Assignment Instructions on Cloud Computing Architecture and Security Challenges
Assignment 14
General Assessment Guidance
This assessment is the primary evaluation for the module, focusing on cloud computing systems, architecture design, and security challenges. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate cloud frameworks, identify vulnerabilities, and propose mitigation strategies.
All submissions must be uploaded via Turnitin. Submissions sent via email, pen drive, or hard copy will not be accepted. Late submissions are not permitted. Only your Student Reference Number (SRN) should appear on the document; personal identifiers are not allowed.
The Harvard referencing style must be used consistently. AI tools are only permitted for language refinement or draft review; all analytical reasoning, evaluation, and synthesis must remain original.
A completed Assignment Cover Sheet is required for the submission to be valid.
Assessment Brief
Context of Cloud Computing Architecture
Produce a comprehensive report that investigates the design and security challenges of cloud computing architectures in sectors such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, or public services. The report should explore service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment models (public, private, hybrid, multi-cloud), and associated security concerns, including data breaches, misconfigurations, and compliance issues.
Students should leverage peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and real-world examples to highlight current trends, emerging solutions, and operational complexities. Emphasis should be placed on risk assessment, security controls, and strategic recommendations.
Learning Objectives
LO1 – Analyze cloud computing architectures with emphasis on scalability, flexibility, and operational efficiency.
LO2 – Critically assess security vulnerabilities, regulatory requirements, and ethical considerations in cloud environments.
LO3 – Apply evidence-based reasoning to evaluate architectural trade-offs and propose mitigation strategies.
LO4 – Develop practical, actionable recommendations for secure and resilient cloud deployments.
Core Report Sections
- Cloud Computing Ecosystem Overview
- Structural and Functional Architecture Analysis
- Security Threats and Vulnerability Assessment
- Regulatory, Privacy, and Ethical Considerations
- Comparative Case Studies of Cloud Deployments
- Strategic Recommendations and Operational Roadmap
Each section should include critical evaluation, supported by recent studies, frameworks, and examples, avoiding generic descriptions.
Suggested Report Structure
- Declaration Page (PP)
- Title Page
- Table of Contents
- Cloud Computing Ecosystem Overview
- Structural and Functional Architecture Analysis
- Security Threats and Vulnerability Assessment
- Regulatory, Privacy, and Ethical Considerations
- Comparative Case Studies of Cloud Deployments
- Strategic Recommendations and Operational Roadmap
- Harvard References
- Appendices (if required)
Word Count Breakdown (Approximate)
Cloud Computing Ecosystem Overview – 400
Structural and Functional Architecture Analysis – 500
Security Threats and Vulnerability Assessment – 500
Regulatory, Privacy, and Ethical Considerations – 400
Comparative Case Studies of Cloud Deployments – 400
Strategic Recommendations and Operational Roadmap – 300
Total – approximately 2,500 words
Word allocation is a guideline; focus on analytical depth, evidence, and practical insight.
Cloud Computing Ecosystem Overview
Examine the current landscape of cloud computing, including:
- Service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
- Deployment models: public, private, hybrid, multi-cloud
- Core technologies: virtualization, containerization, microservices, orchestration platforms
- Emerging trends: edge computing, serverless architecture, and AI-enabled cloud services
Provide examples of real-world applications, such as cloud-based health data management, fintech platforms, or e-commerce infrastructure. Highlight the benefits of scalability, agility, and resource optimization.
Structural and Functional Architecture Analysis
Critically evaluate cloud architecture components:
- Infrastructure layer: compute, storage, networking
- Platform layer: middleware, development frameworks, APIs
- Application layer: service deployment, multi-tenancy considerations
- Interoperability and integration challenges between cloud and on-premises systems
Include diagrams or illustrative models to clarify architectural relationships and performance considerations. Discuss trade-offs between cost efficiency, performance, and reliability.
Security Threats and Vulnerability Assessment
Identify and analyse security challenges in cloud environments:
- Data breaches, insider threats, and account hijacking
- Misconfiguration, API vulnerabilities, and insecure endpoints
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks and ransomware
- Risks associated with multi-tenancy and shared infrastructure
Support your discussion with case studies and recent security incident reports, and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation techniques like encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring.
Regulatory, Privacy, and Ethical Considerations
Explore legal, regulatory, and ethical dimensions in cloud computing:
- Compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and other jurisdictional regulations
- Data sovereignty, cross-border data flow challenges
- Ethical considerations in data usage and AI-enabled cloud services
- Accountability and transparency in cloud service provider agreements
Discuss how organizations balance compliance, security, and operational efficiency, referencing best practices and frameworks.
Comparative Case Studies of Cloud Deployments
Incorporate evidence from multiple industries, such as:
- Healthcare: secure patient data management using hybrid clouds
- Finance: fraud detection and real-time analytics in multi-cloud setups
- E-commerce: scaling microservices for high-traffic events
- Government/public sector: cloud adoption for digital services
Compare successes, limitations, and lessons learned, linking insights to architecture design and security strategies.
Strategic Recommendations and Operational Roadmap
Provide actionable guidance for organizations considering or optimizing cloud deployments:
- Selecting appropriate service and deployment models
- Implementing layered security and risk management frameworks
- Developing policies for data governance, privacy, and compliance
- Staff training, change management, and operational monitoring
- Continuous assessment, iterative improvement, and scalability planning
Conclude with a synthesis of strategic value, emphasizing operational resilience, security posture, and alignment with organizational goals.
References and Presentation
- Use Harvard referencing consistently.
- Maintain professional formatting, numbered pages, and correctly labeled tables/figures.
- Demonstrate integration of academic literature, industry reports, and practical examples.