The Australian government is partnering with Amazon Web Services to build a top-secret cloud known as the TS cloud. This collaboration with Australia’s Signals Directorate aims to enhance the country’s defence and national intelligence capabilities by securely hosting sensitive information. The cloud will improve Australia’s combat capability and enable greater interoperability with the United States.
The project is expected to cost up to A$2 billion over ten years, covering the construction of three dedicated data centres and the establishment of a local Amazon subsidiary to manage the cloud. Questions have been raised about the sovereignty of the cloud, particularly in terms of data confidentiality and compliance with different definitions of sovereignty by government agencies.
AWS has not provided details on the arrangements for ensuring sovereignty, directing inquiries to Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. The decision to partner with AWS was influenced by the company’s experience in building a top-secret cloud for the US government and its interoperability with Five Eyes partners. Microsoft chose not to bid for the project due to concerns about matching AWS’s interoperability.
Despite the government’s cautious approach to cloud technology, this agreement reflects ongoing efforts to balance enthusiasm for cloud benefits with security concerns. Some government agencies continue to build local private clouds to address security issues. The challenge now lies in how AWS can maintain both sovereignty and interoperability within the Australian cloud.
Article Source
https://www.theregister.com/AMP/2024/07/04/australia_aws_top_secret_cloud/