This paper provides a comprehensive overview of cloud security principles, highlighting the critical areas of data confidentiality, identity security, access controls, and the role of monitoring and event logging in maintaining secure cloud environments. It addresses organizations' common challenges, such as improper identity and access management, insecure APIs, and potential unauthorized access risks. The discussion includes detailed strategies for mitigating these issues, such as implementing strong authentication protocols, network segmentation, continuous security assessments, and robust employee training programs. The paper also highlights the importance of multifactor authentication (MFA) and the innovative use of passwordless authentication to enhance security and user experience. It explores using SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and SOAR (Security Orchestration Automation and Response) technologies to bolster cybersecurity through real-time analysis and automated incident response.