Enhancing Security in Cloud Computing: Challenges, Techniques and Future Trends

Abstract - Cloud computing has revolutionized the way organizations store, manage, and process data by offering scalable and on-demand resources. However, this shift to the cloud introduces significant security challenges that demand rigorous attention. Issues such as data breaches, insecure interfaces, insider threats, and regulatory compliance remain major concerns for both cloud service providers and consumers. This paper investigates the key security challenges in cloud computing environments and evaluates the current techniques employed to mitigate these risks. Additionally, it explores emerging trends and technologies, including artificial intelligence, zero-trust architectures, and confidential computing, that are shaping the future of cloud security. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cloud security landscape, highlight existing solutions, and identify areas requiring further research and innovation. Key Words: Cloud Computing, Security, Data privacy, Virtualization, Encryption, Authentication