SecNumCloud is a certification program initiated by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) to enhance security for public authorities and Operators of Vital Importance (OVIs).

The certification was launched after the adoption of the Military Planning Act (Loi de Programmation Militaire or LPM) in 2013. The aim of the program is to create a label that guarantees the highest level of security for sensitive and critical data.

ANSSI recommends using solutions that hold its security visa, and the agency also created the SecNumCloud framework. The certification includes requirements for the central administration or main establishment of the service provider to be located in France. SecNumCloud contains provisions that go beyond cybersecurity requirements and considers foreign jurisdiction and control of data, which relate more to sovereignty than to cybersecurity.

The National Cybersecurity Agency of France updated the SecNumCloud repository of requirements for cloud service providers to comply with European requirements related to the Court of Justice of the European Union’s “Schrems II” ruling. The SecNumCloud qualification of the service provider’s offer must be taken into account by the commissioning entity in a risk assessment process for its own IS before using the services of the service provider.

Overview of SecNumCloud

Purpose of SecNumCloud

SecNumCloud is a certification program developed by ANSSI (French National Agency for the Security of Information Systems) to ensure that cloud service providers meet the highest standards of security and data protection. The purpose of SecNumCloud is to encourage companies to use cloud services with confidence, knowing that their data is secure and protected.

The certification process involves a rigorous evaluation of cloud service providers’ security measures, including physical security, network security, data encryption, and access controls. Only providers that meet ANSSI’s strict requirements are awarded the SecNumCloud certification.

Key Features

The key features of SecNumCloud include:

  • High-Level Security: The certification guarantees that the cloud service provider has implemented the highest level of security measures to protect data and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
  • Data Sovereignty: The certification ensures that the data is stored and processed in France, ensuring compliance with French and European data protection laws.
  • Trusted Cloud: The certification provides a label for cloud service providers that meet the highest standards of security and data protection, giving companies confidence in their cloud services.
  • Continuous Improvement: The certification requires cloud service providers to regularly update and improve their security measures to maintain their certification.

In conclusion, SecNumCloud is a certification program developed by ANSSI to ensure that cloud service providers meet the highest standards of security and data protection. The certification provides companies with confidence in their cloud services, knowing that their data is secure and protected.

Implementation

Technical Architecture

SecNumCloud is a benchmark for assessing the level of security offered by providers of SaaS products and services. It is designed to improve protection for public authorities and Operators of Vital Importance (OVIs). The certification was launched following the adoption of the Military Planning Act (Loi de Programmation Militaire or LPM) in 2013. The technical architecture of SecNumCloud is based on the following components:

  • Infrastructure: SecNumCloud uses a multi-tenant architecture with a high level of virtualization. The infrastructure is hosted in a secure data center and is managed by a team of security experts.
  • Network: SecNumCloud uses a private network to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data in transit. The network is protected by firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
  • Authentication and Authorization: SecNumCloud uses a strong authentication mechanism based on multi-factor authentication. Access to resources is controlled by a role-based access control mechanism.
  • Data Management: SecNumCloud uses encryption to protect data at rest and in transit. The encryption keys are managed by the customer and are not accessible by SecNumCloud.

Security Compliance

SecNumCloud is compliant with the following security standards:

  • ISO 27001: SecNumCloud is certified to ISO 27001, which is an international standard for information security management.
  • ANSSI: SecNumCloud is certified by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), which is responsible for ensuring the security of critical information systems in France.
  • GDPR: SecNumCloud is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy.
  • CLOUD Act: SecNumCloud complies with the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, which is a United States federal law that governs access to electronic data held by global cloud service providers.

In conclusion, SecNumCloud is a secure and reliable cloud computing service that is designed to meet the needs of public authorities and Operators of Vital Importance (OVIs). Its technical architecture and security compliance make it a trusted choice for organizations that require high levels of security and confidentiality for their data.

Usage Scenarios

Enterprise Applications

SecNumCloud certification is an initiative by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) that aims to improve protection for public authorities and Operators of Vital Importance (OVIs). The certification was launched following the adoption of the Military Planning Act (Loi de Programmation Militaire or LPM) in 2013. The use of qualified SecNumCloud services for data hosting subject to legal or regulatory requirements requires the assessment of additional requirements to be carried out by the sponsor as part of an approval process.

SecNumCloud can be used in a variety of enterprise applications, including cloud storage, email, and collaboration tools. Companies can leverage SecNumCloud to ensure that their data is protected against cyber threats and that they are compliant with data protection regulations. The certification provides a level of assurance that the cloud service provider has implemented appropriate security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data.

Government Data Storage

SecNumCloud is particularly relevant for government agencies that store sensitive data. The certification provides a framework for ensuring that the data is protected against cyber threats and that the agency is compliant with data protection regulations. The certification is mandatory for Operators of Vital Importance (OVIs) in France, which are entities that provide essential services to the public and whose disruption would have a significant impact on the country’s security, economy, or public health.

The certification ensures that the cloud service provider has implemented appropriate security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data. It also provides a framework for risk management and incident response, which are essential for ensuring the continuity of essential services. The certification is updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the criteria for obtaining SecNumCloud certification?

To obtain SecNumCloud certification, cloud service providers must meet strict criteria set by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI). These criteria include compliance with French and European data protection regulations, a high level of security for data storage and processing, and the use of advanced encryption technologies.

Which providers are currently certified under the SecNumCloud framework?

Several cloud service providers have been certified under the SecNumCloud framework, including OVHcloud, Oodrive, and SFR Business. These providers have met the rigorous standards set by ANSSI and are authorized to provide cloud services to French public authorities and Operators of Vital Importance (OVIs).

How does SecNumCloud certification ensure enhanced security for cloud services?

SecNumCloud certification ensures enhanced security for cloud services by requiring providers to implement strict security measures. These measures include the use of advanced encryption technologies, regular security audits, and strict access controls. Additionally, SecNumCloud certified providers are required to comply with French and European data protection regulations, ensuring that customer data is protected at all times.

In what ways does cloud security contribute to overall cybersecurity?

Cloud security is an essential component of overall cybersecurity. By implementing strict security measures, cloud service providers can protect customer data from cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and malware attacks. Additionally, cloud security measures can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, ensuring that customer information remains confidential and secure.

What are the primary objectives of implementing cloud security measures?

The primary objectives of implementing cloud security measures are to protect customer data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. By implementing strict security measures, cloud service providers can prevent data breaches and other cyber threats, ensuring that customer data remains secure at all times. Additionally, cloud security measures can help providers comply with French and European data protection regulations, ensuring that customer data is handled in accordance with legal requirements.

How does SecNumCloud certification compare to other cloud security standards?

SecNumCloud certification is one of the most rigorous cloud security standards in the world. Compared to other standards such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2, SecNumCloud certification places a greater emphasis on data protection and compliance with French and European data protection regulations. Additionally, SecNumCloud certification requires providers to implement advanced encryption technologies and undergo regular security audits, ensuring that customer data remains secure at all times.