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Understanding IRAP: Enhancing Australia's Data Security

Graphic illustration of lock and IRAP logo

 

Today's digital landscape is complex, fluid, and inherently risky, with cybersecurity breaches potentially resulting in significant financial and reputational damage. According to Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, 45% of all data breaches in the country in the second half of 2022 resulted from cybersecurity incidents. It's clear that robust and secure data management practices are no longer just a luxury but a necessity. As we navigate this evolving landscape, standards like the Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) play a critical role in safeguarding data. 

So, what exactly is IRAP? 

Initiated by the Australian Cyber Security Centre, IRAP is a comprehensive security assessment program. It aims to provide government organizations with the assurance that selected cloud services meet the Australian Government Information Security Manual's stringent standards.

Why is IRAP crucial for Australia's public sector? 

The heart of IRAP's significance lies in its potential to enhance data security. By holding vendors to the highest security standards, it ensures the protection of vast amounts of public data. Given that public sector and governmental organizations often deal with sensitive and critical information, a single breach can have far-reaching consequences. By leveraging the IRAP framework, these organizations can significantly mitigate such risks. 

Orbus Software's journey with IRAP 

At Orbus Software, we understand the importance of adopting best practices in cybersecurity. Our commitment to data security led us to undertake the rigorous IRAP assessment for our cloud-hosted, SaaS platform, OrbusInfinity. 

Undergoing the IRAP process was an enlightening experience. It pushed us to assess our cloud security measures against the stringent standards of the Australian Government. The process also provided an opportunity to improve our cybersecurity practices and address any potential weaknesses. 

The benefits of the IRAP assessment 

Successfully completing the IRAP assessment was a milestone for us, one that demonstrated our dedication to providing a secure and reliable SaaS platform. It has given our Australian customers – and notably public sector, governmental and financial services organizations – a higher degree of confidence in our data security measures. 

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for stringent and comprehensive security assessments like IRAP will only become more apparent. 

As a proud IRAP-assessed organization, we are committed to providing a secure and reliable platform for all our customers. By meeting IRAP's rigorous standards, we can ensure that our clients can trust us with their data, helping to drive operational transformation, cloud migration, and system modernization securely. 

Find out more about our IRAP journey and continued efforts to enhance security.  

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