GCC High
GCC High: A Clear Explanation for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers
As a small to mid-sized manufacturing company, understanding how to protect your sensitive data is crucial. One term you might have heard is GCC High. In this article, we’ll explain what GCC High is, why it matters for your manufacturing business, and how it differs from other security options.
What is GCC High?
GCC High stands for Government Community Cloud High. It is a specialized cloud environment created by Microsoft designed specifically for U.S. government agencies and organizations that handle sensitive government data.
Although it’s aimed at federal agencies, some manufacturing companies involved in government contracts or working with sensitive data may also choose to use GCC High services to meet strict security and compliance standards.
Why Should Manufacturing Companies Care About GCC High?
Enhanced Security: GCC High offers higher levels of security compared to standard cloud services, ensuring that your critical manufacturing data is protected from cyber threats.
Compliance with Federal Regulations: If your company works with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or other federal agencies, using GCC High helps you meet compliance standards such as DFARS and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
Data Residency: Data stored in GCC High stays within secure U.S. government-controlled data centers, giving you peace of mind about the location and security of your information.
How Does GCC High Differ From Other Cloud Options?
Compared to Commercial Cloud (like Office 365 or Azure Commercial)
Security: GCC High provides stricter security controls, including multi-factor authentication, dedicated hardware, and data encryption that meets government standards.
Access: Access to GCC High is limited and requires special approval and validation, unlike commercial cloud services which are more broadly available.
Cost: Because of the enhanced security, GCC High often involves higher costs and longer setup times than commercial cloud options.
Compared to DoD-Level Cloud
GCC High is less restrictive than DoD Impact Level 5/6 cloud environments. It is suitable for companies that handle sensitive but not classified data.
DoD Cloud offers even higher security standards for classified information, which is typically not necessary for most manufacturing firms.
Is GCC High Right for Your Manufacturing Business?
Consider GCC High if:
Your company handles sensitive government data or works on defense contracts.
You need to meet specific federal security and compliance standards.
You are looking for a secure, compliant cloud environment that keeps your data within U.S. borders.
If you don’t deal directly with government data or contracts, standard cloud solutions may be better suited to your needs and budget.
Steps to Implement GCC High
Assess Your Needs: Determine if GCC High aligns with your cybersecurity and compliance requirements.
Consult Experts: Talk with IT security professionals or Microsoft partners experienced in GCC High deployment.
Get Approved: The process involves undergoing identity verification and security assessments.
Migration and Training: Plan for data migration, staff training, and ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition.
Final Thoughts
GCC High is a powerful tool for safeguarding sensitive government-related data. While it’s more complex and costly than standard cloud options, for manufacturing companies handling such data, it provides an important layer of security and compliance. Carefully evaluate your needs and consult experts to see if GCC High is the right fit for your manufacturing business.