A Generic Approach for the Automated Notarization of Cloud Configurations Using Blockchain-Based Trust

The use of cloud applications is becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability and cost advantages. However, companies need help in adopting cloud applications due to their internal policies and compliance requirements. Trust and security are crucial factors that influence the adoption of cloud applications. This book proposes a cloud architecture that addresses this challenge by shifting the trust for compliance-driven configurations of cloud applications from the cloud application provider to the blockchain. The architecture was developed using design science research and evaluated using mixed-method semi-structured guided interviews. The results show that the proposed architecture can significantly reduce adoption risk due to compliance-driven cloud application configurations, shifting trust from the cloud provider to the blockchain. This book presents an innovative approach to address the challenge of adopting cloud applications, and enhancing trust and security for businesses.

About the authorThorsten Weber, PhD, is a Senior InfoSec Compliance Specialist at SAP SE and a Research Fellow at the Institute for IT Management & Digitalization at FOM university, specializing in cybersecurity, cryptography, and AI. With experience working for NATO in Brussels and leading cybersecurity teams, his research now focuses on AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and blockchain-based smart contracts.