Evolving Cloud Authentication: Identity-Centric Strategies, Automation, and Future Trends

Author(s): Shailaja Beeram

Publication #: 2601005

Date of Publication: 17.01.2026

Country: United States

Pages: 1-3

Published In: Volume 12 Issue 1 January-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62970/IJIRCT.v12.i1.2601005

Abstract

In the modern digital enterprise landscape, cloud adoption has accelerated the need for robust, scalable, and adaptive authentication mechanisms. Traditional perimeter-based security architecture has proven inadequate in protecting distributed cloud environments. Organizations are shifting toward identity-centric models where the user identity, rather than the network boundary, defines trust. This paper explores the core principles of cloud authentication, federated identity management, and modern access control mechanisms, while emphasizing automation driven identity governance and security orchestration. A case study demonstrates the implementation of identity automation within a midsized enterprise highlighting measurable improvements in operational efficiency and risk reduction. The paper concludes with an analysis of emerging trends such as password less authentication, decentralized identity, and zero-trust architecture as key enablers for the next generation of secure cloud ecosystems.

Keywords: Cloud authentication, identity-centric security, federated identity, multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), zero-trust architecture (ZTA), passwordless authentication, identity automation, Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), AWS IAM, conditional access, CIAM, AI-driven access control.

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