Strengthening cloud security: Addressing gaps in measures and threats

Abstract

This study explores bridging the gap between cloud security measures and existing security threats through a comprehensive analysis of current practices and vulnerabilities. Using the CSA STAR Registry dataset, surveys, and interviews, the research identified critical discrepancies in cloud security. Quantitative analysis revealed high effectiveness in data encryption (mean rating 4.2) but prevalent key management issues. Access controls (mean rating 3.8) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) (mean rating 3.6) also showed significant weaknesses, including high false positive rates and insufficient privilege escalation prevention. Qualitative findings supported these results, highlighting inadequate key management and ineffective IDS. The gap analysis underscored the need for enhanced security frameworks, proposing automated key management systems, advanced multi-factor authentication, AI-driven IDS, and comprehensive continuous security audits. These recommendations aim to address the identified gaps, strengthen cloud security, and align measures more effectively with evolving threats, thus improving overall protection of sensitive data.