Comprehensive Analysis on Security Challenges in Virtualized Cloud Infrastructure

In recent years, virtualized cloud infrastructure evolving rapidly as it creates virtual versions of physical hardware resources like storage, servers, and networks. However, the virtualized nature of cloud environments introduces challenges of complex security that threaten data availability, confidentiality, and integrity. The main aim of this survey is to provide a comprehensive overview of key security issues that essential in infrastructures of virtualized cloud. The paper analyses different challenges, including hypervisor exploits, inter-Virtual Machine (VM) communication issues, inadequate isolation and VM sprawl. Moreover, it also evaluates mechanisms of contemporary defense and best practices aimed at securing virtualized layers. The motivation behind this survey is to identify research gaps for future advancements and to support practitioners and researchers in understanding concerns of critical security. Additionally, virtualized cloud infrastructure security requires continuous evolution to counter emerging threats, making it dynamic and essential area of research. In spite of various advancements, persistent challenges such as dynamic threat landscapes, complex configurations, lack of visibility, and evolving attack vectors continue to hinder secure deployment.