What risk is associated with the cloud service provider under consideration by the security architect?

The risk associated with the cloud service provider under consideration by the security architect pertains to poor physical access control. This is crucial because the physical security of the data centers where cloud services are hosted plays a significant role in protecting sensitive information. If a cloud service provider has inadequate measures in place to control who can physically access the servers, it could lead to unauthorized access or tampering, which can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data stored in the cloud.

Proper physical access control is essential for preventing insider threats and ensuring that only vetted personnel can enter sensitive areas. Events such as theft, vandalism, or the introduction of malicious software could all stem from poor physical security practices, making this a critical consideration for organizations relying on cloud services.

In addition, while risks related to data encryption vulnerabilities, high operational costs, and lack of scalability are important considerations, they do not directly address the immediate physical security concerns tied to how a cloud service provider manages its facilities and who has access to those physical resources. Thus, the most pertinent risk highlighted in this scenario is the poor physical access control of the cloud service provider.