A Comprehensive Security Framework for Data Protection Across All Stages of Cloud Migration: Planning, Transfer, and Validation
TL;DR
Results from a controlled testbed evaluation demonstrate that implementing this model substantially reduces the exposure window available to attackers — eliminating credential exposure and unplanned security-related downtime — and supports a smooth, transparent, and secure transition to cloud infrastructure.
Abstract
Data migration to cloud computing environments is a critical process for modern organisations seeking greater scalability, flexibility, and cost optimisation. However, this transition poses significant information security risks, including potential leakage of confidential information, data integrity breaches, and unauthorised access during the transfer. This article proposes an effective and comprehensive security framework specifically designed to protect data throughout all stages of the migration process — planning (pre-migration), actual transfer (during migration), and validation (post-migration). The proposed architecture integrates modern cryptographic methods (encryption of data at rest and in transit), robust identity and access management (IAM) mechanisms, as well as protocols for continuous monitoring and auditing. Through detailed vulnerability analysis and risk assessment, the framework ensures compliance with leading regulatory standards including the GDPR, while minimising business process downtime. Results from a controlled testbed evaluation at up to 200 GB scale demonstrate that implementing this model substantially reduces the exposure window available to attackers — eliminating credential exposure and unplanned security-related downtime — and supports a smooth, transparent, and secure transition to cloud infrastructure. The article provides both a theoretical foundation and practical guidelines applicable to IT professionals, cloud solution architects, and cybersecurity researchers.