Which of the following is an advantage of cloud computing?

Choosing scalability and cost efficiency as an advantage of cloud computing is accurate because cloud service models allow businesses and individuals to dynamically adjust their resources based on demand. This means that users can easily scale up or down their computing resources—such as processing power, storage, and networking—without needing to invest in physical hardware. This flexibility leads to significant cost savings, as users only pay for the resources they utilize rather than maintaining a fixed amount of on-premises infrastructure.

Additionally, cloud computing offers a variety of pricing models, which can further enhance cost efficiency by aligning expenses with actual usage. Therefore, organizations can allocate their budgets more effectively, reducing waste and optimizing resource management as operations grow or change.

While other options mention aspects like security or hardware needs, they do not directly highlight the defining features of cloud services that contribute to its widespread adoption and operational agility. Scalability and cost efficiency are fundamental benefits that drive businesses toward cloud solutions, allowing them to remain competitive and responsive to market demands.