Cloud, NATO relies on Google to secure classified documents. Here's how

Nato relies on Google to secure confidential documents on the cloud, i.e. remote servers operated by specialised companies. At the Atlantic Alliance's third Cloud Conference on 24 November in Brussels, Google Cloud and Nato announced the signing of a multi-million dollar agreement to provide a highly secure sovereign cloud solution for managing Nato's classified workloads.

The partnership, reads a note from the Mountain View giant, 'strengthens the digital infrastructure and data governance of the Nato Communication and Information Agency (NCIA), enabling secure use of the most advanced cloud and artificial intelligence technologies'. This will enable Nato to run 'modern AI and analytics workloads on highly sensitive data, while maintaining full operational control and sovereignty over its data'.

The NCIA has chosen Google Distributed Cloud (GDC) to support the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC). JATEC will leverage this infrastructure to modernise its operational capabilities and manage classified workloads. The idea is to use a technology, the air-gapped GDC, a key component of Google's Sovereign Cloud solutions, to ensure the Atlantic Alliance maintains uncompromised data residency and operational controls, providing the highest level of security and autonomy, regardless of scale or complexity.

"Google Cloud is committed to supporting Nato's critical mission of developing a robust and resilient infrastructure and leveraging the latest technological innovations," explained Tara Brady, president of Google Cloud EMEA. "This partnership," she added, "will enable Nato to decisively accelerate its digital modernisation efforts, while maintaining the highest levels of security and digital sovereignty. On the other hand, Antonio Calderon, Chief Technology Officer of the NCIA clarified that 'the NCIA is committed to leveraging next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve the operational capabilities of the Atlantic Alliance and safeguard Nato's digital environment. The partnership with industry," he added, "is a key component of our digital transformation strategy. Through this collaboration, we will provide JATEC with a secure, resilient and scalable cloud environment that meets the highest standards required to protect highly sensitive data'.