Google Cloud says it has reached certified strategic status for cloud services under the Australian Government's Hosting Certification Framework (HCF).
This means the company's security controls meet the requirements set by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), which ensures the secure management of critical infrastructure, supply chains, government data and systems.
The Australian Government says its HCF is integral to protecting its systems and the data they hold. It guides Australian Government departments and agencies, enabling them to identify and source hosting services that meet enhanced privacy, sovereignty and security requirements.
Google Cloud says it's already helping federal, state and local agencies reimagine how they deliver citizen services and is working closely with Service NSW to improve customer experience and employee productivity and Australia's national science agency, CSIRO.
Google Cloud vice president of Australia and New Zealand Alister Dias says Service NSW and CSIRO's innovative approach to analytics, machine learning and containers is a key advantage in helping researchers to spin up resources on major cloud providers such as Google Cloud, and gain faster access to computing for their projects.
"This certification is an important milestone that will allow us to work more closely with government departments to deliver greater digital experiences for all Australians," he says.
"We know that protecting citizen data is of the utmost importance."
Dias says security is the cornerstone of Google Cloud's business, and it spent the last decade building infrastructure and designing products that implement security at scale.
He says Google Cloud's security model, built on the foundation of Zero Trust, ensures customers can benefit from enterprise strategies that have achieved industry certifications and standards.
In addition to HCF, Google Cloud currently maintains an Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) certification, which confirms that Google Cloud's security controls meet the requirements prescribed by the cloud security guidance issued by the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
"We recognise that core to building a stronger digital future is collaboration with the government," says Dias.
"We are helping Australians every day by empowering scientific breakthroughs and helping federal, state and local agencies reimagine how they deliver citizen services."
Dias says it's been nearly a year since Google Cloud opened its Melbourne region - the company's second cloud region in Australia. Since then it has continued to invest in helping Australian businesses harness the power of cloud technologies.
"Last year, we announced the launch of the Digital Future Initiative - a $1 billion investment in local infrastructure, skills and research to help build Australia's digital economy," he says.