
connections may not provide the and technologies emerge daily,
necessary speed and reliability. staying updated becomes
Without this, handling complex increasingly difficult. This growing
applications and projects can become demand highlights the need for
challenging. This limitation often experienced and well-trained
prevents small businesses from fully personnel. The most effective way to
integrating cloud computing into address these challenges is by
their daily operations. providing ongoing training for IT
8.7.Recovery of lost data in and development teams.
contingency: Before selecting a 9. Challenges in cloud
cloud service provider, carefully computing
review their policies and 9.1.Adequate Protection: As cloud
documentation to ensure their computing continues to evolve and
services align with your needs and gain popularity among startups, it
that they maintain a robust has become a target for hackers
infrastructure with regular upkeep. seeking to infiltrate networks and
When you subscribe to a cloud steal sensitive information. Data
service, your data is essentially security remains a primary concern,
 with threats such as phishing attacks, oversight of asset management and
botnets, and data loss posing maintenance. A dedicated team must
significant risks to an organization’s be responsible for ensuring that
software and information. cloud resources are utilized in
9.2.Password Security: The security of accordance with established policies
your cloud account diminishes as and guidelines. To support business
more users gain access to it. Anyone objectives, assets should be managed
with access or knowledge of your efficiently, and maintenance should
credentials can potentially view be conducted as needed.
sensitive data. To mitigate this risk, 9.6.Performance: When transitioning
businesses must implement strong corporate applications to the cloud or
security measures, such as multi- a third-party vendor, your business
factor authentication and strict becomes reliant on the chosen
credential management. Regular provider. One of the biggest
password updates are essential, challenges in cloud computing is
especially when an employee leaves selecting the right service provider.
the organization. Additionally, Before making an investment,
usernames and passwords should be consider companies that utilize
shared only when absolutely advanced technologies and integrate
necessary to enhance security. business intelligence (BI) and other
9.3.Cost of cloud computing: Utilizing cloud-based functionalities into their
cloud computing and a high-speed systems. It is essential to carefully
internet connection to access evaluate potential providers and
application software can significantly ensure they have effective
lower expenses related to hardware, procedures in place to promptly
software, management, and resolve any issues that may arise.
maintenance. This reduction in costs 9.7.Multiple Cloud Management:
makes cloud services a cost-effective Businesses are increasingly investing
solution. However, adapting a third- in hybrid cloud solutions, multiple
party platform to meet specific private clouds, and various public
organizational needs can be both cloud services. This trend has gained
costly and complex. significant momentum in recent
9.4.Lack of expertise: With the growth years. As a result, it has become
of workloads and advancements in crucial to identify the challenges
cloud technology, managing cloud these companies encounter and
environments has become develop effective solutions to
increasingly complex. There has maintain a competitive edge.
been a persistent demand for skilled 10. Conclusion:
professionals capable of handling This paper highlights the key
cloud computing tools and services. security risks in cloud computing
To address this challenge, businesses and explores suggested mitigation
must invest in training their IT teams strategies. However, some
to enhance their expertise and unresolved issues still pose concerns
minimize potential risks. for dedicated cloud computing users.
9.5.Control: Another ethical concern in
cloud computing is ensuring proper
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