The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has certified Microsoft’s cloud services for use by Government Agencies to host protected data.
The approval was announced by the Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security, Angus Taylor who said the move would accelerate the adoption of cloud technology by Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments.
Mr Taylor said cloud storage and sharing services were extremely useful, convenient and popular with users from individuals up to large businesses and Governments.
However, cloud computing providers offered varying levels of security.
“It has never been more important for Government and Australian enterprises to strategically manage cyber security risks,” Mr Taylor said.
“To respond to potential cloud-related threats, the Government released a Secure Cloud Strategy in February 2018 and is reforming its cloud certification capability, including appointing a new senior responsible officer within the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).”
He said Microsoft’s involvement would deliver cloud computing skills to an additional 5,000 APS employees by 2020.
“Microsoft is the first hyper-scale public cloud provider to achieve certification for protected data in Australia, and joins four other service providers with the Protected classification, Dimension Data, Macquarie Telecom, Sliced Tech and Vault Systems,” Mr Taylor said.
The Minister said other areas of reform included a new Agency engagement plan, the publishing of clear guidance for Agencies and partners, and a review of the certification program to ensure it met the requirements of emerging technology.
