Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Google Workspace offer a robust suite of tools, settings, and support materials to help organizations meet the security and compliance requirements of Australia’s Consumer Data Right (CDR) framework.
The CDR is often described as the backbone of Australia’s future digital economy. Initially focused on Open Banking, it requires financial institutions to securely share consumer data with third-party service providers, as long as those providers have earned consumer consent and proper accreditation.
To become an Accredited Data Recipient (ADR), organizations must undergo an independent audit and submit an assurance report from a qualified auditor. This requirement has been one of the main barriers to adoption, with only a limited number of accreditations granted nine months following the CDR’s launch in July 2020.
As with most standards, however, the compliance journey becomes more streamlined over time. The ecosystem matures, best practices emerge, and tools improve. While the CDR outlines what must be done, it does not specify how to do it. This article explains how to meet those security requirements using Google Cloud and Workspace solutions.
What Are the Security Requirements?
CDR security requirements span four key domains:
- Infrastructure: Managed through GCP, this includes servers, storage, networks, and other core components.
- Application: Your software and any third-party platforms directly supporting the CDR environment.
- Endpoint Devices: Laptops, mobile devices, and external storage that interact with CDR systems.
- Organizational Controls: Company-wide governance, policies, processes, and oversight activities.
Each of these areas must be addressed to satisfy the CDR’s rigorous standards for data security and privacy.
How to Implement CDR With Google Products
Google’s tools and documentation allow for building a secure, auditable environment that aligns with CDR obligations. Here’s a high-level overview of how to get started:
- Cloud Identity: Begin by implementing Cloud Identity to manage user access and authentication across your organization. This simplifies identity and access management (IAM), enforces best practices, and supports centralized policy control.
- Cloud Platform (GCP): Use GCP’s suite of tools and linked knowledge base resources to configure infrastructure-level security. This includes encryption, firewalls, audit logging, and access controls tailored to CDR’s requirements.
- Endpoint Management: Set up advanced endpoint management for all user devices. Google Workspace supports enforcement of security policies, remote device management, and monitoring for laptops, smartphones, and other endpoints within the CDR environment.
To learn more about how Google Cloud and Workspace can support your CDR compliance journey, contact us.
