Amazon Web Services receives NATO-wide approval for restricted data

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has become the first commercial cloud provider to receive approval from all 32 NATO member nations to handle ‘NATO RESTRICTED’ information. This classification represents the Alliance’s lowest level of secrecy.

The approval allows NATO, its defense partners, and member nations to utilize AWS services within any AWS Region located in a member country to manage restricted workloads. This agreement provides a pre-assessed security baseline, which AWS states will reduce the time, effort, and cost for individual allies to meet security and compliance obligations through their national accreditation processes.

Dylan Browne, general manager of the NATO Communications and Information Agency, noted that the ability to securely leverage commercial technology is essential for building a more resilient and agile Alliance. The move comes as the European Union continues to discuss legislation aimed at reducing dependence on major American digital corporations.