There are several cloud platforms that organizations can use for their operations. But which platform is right for your organization? Which one aligns with your particular compliance needs among the many platforms on offer? If you are a Contractor in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), your options are limited because of the sensitivity of data you hold or transmit. The DIB contractors are contractually required to meet the requirements of DFARS 252.204-7012, built around the NIST 800-171 and various other controls. In addition to controls requiring data sovereignty like NOFORN and ITAR, these controls are only met using Microsoft GCC high.
Microsoft GCC High is a comprehensive cloud platform that provides intelligence, collaboration, and security capabilities. Hence, an organization using it can increase efficiencies, secure the data, and improve communication. GCC high provides the highest compliance and accreditation levels with ITAR, DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST 800-171, all indirectly contributing to CMMC 2.0 certification. Using Microsoft GCC High, your organization can maintain those valuable contracts with the DoD.
What Is Microsoft GCC High?
This is a Microsoft cloud platform specifically designed for contractors in the DIB. Microsoft GCC High is built on the tenets of privacy, compliance, and security in Azure Government Cloud. Using Microsoft GCC High, the contractors can meet:
- ITAR compliance specifications
- DFARS 252.204.7012, clauses c-g included
- Data Residence (complete applications, hardware, and applications in the US)
- NIST 800-171
- Data sovereignty (Physically separated in the US and operated by US citizens who have passed stringent background checks)
Why Should Your Organization Use Microsoft GCC High?
There are several reasons why you should migrate to Microsoft GCC High, as outlined below.
If You Deal With CUI
The DFARS 252.204.7012 provides the requirements that an organization should meet to safeguard the CDI (Covered Defense Information) and report any cyber incidents. The Controlled Unclassified information comprises CDI and CTI (controlled technical information). Microsoft GCC and GCC high are the only two environments where Microsoft contractually agrees to meet the needs of their clients with regards to DFARS 7012. Hence, if your organization deals with any form of Controlled Unclassified Information, you should enlist the help of experienced professionals like those at Cleared systems to help you migrate to Microsoft GCC high.
Adequate Security
By migrating to Microsoft GCC High, you will be able to meet all the specific security controls of the NIST 800-171. Additionally, Microsoft GCC High ensures you meet some of the additional practices specified under CMMC 2.0. GCC high provides extra security through;
- Labeling and managing the movement of CUI Access management using stringent admittance requirements
- Strengthening file management
- Looking for and intercepting threats actively.
When Your Organization Should Be ITAR Or NOFORN Compliant
If your business or organization deals with the design, production, exporting, or furnishing of defense services, you should ensure it is ITAR compliant. The consequences of being non-compliant with ITAR are terrible, from imprisonment to hefty fines per violation. Being the only Microsoft cloud platform that ensures Data residency and data sovereignty, Microsoft GCC High can help you remain compliant with ITAR and other data designations line NOFORN.
Contractual Flowdown
Most of the large/major prime contractors are migrating to Microsoft GCC High because of its ability to communicate and collaborate with the subs on Microsoft GCC high. This is the only version having B2B capability for the contractors in the DIB.
How Can Cleared Systems Help with Migrating to Microsoft GCC High?
If you deal with the above classes of data and aren't already on GCC high, you should migrate. However, migrating to Microsoft GCC High is quite time-consuming and complicated. You might lose critical data or expose yourself to various security threats by doing it yourself. You also might waste a lot of your valuable time. Fortunately, we at Cleared Systems are here to help.
Cleared Systems sees migrating to Microsoft GCC high as an opportunity, not a challenge. We offer various migration services, including planning and mapping, inspection, data labeling, migration, Validation, integration, and licensing. These services are fast, reliable, and affordable, even for small businesses. Other services include whitelisting and tenant provisioning.
At cleared systems, we'll help set the proper security configurations and end-user expectations to complete the migration securely and correctly. We offer our migration services with security and compliance in mind. By the end, you will have your migration up and securely running.
Conclusion
Microsoft GCC High is a must if you deal with CUI and ITAR related data. It is the only cloud that offers data sovereignty and where Microsoft will contractually agree to meet your DFARS 7012. Hence, if you need to migrate if you hold any such data. Unfortunately, migrating to Microsoft GCC High is a time-consuming task. It might take individuals about 6-18 months to complete the migrations. Luckily, we at Cleared Systems are here to help. Contact us today for secure migrations that ensure compliance and the right end-user expectations.
