Amazon’s cloud-computing unit is to develop a top-secret cloud for Australia’s government.
The project is to boost the country’s ability to share and analyze information and strengthen its defense communications resilience.
Australia announced a commitment of at least 2 billion Australian dollars (US$1.3 billion) over the next decade to establish and operate the secure cloud infrastructure.
This project is part of a strategic partnership between the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), the nation’s cybersecurity intelligence agency, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Rachel Noble, director general of the ASD, said the top-secret cloud “will provide a state-of-the-art collaborative space for our intelligence and defense community to store and access top-secret data.
“This will transform how we work together as agencies and partners.”
Government officials say the cloud system aims to foster deeper collaboration with the US and support Australian military operations.
This is by using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Australia has faced several high-profile cyberattacks, including a notable incident in 2019 targeting its Parliament.
The increasing frequency of cyberattacks worldwide has raised concerns among cybersecurity experts about the adequacy of current defenses.
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While identifying the perpetrators of cyberattacks can be challenging, US officials consider China the most active and persistent cyber threat to government, private sector, and critical infrastructure.
China, however, denies any involvement in such activities.
“This will transform how we work together as agencies and partners”
US tech companies recognize significant business opportunities in Australia despite its complex diplomatic relationship with China, its largest trading partner.
In October, Microsoft announced a 5 billion Australian dollar investment over the next two years to expand its cloud-computing and AI infrastructure in Australia, also in partnership with the ASD.
Additionally, AWS had previously committed to investing an extra 13.2 billion Australian dollars in the country.
