In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has significantly updated its guidance for secure cloud computing with the launch of the Blueprint for Secure Cloud. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist organisations in the design, configuration, and deployment of secure cloud and hybrid workspaces, with a special emphasis on Microsoft 365. Aimed at reinforcing the cybersecurity framework for government organisations, this blueprint also extends its utility to the private sector, offering a robust tool for secure cloud adoption.
Key Insights for MSP Owners and Decision Makers
- Enhanced Guidance and Templates: The Blueprint introduces improved guidance, configuration guides, and templates aligned with ASD’s Information Security Manual (ISM), focusing on risk management, architecture, and standard operating procedures.
- Microsoft 365 Focus: Provides tailored advice and configurations for Microsoft 365 to enhance security and collaboration.
- Expertise and Experience: Informed by ASD’s extensive experience in cybersecurity incident response and threat intelligence, offering MSPs a wealth of knowledge for enhancing their security offerings.
- Resource for All: While primarily aimed at government organisations, the Blueprint is a valuable resource for MSPs and the private sector, offering insights into securing cloud environments effectively.
- Comprehensive Cloud Security: Encourages the use of the Blueprint alongside ASD’s Cloud Security guidance suite for a holistic security approach, enabling MSPs to provide comprehensive security solutions to their clients.
Understanding ASD’s Secure Cloud Blueprint for MSPs
The transition to the Secure Cloud Blueprint marks a strategic enhancement in ASD’s approach to cloud security, offering MSPs a detailed framework for navigating the complexities of cloud computing.
Enhanced Guidance and Templates
The core of the Blueprint is a suite of updated guidance, configuration guides, and templates designed to provide MSPs with a clear path to secure cloud adoption. These resources ensure practices are aligned with the latest in cybersecurity best practices and the controls outlined in ASD’s Information Security Manual (ISM).
Microsoft 365 Focus
Recognising the widespread adoption of Microsoft 365 among Australian government entities and businesses, the Blueprint provides specific advice and configurations for this platform. This focus aims to maximise the security and efficiency of Microsoft 365, facilitating a secure and collaborative environment for MSPs and their clients.
A Resource for All
While the Blueprint is primarily aimed at government organisations, its relevance and utility extend to MSPs and the private sector. This inclusivity underscores the universal challenges of cloud security and the ASD’s commitment to improving the cyber resilience of MSPs and their clients.
Comprehensive Cloud Security
MSPs are encouraged to utilise the Blueprint in conjunction with ASD’s Cloud Security guidance suite. This approach ensures that cloud security strategies are comprehensive, tailored to meet the unique requirements of MSPs and their diverse client base.
Configuration Insights from ASD’s Secure Cloud Blueprint
The Blueprint for Secure Cloud offers detailed configuration guidance for a baseline implementation of systems using the blueprint. This includes configurations for Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Purview, Exchange Online, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Power Platform, and networking for hybrid systems.
Engaging with the Blueprint for MSPs
The ASD actively seeks feedback and queries about the Blueprint, encouraging engagement through various channels. This open dialogue is crucial for the continuous refinement of the Blueprint, ensuring it remains relevant and effective for MSPs.
Open Dialogue and Feedback
ASD provides avenues for direct communication via email and GitHub, inviting feedback and questions about the Blueprint from MSPs. This engagement helps refine and enhance the Blueprint to better serve the needs of MSPs navigating the complexities of secure cloud computing.
Cyber Security Partnership Programme
By joining ASD’s Cyber Security Partnership Programme, MSPs can stay informed about the latest cybersecurity advice and emerging threats. This programme is a valuable resource for reinforcing defence mechanisms and enhancing the security services MSPs offer to their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for MSP Owners and Decision Makers
What is the ASD’s Blueprint for Secure Cloud?
The ASD’s Blueprint for Secure Cloud is an online tool designed to support the design, configuration, and deployment of secure cloud and hybrid workspaces, with a current focus on Microsoft 365, tailored for MSPs managing cloud environments for their clients.
Who is the Blueprint for?
While developed primarily for Australian Government organisations, the Blueprint is also a valuable resource for MSPs in the private sector, offering insights into securing cloud environments effectively for their clients.
How should MSPs use the Blueprint?
MSPs should implement the Blueprint in alignment with their existing change management processes, business processes, and frameworks. It’s recommended to align the implementation of the Blueprint with existing change management, business processes, and frameworks, tailoring the approach to meet the unique needs of their clients.
