UK Sovereign Private Cloud
In an era marked by unprecedented digital transformation, the global data landscape is undergoing continuous evolution.
The exponential growth of data, fueled by emerging technologies and interconnected ecosystems, has given rise to new challenges.
The importance of data sovereignty amidst this evolution has become paramount. At Prolinx, we recognise the significance for organisations to retain control over their data, ensuring compliance with national regulations, whilst safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorised access.
Data sovereignty is not just a compliance requirement; it is a strategic imperative for maintaining trust and security in the digital age.
Addressing Needs with Sovereign Clouds
A Sovereign Cloud is a dedicated cloud environment hosted within a specific geographical region or country, that offers organisations control over their data’s storage and processing location. At Prolinx, we help to empower businesses to navigate the complexities of data governance, compliance and security.
Sovereign clouds tackle key challenges faced by organisations, such as ensuring compliance with data protection regulations by offering localised hosting, thereby minimising the risk of legal complications. Additionally, sovereign clouds enhance data security through advanced encryption and access controls, mitigating the threat of data breaches.
With Prolinx, we build trust with our customers and partners by demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.
Global Data Laws
The US Cloud Act (Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act) and the EU GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) have significant implications for cloud data storage and processing on an international scale.
As of today, over 90% of western data is split, stored and processed in multiple overseas locations relying entirely on services provided by major U.S. and non-UK based cloud providers.
Whilst both regulations aim to address the challenges and complexities posed by the global nature of data flows, there is a significant impact on cloud data storage and processing globally.
- Legal and Compliance Challenges: The extraterritorial reach of the Cloud Act can create legal challenges for businesses operating outside of the United States, as they may be compelled to provide data stored in foreign jurisdictions to US law enforcement and government organisations.
- Ambiguity in Data Handling: Businesses may face challenges in understanding and navigating the ambiguous aspects of the Cloud Act, such as the scope of data covered and the conditions under which data can be accessed.
- Privacy Concerns: The act raises concerns about the privacy of individuals and organisations outside the United States, potentially leading to a lack of trust in US-based cloud service providers.
“Many of our clients have specific cyber incident insurance policies requiring stringent controls of where data is managed and located.”
Mike Willmott – Sales Director
Why UK Sovereignty?
UK Cloud Sovereignty is crucial for organisations seeking to ensure that their sensitive data is stored and processed within the jurisdiction, fostering compliance with local regulations, maintaining data control, and addressing concerns related to data privacy and security in the evolving landscape of cloud services.
Key reasons for storing and processing data within the UK include:
- Staying within the UK’s jurisdiction with Prolinx enables businesses to adhere to stringent local security standards and regulations, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches.
By maintaining sovereignty over your cloud infrastructure, Prolinx can implement robust security measures, including encryption, access controls, and monitoring mechanisms tailored to the UK’s cybersecurity landscape. - This approach not only safeguards businesses against potential cyber threats, but showcases our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data security within the national borders.
The Technical Edge of Prolinx’s Sovereign Cloud
Prolinx has developed and built fully assured, UK sovereign private cloud platforms within the Prolinx Assured Cloud (PAC), and is therefore able to work with customers to ensure that their data, applications and access methods all meet the required levels of accreditation and assurance to handle, process, store and extract data at UK Government assurance levels.
This means that your data is transmitted, handled and stored appropriately from data ingress to egress and everywhere in between.
Benefits of Cloud Sovereignty with Prolinx
Sovereign clouds enable national independence, giving UK organisations and Government control over their data, protection from international laws and protecting critical systems and data from potential foreign surveillance activities.
The benefits of cloud sovereignty without compromising the integrity of your data, includes:
- Technical solutions and expertise companies may not have in-house
- Trust and Transparency
- Supply chain sufficiency
- Geopolitical resilience and
- Compliance assurance
The core features and technology within the Prolinx Assured Cloud, unlike other MSPs, does not rely entirely on overseas cloud providers – this allows additional independence, assurance and governance.
This is important as it enhances the security of your data, as well as the resilience of critical digital services.
However, it is important to note that in some cases private sovereign cloud and public overseas cloud services can co-exist – with careful design and implementation of the appropriate controls and governance around your data, some of the features of public cloud services can be leveraged alongside private cloud solutions to provide an innovative blend of capabilities.
Data Sovereignty and Encryption
Ensuring a strong data security and compliance strategy is essential to meet the elevated standards demanded by today’s laws and regulations.
Embracing data sovereignty means having control over how your data is encrypted and accessed, preventing sensitive information from falling into the hands of foreign entities without your explicit permission.
This approach not only safeguards your data but also ensures compliance with the specific data sovereignty laws of each country, contributing to a secure and trustworthy digital environment.
How can Prolinx help?
The core features and technology within the Prolinx Assured Cloud, does not rely entirely on overseas cloud providers – this allows independence, assurance and governance. This is important as it enhances the security of your data, as well as the resilience of critical digital services.
However, it is important to note that private sovereign cloud and public overseas cloud services can co-exist – with careful design and implementation of the appropriate controls and governance around your data, some of the features of public cloud services can be leveraged alongside private cloud solutions to provide an innovative blend of capabilities. This approach can provide the benefits of both public cloud and private sovereign cloud software or solutions without compromising the integrity of your data.
As an example, utilising PAC technology, Prolinx is able to blend some of the exciting features and tools available within Microsoft 365, whilst still ensuring data integrity and security by implementing, managing, maintaining and monitoring strict operational controls and policies.
Ensuring Compliance with UK and EU Regulations
Achieving compliance with specific regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is crucial for services operating within sovereign clouds, as it ensures the protection of individuals’ privacy and adherence to legal requirements.
At Prolinx, our sovereign cloud prioritises compliance and showcases our commitment to ethical data handling through our prioritisation of data privacy and security through:
- Data Encryption
- Access Controls
- Purposeful Data Collection
- Explicit Consent
- Regular Audits and Assessments
Conclusion
Through underscoring the escalating significance of data sovereignty within the global data landscape, we provide our clients with the regulatory frameworks to retain control over data encryption and access, offering a protective shield against unauthorised foreign entity intrusion into sensitive information.
Through prioritising a tailored data security and compliance strategy, businesses can confidently navigate the complexities of data sovereignty, ensuring adherence to regulations and safeguarding sensitive information in today’s dynamic digital environment.
