The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has released a new whole-of-Government strategy for ensuring the security of data held by Government Agencies.
The new Whole-of-Government Hosting Strategy provides a framework that strengthens data sovereignty, supply chain and data centre ownership provisions to increase security, protect privacy and improve resilience of data infrastructure.
Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation, Michael Keenan said the strategy included a requirement that data centre facilities hosting high-value Government data achieved certification as ‘sovereign’ or ‘assured’ data centres.
“Australians need to be sure Government data is subject to safeguards that meet the most stringent sovereignty and security requirements,” Mr Keenan said.
“This strategy will ensure that we have a trusted, secure hosting ecosystem, including data centre and network infrastructure, and our services can rely on data being safe and secure throughout the supply chain.”
He said that as part of the strategy, a new Digital Infrastructure Service would be established to manage data centre certification “and ensure the ecosystem is supported by an effective and efficient network infrastructure”.
The Minister said DTA would also work with industry to develop a genuine strategic partnership that recognised Government as a single customer.
“This is the first time the Australian Government has had a clear and coordinated approach to the hosting of Government data that recognises data security and sovereignty are key enablers for delivering services digitally,” Mr Keenan said.
“Having these standards in place will build greater confidence in the quality of infrastructure and cloud hosting service investment decisions.”
The strategy can be accessed on the DTA website at this PS News link.
