Google & BSI develop secure cloud solutions for public authorities

The digital world is facing new challenges. Google and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) are tackling this together. They have entered into a pioneering partnership. The aim: to develop secure cloud solutions for German authorities. This collaboration promises to Cloud security to a new level.

The Google Cloud Platform is at the heart of this cooperation. It is designed to meet the high demands of the public sector. Privacy and IT security have top priority. A new cooperation forum, headed by high-ranking representatives from both sides, has been set up. It is intended to drive forward and monitor developments.

This partnership is a milestone for secure cloud solutions in Germany. It shows that technology giants and public authorities can work hand in hand. Together, they want to securely shape the digitalization of public administration. The BSI is contributing its expertise in IT security. Google is contributing its know-how in cloud technologies.

Important findings

• Google and BSI jointly develop secure cloud solutions
• Focus is on Privacy and IT security
• New cooperation forum established
• The goal is the secure digitalization of administration
• Partnership combines expertise in IT security and cloud technology

Introduction to the secure cloud solutions from Google and BSI

The collaboration between Google Cloud and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) aims to develop secure cloud solutions for public administration in Germany. This partnership is of great importance as it takes into account the special requirements of the public sector.

A key aspect of this cooperation is ensuring data sovereignty and compliance with German and European data protection regulations. This is particularly important as unencrypted data transmissions can theoretically be viewed by unauthorized parties if a secure connection is not used.

The BSI has developed its own standard for Cloud security which provides for the auditing of cloud providers by auditors. This standard is an important step towards ensuring data security in the cloud.

The correct implementation of security measures by cloud providers cannot usually be verified.

To increase security, the BSI recommends the use of two-factor authentication. In addition Certifications such as ISO/IEC 27001 play an important role, as they refer to structured processes for ensuring information security.

Why are secure cloud solutions important for public authorities?

Secure cloud solutions play a central role for modern public authorities. They ensure the protection of sensitive data, compliance with guidelines and increase efficiency through digitalization.

Protection of sensitive data

Public authorities process confidential information every day. Secure cloud solutions offer advanced Encryptionto protect this data from unauthorized access. The integration of state-of-the-art cryptographic processes, including post-quantum cryptography, ensures long-term security.

Compliance with guidelines

Compliance is essential for public authorities. Cloud solutions help to comply with German and European data protection regulations. They enable systematic security monitoring and rapid responses to incidents. Regular checks for security vulnerabilities ensure that the systems are always up to date.

Increasing efficiency through digitalization

Cloud solutions are revolutionizing workflows in public administration. The entire Google Cloud portfolio, including AI applications, optimizes processes and increases productivity. Public authorities benefit from flexible, scalable services that adapt to their specific requirements.

The strategic cooperation between Google Cloud and the BSI, announced in March 2025, aims to make these benefits available to federal, state and local authorities. The establishment of a cooperation forum will create a central point of contact that promotes the exchange of threat information and continuous adaptation to new technological developments.

Google Cloud: a trustworthy platform

The Google Cloud Platform has established itself as a reliable basis for secure cloud solutions. With its scalability and innovative security measures, it meets the growing requirements of public administration.

Scalability of the services

Google Cloud offers flexible services that adapt to the needs of public authorities. The platform makes it possible to scale resources as required and thus optimize costs. This flexibility ensures that the IT infrastructure keeps pace with the administration's requirements.

Innovative security measures

Security is at the heart of Google Cloud. Continuous Safety analyses ensure that the platform always remains at the cutting edge of technology. Some impressive facts about safety:

• In 2023, awards of over 10 million dollars were granted for the Vulnerability Reward Program.
• Google uses several antivirus programs for malware prevention.
• Access to data centers is via multi-level controls with security badges and biometric procedures.

The Google Cloud Platform implements advanced encryption technologies. The joint development of post-quantum cryptography and the use of brain pool curves ensure long-term data security. These measures make the Google Cloud a future-proof choice for public authorities.

Google Cloud's security policies and systems are continuously improved to ensure the protection of customer data.

These comprehensive security measures and the flexibility of the services position the Google Cloud Platform as a trustworthy partner for authorities looking for secure and efficient cloud solutions.

BSI: The role of the Federal Office for Information Security

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) plays a central role in designing secure cloud solutions in Germany. As the highest cyber security authority, the BSI sets standards for digital security in the public sector.

Standardization of safety standards

The BSI develops and implements strict security standards for cloud services. These standards ensure that cloud solutions comply with German and European data protection regulations. Particular attention is paid to the integration of state-of-the-art cryptographic procedures, including post-quantum cryptography and brainpool curves.

Advice and support for authorities

An important aspect of the BSI's work is advising and supporting authorities in the introduction of secure cloud solutions. The BSI has developed a cloud strategy to ensure the secure use of cloud services in the federal administration. The office also plans to provide tools for scaling secure cloud use, including code examples for infrastructure as code and Compliance as Code.

