Government Secure Intranet (GSI) Connectivity
What is GSI?
GSI is the Government Secure Intranet. It is a managed
service managed by Buying Solutions and delivered by Cable &
Wireless. It provides a UK Government wide area network capability
which enables secure interactions and communications, including
file and data transfers between connected central government
departments, local government, other non-department public sector
bodies, and related private sector companies (under specific
conditions).
What are the benefits of using GSI?
GSI is a key enabler of the UK’s Transformational
Government agenda and National Security Strategy. Sharing
information securely across government supports the vision of
joined-up government services, enhances co-ordination of the UK’s
civil contingency planning, and improves overall
cost-effectiveness.
Gaining compliance with the GSI Code of Connection (CoCo) (a key
step in obtaining authority to connect to secure networks such as
GSI) and connecting to GSI enables the following benefits:
- Improves the level of information security and assurance of
your organisation
- Enables secure communication (such as e-mail and access to
web-based shared services) with other GSI connected
organisations
- Enables secure communications (such as e-mail and access to
web-based shared services) with Criminal Justice and NHS
organisations
- Reduces the risk probability and impact of any data loss
- Reduces the dependence and associated risks of using removable
media e.g. (external USB storage drives, CDs, DVDs, floppy disks)
through the use of secure GSI email.
What considerations are there in connecting to GSI?
The
GSI section of the Buying Solutions website has several
documents detailing some considerations regarding GSI
connectivity.
Further to this, VEGA recommends that when considering the
pursuit of a GSI connection, an organisation should begin by asking
the following questions:
- Which organisations do we currently have a requirement to
communicate securely with?
- Which organisations do we expect to have a requirement to
communicate securely with in the future?
- What is the protective marking of the information we
process?
- Who in our organisation has senior responsibility for
information risk?
- Who in our organisation handles protectively marked
information?
- How do we manage the risk of the loss of sensitive and
protectively marked information?
- How do we ensure that our staff practice our corporate security
policies?
- How can we improve our information assurance in order to
achieve connection to GSI?
- Who can help?
How can VEGA help organisations connect to GSI?
VEGA is an accredited supplier under the Government's CESG
Listed Adviser Scheme (CLAS). We have a wealth of experience
delivering technology-enabled change in complex environments, often
where security and resilience are key, and can help you
achieve CoCo compliance and GSI connectivity. VEGA can:
- Provide experienced consultants to advise and oversee the
entire GSI connection process
- Provide CLAS consultants to support, prepare and review
CoCo responses
- Advise on the technical solutions and vendors that can assist
with the pursuit of CoCo compliance
- Provide procurement support
- Provide annual CHECK penetration testing - as advised in
various CoCos
- Review policy and procedures to ensure continued
CoCo compliance
We have an established track record of working across
Government, providing strategic advice and technological expertise
to help support the secure transfer of data. Our information security experts played a significant
role in securing the Government’s eDisposals
procurement portal, and supported the
Government Connect programme to ensure that all 375 English and
Welsh Local Authorities gained the necessary information assurance
accreditation to connect to GCSX.
Contact
VEGA to help you achieve compliance and connection to GSI