Service NSW Overhauls Cloud Security and Networking to Enhance Threat Detection

What's Happening?

Service NSW has undertaken a significant overhaul of its cloud security and networking architecture, centralizing threat detection and connectivity within its AWS environment. The agency has implemented AWS Security Hub, Amazon GuardDuty, and Amazon Inspector to improve visibility and response across a complex mesh of over 200 virtual private clouds (VPCs). This move aims to simplify connectivity between on-premises infrastructure and VPCs, reducing the number of security controls needed and minimizing the attack surface. Kamaljit Bhardwaj, Service NSW cloud platform manager, emphasized the importance of building a continuous vigilance culture with proactive risk management. The agency manages services for over 70 NSW government agencies and began operating its digital products entirely on AWS infrastructure in 2021.

Why It's Important?

The overhaul of Service NSW's cloud security and networking is crucial for enhancing the agency's ability to detect and respond to threats efficiently. By centralizing its security data and implementing cloud-native tools, Service NSW addresses previous issues of fragmented and siloed security data, which could delay detection and response. This transformation not only strengthens the agency's security posture but also reduces costs associated with managing multiple virtual gateways and duplicated security controls. The initiative reflects a broader trend in public sector organizations prioritizing cybersecurity and cost optimization in their digital transformation efforts.

What's Next?

Service NSW's cloud transformation program includes ongoing efforts to optimize costs and improve visibility through better reporting. Each technology team now has its own dashboard to monitor workload costs and take proactive steps to reduce them. The agency plans to continue its database and storage optimization initiatives, alongside automating backup and restore processes. These efforts are supported by a dedicated FinOps function and comprehensive change management across teams, fostering a culture of smart spending and cost awareness.