Enhancing Data Security and Privacy in Multi-Cloud Environments Using Advanced Encryption and Access Control Mechanisms
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Authors
Adesina, Taofik
Issue Date
2026-06
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Business, Engineering, Science, & Technological Innovation , Student Success Science
Alternative Title
Abstract
Data security and privacy in multi-cloud environments remain vulnerable due to inconsistent encryption standards and inadequate access control mechanisms. As organizations increasingly depend on distributed cloud infrastructures to store and process sensitive information, weaknesses in security implementation expose businesses, government agencies, and individuals to significant cybersecurity risks. The problem addressed in this study was the growing vulnerability of data security and privacy in multi-cloud environments and the limited empirical understanding of how threat perceptions influence the effectiveness of encryption and access control strategies implemented by information technology professionals. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationships among perceived severity of data breaches, perceived vulnerability to cyber threats, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and perceived effectiveness of data security in multi-cloud environments. The study was guided by protection motivation theory, which explains how individuals evaluate threats and coping responses when deciding whether to adopt protective behaviors. Data was collected through structured online surveys administered to 123 information technology professionals and cloud administrators working in organizations that utilize multi-cloud infrastructures. Composite variables were derived from 40 Likert-scale items. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted using statistical software to assess bivariate relationships and the combined predictive influence of the independent variables on perceived data security effectiveness. The results indicated that all four constructs were positively correlated with perceived data security effectiveness. However, multiple regression analysis revealed that response efficacy and self-efficacy were statistically significant predictors, while perceived severity and perceived vulnerability did not uniquely predict the dependent variable. These findings suggest that confidence in the effectiveness of security mechanisms and in one’s ability to implement them plays a stronger role than threat awareness alone in shaping security outcomes. The study concludes that strengthening professional capability and confidence in implementing encryption and access control mechanisms may enhance security effectiveness in multi-cloud environments. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs and objective security performance measures to further examine these relationships and improve generalizability.