Cloud Computing Adoption Strategies Many organizations have adopted cloud computing. In this assignment, you will research cloud computing and explore its advantages and disadvantages. You will also consider best practices for adopting cloud computing, selecting a particular cloud computing service model, and assessing and mitigating security risks.

Cloud Computing: Benefits and Risks

Introduction

Cloud computing has transformed how organizations store, process, and access data. Businesses leverage cloud services to enhance scalability, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency. However, cloud adoption also presents challenges, particularly concerning security, compliance, and data privacy. This paper explores the advantages, disadvantages, best practices, service models, and security risk management in cloud computing.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

1. Cost Savings – Organizations eliminate the need for expensive on-premises infrastructure and only pay for the resources they use.
2. Scalability – Cloud services allow businesses to scale resources up or down based on demand.
3. Accessibility & Collaboration – Employees can access data and applications from anywhere, improving remote work efficiency.
4. Automatic Updates & Maintenance – Cloud providers handle software updates, reducing IT overhead.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

1. Security Risks – Data breaches, unauthorized access, and misconfigurations can lead to data loss.
2. Compliance Challenges – Organizations must ensure adherence to industry regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and NIST.
3. Vendor Lock-in – Migrating between cloud providers can be costly and complex.
4. Downtime & Connectivity Issues – Cloud reliance on internet connectivity can cause disruptions during outages.

Cloud Computing Service Models

According to NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), cloud services fall into three categories:

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure).
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a development environment for building applications (e.g., Google App Engine).
• Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers ready-to-use software applications (e.g., Microsoft 365, Dropbox).

Best Practices for Cloud Adoption

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment – Identify security vulnerabilities before migrating data.
2. Choose the Right Cloud Model – Select IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS based on business needs.
3. Implement Strong Security Measures – Use encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and access controls. APA