Multi-Cloud Security Optimization Using Novel Hybrid JADE-Geometric Mean Optimizer

This paper proposes a novel hybrid metaheuristic, called JADEGMO, that combines the adaptive parameter control of adaptive differential evolution with optional external archive (JADE) with the search strategies of geometric mean optimizer (GMO). The goal is to enhance both exploration and exploitation stratifies for solving complex optimization tasks. JADEGMO inherits JADE’s adaptive mutation and crossover strategies while leveraging GMO’s swarm-inspired velocity updates guided by elite solutions. The experimental evaluations on IEEE CEC2022 benchmark suites demonstrate that JADEGMO not only achieves superior average performance compared to multiple state-of-the-art methods but also exhibits low variance across repeated runs. Convergence curves, box plots, and rank analyses confirm that JADEGMO consistently finds high-quality solutions while maintaining diversity and avoiding premature convergence. To highlight its applicability, we employ JADEGMO in a real-world multi-cloud security configuration scenario. This problem models the trade-offs among baseline risk, encryption overhead, open ports, privilege levels, and subscription-based security features across three cloud platforms. JADEGMO outperforms other common metaheuristics in locating cost-efficient configurations that minimize risk while balancing overhead and subscription expenses.