Australia’s Secure Cloud Strategy

The Secure Cloud Strategy is a comprehensive framework developed to guide Australian government agencies in transitioning to cloud-based solutions while maintaining the highest standards of security, efficiency, and compliance. This strategy addresses the growing need for modern technological solutions that enhance government operations and service delivery.

At its core, the Secure Cloud Strategy seeks to enable government agencies to embrace cloud computing as a means to improve agility, operational efficiency, and visibility. The strategy is designed to overcome obstacles such as limited knowledge, outdated operational models, and concerns about compliance and security. By providing a clear and structured approach, the strategy ensures that agencies can harness the benefits of cloud technologies in a way that is sustainable, secure, and aligned with government goals.

This strategy’s scope extends across all levels of government, focusing on practical guidance, the establishment of frameworks, and the sharing of knowledge and capabilities. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a flexible framework that agencies can adapt to their unique needs and circumstances. The strategy also emphasises collaboration among agencies to reduce duplication, enhance efficiency, and foster innovation.

The Secure Cloud Strategy sets the stage for a whole-of-government approach to cloud adoption. It prioritises the need for robust security and compliance measures, efficient procurement pathways, and the development of a skilled workforce to manage and utilise cloud technologies effectively. It recognises the importance of balancing innovation with accountability and ensures that the transition to cloud computing benefits both government operations and the citizens they serve.

Rationale for cloud adoption

Cloud computing has become the standard for delivering digital services due to its ability to enhance agility, operational effectiveness, and visibility. For government agencies, cloud adoption offers several benefits. It allows rapid adjustments to resource usage, ensuring scalability and flexibility. Additionally, cloud services reduce maintenance costs by automating routine tasks and enabling a focus on innovation. Real-time monitoring ensures greater transparency, giving agencies better control over their systems and data. By shifting away from on-premise infrastructure, government agencies can focus on improving digital service delivery and responding to citizens’ needs more effectively.

Opportunities and challenges

The Secure Cloud Strategy outlines the potential benefits of cloud adoption, including whole-of-government efficiency, better interoperability, and the ability to share capabilities across agencies. It also provides an opportunity to drive competition among cloud providers, ensuring access to innovative and cost-effective solutions. However, it acknowledges the challenges agencies face, such as limited cloud expertise, siloed approaches, and the difficulty of modernising outdated operational models. The strategy addresses these issues by providing frameworks and initiatives to overcome them, enabling agencies to transition to the cloud with confidence and ease.

Strategic goals

• Make risk-based decisions for cloud security.
• Design services specifically for the cloud.
• Prefer public cloud services.
• Maximise the use of cloud capabilities.
• Avoid customisation to maintain agility.
• Leverage automation for efficiency.
• Monitor cloud health and usage in real time.

Frameworks and practices

The Secure Cloud Strategy provides a detailed set of frameworks and practices to ensure secure and effective cloud adoption. This includes a layered certification model to maintain rigorous security standards and a Cloud Common Assessment Framework to standardise service evaluation. It also introduces a Responsibilities Model to clarify roles between providers and agencies, ensuring effective governance and accountability. These frameworks are supported by the Protective Security Policy Framework and Information Security Manual, which provide mandatory guidance for risk management and compliance.

Knowledge sharing

A key aspect of the strategy is fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among agencies. The creation of a Cloud Knowledge Exchange allows agencies to share best practices, reuse resources, and benefit from collective expertise. This collaborative approach reduces duplication and accelerates the adoption of cloud technologies across government.

Skill development

The strategy emphasises the need to build a skilled workforce to support cloud adoption. The Building Digital Capability program will be expanded to include cloud-specific skills, ensuring that public sector staff are equipped to manage, monitor, and innovate with cloud technologies. This approach leverages existing expertise while introducing new competencies needed for a cloud-centric environment.

Common platforms

The strategy explores the development of shared platforms to enhance efficiency and standardisation across government agencies. These include federated access management for centralised role-based access and integrated service management tools for monitoring multi-cloud environments. Such platforms foster collaboration, reduce duplication, and streamline operations across agencies.

Implementation support

The Digital Transformation Agency plays a central role in supporting agencies through this transition. By providing toolkits, training, and tailored guidance, the agency ensures that agencies can plan, execute, and sustain their cloud adoption strategies effectively. This ongoing support helps build confidence and capability, enabling agencies to realise the full potential of cloud technologies.

The Secure Cloud Strategy is a forward-thinking framework designed to guide Australian government agencies through a secure and efficient transition to cloud computing. By addressing challenges, fostering collaboration, and building capabilities, it ensures that the benefits of cloud technologies are fully realised while maintaining the highest standards of security and accountability.