In the complex world of cybersecurity, public sector organizations are constantly seeking solutions to uphold data security and maintain regulatory compliance. One strategy that has proven effective is partnering with a company that has achieved PROTECTED status under the Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP). So, what does PROTECTED status mean, and how can it benefit public sector organizations?
Understanding PROTECTED status
In the realm of IRAP and the Australian Cyber Security Centre's (ACSC) guidelines, achieving PROTECTED status is a notable accomplishment. It signifies that a company has successfully met some of the highest security standards set by the Australian government for handling sensitive data.
PROTECTED status is the third-highest classification level for data security (after SECRET and TOP SECRET), and the highest standard for use of the cloud in a commercial environment, meaning that an organization has implemented strong protective measures to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of information.
The benefits of PROTECTED status partnerships
Meeting regulatory obligations: By partnering with a PROTECTED status company, public sector organizations can streamline their compliance processes. These companies have already proven their adherence to the government's rigorous security standards, alleviating the burden of compliance for their partners.
Reducing data breach risk: Data breaches are an ever-present threat, with government, healthcare, education, and utilities organizations being the target of 53% of all reported cybersecurity incidents in the 2021-2022 financial year, according to the ACSC’s Annual Cyber Threat Report. PROTECTED status companies have robust security controls in place, minimizing the risk of data breaches.
Improving overall data security: Partnerships with PROTECTED status companies also lead to an overall improvement in data security. The rigorous assessments these companies undergo to attain PROTECTED status mean they have fortified their systems against cyber threats.
Assured resilience against cyber threats: In an age where cyber threats are evolving at a rapid pace, having a partner with PROTECTED status provides assurance of resilience. These organizations have the necessary safeguards in place to identify, prevent, and respond to evolving cyber threats.
Fostering public trust: Partnerships with PROTECTED status companies can help restore trust in public sector organizations’ use of data. The high level of security and compliance associated with PROTECTED status sends a clear message to the public about the seriousness with which their data is treated.
Leveraging partnerships with PROTECTED status companies offers an efficient and effective way for public sector organizations to enhance their data security and compliance. At Orbus Software, an IRAP-assessed company to PROTECTED level, we are committed to providing secure and reliable SaaS solutions.
Find out more about our IRAP journey and continued efforts to enhance security.
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