IaaS PaaS SaaS

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.