Beyond GovClouds: Building a Secure, AI-Enabled Government

Google Cloud has a longstanding commitment to partnering with the U.S. government, helping agencies modernize technology systems, and shaping new frontiers in service delivery and mission success. Since establishing Google Public Sector last year, we've witnessed an ever-growing demand for cloud services as agencies leverage AI for critical work including improving cancer detection, transforming city services, and optimizing agency operations.

Unlike some cloud vendors, Google has long believed that "GovClouds," isolated and often less-reliable versions of commercial clouds, can hinder the public sector's ability to innovate and scale. President Biden's Executive Order on AI further emphasizes the need for safe, responsible, and secure AI, challenging the viability of traditional GovClouds. To thrive in this AI-driven era, our public sector customers need a modern cloud partner offering unmatched scale, features, and security that GovClouds cannot deliver.

Embracing innovation with confidence

The Office of Management and Budget's recent FedRAMP draft memorandum, which endorses a modern cloud approach based on logical and software-based separation instead of physical separation, is a strong step in the right direction. Google Cloud has pioneered this approach, and believes it empowers customers to scale and innovate securely.

In today's dynamic work environment, we’ve been consistent in our message: Building a "digital fortress" isn’t enough. So-called “GovClouds” lack the security, compute power and capabilities that the public sector requires to challenge modern cyberthreats and to harness AI. Public-sector entities need to move beyond the limitations of encasing interactions within a protected perimeter, which is why we are committed to certifying our entire U.S. cloud infrastructure at Impact Level 5.

With Google Cloud’s initiatives like Assured Workloads and continuous compliance achievements, we've embedded security into the core of our platform. This is not an afterthought, but a foundational element. We believe that government institutions shouldn't be forced to choose between innovation and security. Assured Workloads offer government agencies access to the full power of cloud while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.

Zero Trust: A secure foundation

Google Cloud is built on the bedrock of Zero Trust principles, ensuring the security of the platform, the data, and the algorithms themselves. Every access attempt undergoes rigorous verification, access is granted based on least privilege, breaches are contained through microsegmentation, and advanced analytics provide real-time threat detection.

With the continued rise in cyber threats, Google Cloud is committed to enhancing security resilience with AI innovation and threat intelligence. Our acquisition of Mandiant, a leader in dynamic cyber defense, threat intelligence, and incident response services, combined with our Chronicle Security Operations suite, VirusTotal, and general approaches like the use of Autonomic Security Operations, further strengthens our ability to help organizations improve their threat, incident, and exposure management. This robust foundation empowers government agencies to confidently experiment and apply advanced technologies, including AI, knowing their data and operations are safeguarded by a platform built on Zero Trust principles.

As the public sector embraces AI to power its work and service delivery, Google Public Sector stands ready to support these transformations. With our innovative approach and unwavering commitment to security and AI, we are confident in our ability to help you achieve your mission goals and create a better future for everyone. Let's build a new era of government transformation, powered by the cloud.