Published Paper Details:

As cloud computing becomes the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, ensuring data privacy and security in cloud environments has emerged as a critical concern for enterprises and individuals alike. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current landscape of data privacy and security in the cloud, highlighting the key challenges, emerging threats, and advanced techniques designed to mitigate risks. With the exponential growth of cloud services, sensitive data faces diverse vulnerabilities, including data breaches, insider threats, and compliance challenges. The study explores state-of-the-art encryption methods, including encryption for data-at-rest, data-in-transit, and data-in-use, as well as innovative privacy-preserving technologies like homomorphic encryption and confidential computing. The discussion extends to the role of regulatory frameworks--such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA--and their impact on data sovereignty and access control. Additionally, the paper examines the principles of Zero Trust Architecture and its application in enforcing stringent security measures in cloud-native environments. Best practices for incident response, data loss prevention, and secure DevOps (DevSecOps) are analysed to provide a holistic approach to cloud security. Finally, the review addresses the evolving landscape of threats and anticipates future advancements in privacy-preserving technologies, emphasizing the need for a proactive and adaptive security posture. This paper aims to offer a nuanced understanding of data privacy and security dynamics, equipping researchers and practitioners with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of cloud security and contribute to building a more secure cloud ecosystem.