Mr. Ravi Kumar Vankayalapati

Securing Cloud Environments with Zero Trust Architectures: Best Practices for Identity and Access Management (IAM) in Public and Private Clouds

Abstract

As organizations increasingly adopt cloud technologies, securing cloud environments has become a critical priority. This paper explores the integration of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in cloud environments, focusing on best practices for Identity and Access Management (IAM) across both public and private clouds. Zero Trust emphasizes strict identity verification, continuous monitoring, and least-privilege access to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access, data breaches, and internal threats. The paper outlines key IAM strategies, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and adaptive security policies, as essential components for strengthening cloud security. It also examines the unique challenges and solutions for implementing Zero Trust in diverse cloud environments, offering practical guidance for organizations seeking to enhance their cloud security posture. By adopting Zero Trust principles and robust IAM practices, enterprises can better safeguard their digital assets and maintain compliance with evolving security regulations.