DTA releases Secure Cloud Strategy

The Digital Transformation Agency has released its new federal government cloud strategy, to replace the Australian Government Cloud Computing Policy released in 2014.

The new Secure Cloud Strategy has been developed to help agencies move towards a more agile method of service improvement by utilising the cloud.

It focuses on preparing agencies for a transition through the cloud and supporting them through the process. Agencies are intended to develop their own cloud strategies using the Secure Cloud Strategy as a starting point.

It includes seven guiding cloud principles for cloud implementations, including making risk-based decisions when applying cloud security, designing services for the cloud, using public cloud services as the default and using as much of the cloud as possible.

The remaining principles involve avoiding customisation and using off-the-shelf cloud services where possible, taking full advantage of cloud automation practices, and monitoring the health and usage of cloud services in real time.

In addition, the strategy will involve the creation of a layered cloud certification model creating greater opportunity for agency-led certifications, a cloud qualities baseline and assessment framework, and a cloud responsibility model designed to clarify responsibilities and accountabilities.

To improve knowledge and skills, the government will build a cloud knowledge collaboration platform as well as cloud skills improvement programs for the public service.

Finally, the government plans to introduce common shared platforms and capabilities for the cloud. These will include a federated identity aimed at enabling better collaboration in the cloud, a platform for protected information management to reduce data enclaves and service management integrations services to help agencies better manage multicloud services.

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