In February 2025, the BSI signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Google Cloud. A newly established cooperation forum serves as a central coordination point for all matters relating to the collaboration. This forum, headed by BSI Vice President Thomas Caspers and Dr. Wieland Holfelder from Google Cloud, deals with topics such as systematic security monitoring and rapid incident response.

These measures and Certifications the BSI is making a significant contribution to the secure digital transformation of public administration in Germany.

The collaboration between Google and BSI

The cooperation between Google and the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) marks a milestone for secure cloud solutions in Germany. In February 2025, both parties signed a strategic agreement aimed at developing highly secure cloud services.

Joint safety projects

Google and the BSI are working on innovative security solutions. One focus is on the integration of state-of-the-art cryptographic processes. These include

• Post-quantum cryptography
• Brainpool curves
• Systematic safety monitoring
• Fast incident response

A cooperation forum, led by BSI Vice President Thomas Caspers and Dr. Wieland Holfelder from Google Cloud, is coordinating these efforts. The aim is to create a future-proof digital infrastructure.

Strategic objectives

The partnership between Google and BSI pursues clear goals in the area of Risk management:

This collaboration is intended to strengthen Germany's digital sovereignty and at the same time provide secure cloud solutions for public authorities.

The cooperation between Google and BSI is an important step towards improving IT security in the public sector. It shows how technology companies and authorities can work together on secure and innovative solutions.

Advantages of cloud solutions for public authorities in Germany

Cloud solutions offer German authorities numerous advantages. They not only enable cost savings, but also an improved IT infrastructure and increased flexibility.

Cost savings through modern technologies

The use of cloud technologies leads to considerable savings in IT resources. Authorities can reduce their expenditure on hardware and maintenance as they only use and pay for the resources they actually need.

Flexibility and adaptability

Cloud solutions offer public authorities the opportunity to react quickly to changing requirements. The flexible scalability makes it possible to adapt IT resources as required without having to invest in new hardware.

Improving the IT infrastructure

The Cloud security is achieved through regular Safety analyses guaranteed. These analyses help to identify and eliminate potential weaknesses at an early stage. Cloud solutions also enable an improved exchange of information between different departments and authorities.

The Bundescloud, which is used by over 50 authorities, meets the highest security requirements and guarantees data protection. It offers various cloud service models such as IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. Access is via a secure federal administration network, which requires specially protected authentication.

Data security in the cloud: a key issue

Data security is at the heart of cloud use. The Encryption of data plays a decisive role here. Modern technologies ensure comprehensive protection of sensitive information.

Encryption technologies

Cloud providers rely on advanced encryption methods. Data is encrypted both locally and in the cloud. Experts recommend a minimum length of 8 characters for secure passwords. These should contain upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.

Another security aspect is two-factor authentication. It combines something you know (your password) with something you own (e.g. your smartphone). This method provides an additional layer of protection for your data.

Access management and controls

Data protection in the cloud requires strict access controls. Companies should limit the number of people with access to personal data. Every access must be logged. Regular employee training on cyber security is essential.

Cloud-to-cloud backup (C2C) is another security measure. It makes it possible to continuously back up data from one cloud to a second, separate cloud. This offers additional protection against data loss.

Compliance with the GDPR is essential for companies that process personal data. Violations can result in high fines and the immediate cessation of data processing. Providers with server locations in Germany or the EU generally meet the requirements of the GDPR.

The importance of compliance in the cloud

In the digital era Compliance a central role for public authorities. Compliance with legal requirements and security standards is essential in order to protect sensitive data and avoid legal consequences.

Important legal requirements

Cloud solutions for the public sector must meet strict requirements. The BSI C5 criteria catalog defines minimum requirements in 17 security areas. These requirements ensure that cloud services meet the highest standards in terms of data sovereignty and security.

The ISO/IEC 22123-1:2023 standard describes cloud computing as a paradigm for network-based access to scalable and elastic resources. This includes computing power, storage and networks. Elasticity enables rapid adaptation to demand, while scalability allows easy expansion from 10 to 10,000 users.

Avoidance of fines

Adherence to compliance guidelines is essential to avoid fines. Certifications play an important role here. They confirm the effectiveness of implemented controls and are a quality feature for the security of the cloud service.

Cloud providers such as Google work closely with the BSI to always meet the latest compliance standards. This gives authorities the certainty that their cloud solutions meet the latest legal requirements and fines are avoided.

Application examples of secure cloud solutions

The cooperation between Google Cloud and the BSI shows how secure cloud solutions are implemented in practice. Since February 2025, they have been working together on solutions for public authorities at all levels. These systems comply with strict German and European data protection regulations.

An important point is data security. Google relies on modern Encryption such as post-quantum cryptography. This also protects data from future quantum computers. Authorities can thus store sensitive information securely.

The new cooperation forum plays a central role. It takes care of security monitoring and rapid responses to problems. The exchange of threat information also helps to identify risks at an early stage. Google undertakes to keep the BSI informed about important security issues.

Secure access is important for users. Strong passwords and two-factor authentication significantly increase protection. The use of HTTPS for data transfer is also a must. These measures make cloud use more secure and efficient for public authorities.