GCSx
Hytec can help you achieve the Code of Connection and expand your services to your citizens
Overview
The Government Connect Secure Extranet (GCSx) allows local authorities and other government departments to access information held on the Government Secure Intranet (GSi) for central government and national bodies.
It is vital that local authorities have access to this information as they are the bodies dealing with the welfare of their citizens, and need information pertaining to benefits, health and social care, schools, criminal justice and immigration, to name but a few. Only in this way can they properly carry out their function: to serve their citizens with the most up-to-date and relevant information while ensuring the security and integrity of that data.
In order to become connected to GCSx, bodies prove that they have adequate IT security measures in place, as well as policies and procedures for the correct handling of sensitive information, information sharing and data protection issues.
Through the achievement of the GCSx Code of Connection (CoCo), currently on version 4.1, central government can ensure that these standards are adhered to, minimising the threat of compromising sensitive data.
How can Hytec help us?
For local authorities not already connected to GCSx, Hytec’s technical and information assurance teams can work with your organisation to guide you through the CoCo process; we will ensure that the project is undertaken in a pragmatic and cost effective manner- our CESG listed advisers (CLAS Consultants) are experts in this field and we have worked with around 30 local authorities to help them through the Code of Connection for versions 3.2 and 4.1.
Whether it’s assessing the organisation’s IT infrastructure requirements, policies and procedures drafting or staff training relating to best practice governance, Hytec can put together a bespoke package to encompass all the requirements of the organisation.
Hytec can save you money by helping to avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary activities, for example by planning for future necessities, for example, EAL4 firewalls may not currently be required for CoCo 4.1 but what about for a future planned connection to the NHS N3 network?
What experience does Hytec have?
As we have worked with organisations spanning the length and breadth of public sector, our teams can utilise the close working arrangement we have with NHS Connecting for Health (CfH) and can advise on a harmonised approach to multiple compliance projects, bringing together the experience and knowledge of our CLAS consultants, technical architects, and Information Assurance teams.
Hytec created the security wrap for the London PSN which was later used by the Department for Work and Pensions as an exemplar of good practice, and we are in regular dialogue with CESG, representing the practical interests of local authorities to them. Therefore we can share a wealth of information and guidance gained from this with local authorities and other public sector bodies with a need for assistance in the initial connection or ongoing compliance stages of GCSx.
We have numerous currently active reference sites to call upon if required.
If you would like more information on any of the above services, please click here or call our helpful sales team on 0208 973 1100.