Cloud Security in the Era of Big Data and IoT: A Review of Emerging Risks and Protective Technologies

Abstract

The proliferation of digital ecosystems—driven by the convergence of cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—has introduced new dimensions of complexity to cybersecurity. This study presents an in-depth examination of emerging risks, including data breaches, insecure APIs, insider threats, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and IoT, specific vulnerabilities such as botnets and firmware flaws. It further evaluates protective technologies such as encryption techniques (including homomorphic encryption and TLS protocols), identity and access management frameworks (RBAC, MFA), and secure API protocols (OAuth, OpenID Connect). Advanced mechanisms such as artificial intelligence-based anomaly detection, blockchain for trust assurance, and edge computing for data localization are critically analyzed for their potential to enhance cloud and IoT security. Through an integrated approach supported by recent academic and industry literature, this work identifies current gaps, maps future research directions, and recommends adaptive, policy-aligned strategies to strengthen digital trust. The findings reinforce the imperative for multilayered, proactive, and globally harmonized cybersecurity models to safeguard critical infrastructures and sensitive information in hyperconnected environments.