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Virginia Tech

Securing the Public Cloud: Host-Obscure Computing with Secure Enclaves

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

As the practice of renting remote computing resources from a cloud computing platform becomes increasingly popular, the security of such systems is a subject of continued scrutiny. This thesis explores the current state of cloud computing security along with critical components of the cloud computing model. It identifies the need to trust a third party with sensitive information as a substantial obstacle for cloud computing customers. It then proposes a new model, Host-Obscure Computing, for a cloud computing service using secure enclaves and encryption that allows a customer to execute code remotely without exposing sensitive information, including program flow control logic. It presents a proof of concept for a secure cloud computing service using confidential computing technology, cryptography, and an emulator that runs in a secure memory space. It then provides an analysis of its effectiveness at reducing data exposure and its performance impact. Finally, it analyzes this model's advantages and its potential impact on the cloud computing industry.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Computer Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2021

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Cain, Chandler Lee
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Ransbottom, J. Scot
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Midkiff, Scott F.
  • Tront, Joseph G.
  • Raymond, David Richard

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:29139
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/101869

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Cain, Chandler Lee. Securing the Public Cloud: Host-Obscure Computing with Secure Enclaves. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/101869