GCC High is a specialized version of Microsoft's cloud services designed to meet stringent regulatory and compliance requirements for U.S. government agencies, contractors, and their supply chains. It is part of the Microsoft Government Cloud offerings, specifically tailored to handle sensitive data with enhanced security features and compliance with various federal standards.
Understanding GCC High in OT/IT Cybersecurity
GCC High is an extension of Microsoft's Government Community Cloud (GCC), developed to provide a higher level of compliance and security for organizations that need to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other sensitive government data. This is particularly relevant in the context of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) cybersecurity, where the protection of critical infrastructure and data integrity is paramount.
GCC High is built on Azure Government infrastructure, which is separate from Microsoft's commercial cloud. This separation ensures that the data and workloads are processed and stored within a secure environment, meeting the stringent security controls required by federal regulations. GCC High environments are operated by screened U.S. citizens and are located within the continental United States.
Why GCC High Matters for Industrial, Manufacturing & Critical Environments
In industrial, manufacturing, and other critical environments, safeguarding data against unauthorized access and cyber threats is crucial. Organizations in these sectors often handle sensitive data that, if compromised, could lead to significant operational disruptions and national security risks. GCC High provides these organizations with a cloud solution that adheres to the strictest security protocols.
Compliance with Standards
GCC High is designed to support compliance with several key standards and regulations, including:
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NIST 800-171: This standard outlines the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information in non-federal systems and organizations. GCC High provides mechanisms to help meet these security requirements through its secure environment and operational controls.
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CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): For contractors dealing with the Department of Defense (DoD), GCC High facilitates compliance with various levels of CMMC by providing a secure infrastructure that aligns with the certification's framework.
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NIS2 (Network and Information Systems Directive): While primarily a European Union directive, organizations operating globally need to consider its implications. GCC High's robust security controls can aid in aligning with international security expectations.
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IEC 62443: This series of standards focuses on industrial communication networks and systems security. GCC High assists in fulfilling certain aspects of these standards through its secure and compliant cloud architecture.
In Practice
Consider a manufacturing company that supplies components to the DoD. This company must adhere to stringent cybersecurity requirements to protect sensitive defense-related information. By leveraging GCC High, the company can ensure that its data is processed within a compliant environment, thereby reducing the risk of breaches and enhancing trust with government clients.
GCC High also supports advanced threat protection and identity management, crucial for safeguarding OT environments that often lack the robust security controls of IT systems. By integrating these security measures, organizations can better protect their operational networks and maintain continuity.
Related Concepts
- Azure Government
- Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
- NIST 800-171
- Operational Technology (OT) Security