Securing the cloud: A comprehensive analysis of data security challenges and solutions

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Through cloud computing, organizations and individuals have access to more flexible, scalable and cost effective storage of data as well as a means to access and manage data. The problem is, however, the immense adoption of cloud computing has resulted in data security challenges across the globe. This work investigates different security problems that cloud infrastructures face such as data leaks, insider attacks, encryption problems and weaknesses related to common resources and multi-tenant models. However, cloud technology has significant benefits, and these risks must be safeguarded against with well tried and tested strategies. The principal solutions suggested to secure cloud data are advanced encryption techniques, including homomorphic and end-to-end encryption. The study also looks at the growing adoption of Zero Trust security model, where continuous authentication, least privilege access, and micro segmentation are being implemented to curtail entry by unauthorized users and data breaches. In addition, I illustrate the significance of regulatory frameworks including GDPR and HIPAA in enforcing compliance, and steering cloud service providers to uphold the highest possible security standards. This finding paves the way for cloud computing to deliver unprecedented flexibility, but exposing security challenges that will need a multidisciplinary solution. AI driven threat detection coupled with secure encryption and Zero Trust frameworks can be powerful data protection strategies for the cloud. The study, however, also highlights major gaps that need to be bridged, including developing better insider threat management, better encryption practices and clearer regulatory standards. Further research is needed for the future to investigate other technologies yet to come to be, and what they will mean for cloud data security (quantum computing to name one example). The research presents a thorough review of the security of information in the cloud, providing useful insights for cloud service providers, industry leaders and policy makers. Future research recommendations include facilitating more robust encryption techniques, adding behavioral analytics for discovering insider threat, and addressing changing risks on cloud computing environments.