Abstract
In the rapidly evolving realm of cloud computing, the surging adoption and its profound role in modern IT infrastructures necessitate a vigilant exploration of emerging security challenges and threats. While prior studies have categorized threats, the need for integrated solutions is evident, and an integrated study is evident, with only a limited few addressing this requirement and providing critical correlations among the factors influencing cloud computing security. This paper conducts a state-of-the-art, in-depth exploration of multifaceted cloud security challenges, organized into a five-perspective taxonomy spanning cloud service models, architecture, networking, stakeholders, and data. It begins by contextualizing the rapid ascent of cloud computing within contemporary IT landscapes. This taxonomy offers a structured framework that dissects challenges and provides a roadmap for problem-solving. Extracting four critical variables from the five perspectives and 8 key metrics for security issues related to cloud service models, this review article bridges the gap between theory and practice, emphasizing the need for precision in navigating these complexities.