Advancing Data Sovereignty in Distributed Environments: An In-Depth Exploration of Data Localization Challenges

Data localization in distributed computing has gotten a lot of attention because it has the potential to improve data sovereignty, make sure regulations are followed, and make data easier to access. However, this practice also brings forth a multitude of challenges and threats to cybersecurity, data privacy, and overall information security. In this comprehensive survey paper, we delve into the complex landscape of challenges and threats associated with data localization in distributed computing environments. We explore the intricate interplay between data localization, distributed infrastructure, cybersecurity, and privacy concerns. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of various challenges such as regulatory compliance, data integrity, authentication, and access control, along with potential threats like data breaches, insider attacks, and unauthorized access. Furthermore, we investigate the state-of-the-art security mechanisms, encryption techniques, privacy-preserving methods, and access control strategies that researchers and practitioners have developed to address these challenges. Through this survey, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the critical issues surrounding data localization within cloud computing and shed light on the emerging trends and potential solutions that can pave the way for secure and privacy-aware data localization practices.