Keeping the Public Sector Secure and Reliable with Kubernetes

Since its release in 2015, Kubernetes (K8s) has become a leading tool for achieving digital transformation at scale. This open-source container orchestrator is perhaps today’s most popular choice for private and public organizations seeking to unlock the benefits of the hybrid cloud.

For actors in the public sector, moving operations to the cloud comes with its own unique challenges. For one, while cloud-smart digital transformation promises increased connectivity for civil servants and higher functionality for public-facing services, it’s critical that sensitive government and citizen data remain secure along the way. Further, government institutions regularly have fewer resources at their disposal than their private counterparts and need IT solutions that save public money.

Fortunately, with the right approach to K8s adoption, government agencies can take full advantage of the flexibility and savings offered by cloud computing. Let’s review how organizations across the public sector might use Kubernetes to secure sensitive government data and ensure compliance, connect public servants on the hybrid cloud, and get public services up and running faster and cheaper.

Secure sensitive government data and ensure compliance

Kubernetes’ surging popularity in recent years is chiefly due to its innovative management of containers. These cloud-native applications effectively virtualize operating systems and can be accessed from any device or location.

Yet it’s precisely this functionality that can give government agencies pause. Indeed, openness like this is susceptible to cyberattacks, bugs, and other issues that can have irreversible effects on public faith in government. What’s more, given that public organizations often have limited resources at their disposal, open-source technologies and public clouds remain attractive options for cutting costs. However, these may
increase the risk of data breaches that compromise social security numbers, tax documents, or even classified and top-secret information.

With the right Kubernetes platform, it’s possible to spin up container bundles that fully comply with regulations. Diamanti’s K8s interface makes this a reality by helping public organizations modernize safely. In addition to providing automated back-up and recovery options, their centralized dashboard enables users to control access to applications and data by customizing firewalls, authentication and classification protocols, log auditing, and network separation. Actions like these can be crucial in maintaining FIPS verification and other forms of regulatory compliance.

Setting up a secure system capable of compliant Kubernetes deployment can be a complex task. With Diamanti, public sector organizations receive continuous expert guidance and technical support to maximize the benefits of K8s while minimizing risk.This saves time on Day 0 and 1 and guarantees that a move to the cloud will help governments to continue serving the people.

Connect public servants on the hybrid cloud
Containerization can also increase productivity for government agencies. This starts with the hiring and onboarding process itself, which often needs to be done remotely. To bring in top talent, public institutions can rely on cloud-native applications to streamline the interview process and grant new hires segmented access to training and security protocols. This makes sure that every public servant begins their service prepared and
informed.

Containers also permit teams to remain connected, regardless of whether they’re in the office or out in the field. For example, government employees regularly need to be present in their communities and are frequently traveling for official meetings and engagements. It’s therefore necessary that every public sector employee has the access that they need to do their job on the go. Further, access like this is critical during
times of instability and crisis (the COVID-19 pandemic being but one example) so that governments can continue running and offering the public urgent solutions.

Deliver public services faster and cheaper with Kubernetes
With Kubernetes and the hybrid cloud, public sector organizations can move services like these to market faster and save money in the process. Notably, containers can be deployed to connect not only public servants with their colleagues but also citizens with their governments.

For example, this innovative technology can be used to power the platforms that people use every day to pay their taxes, register to vote, obtain a driver’s license, or receive public benefits. By running these container-fueled systems through Diamanti’s centralized Kubernetes interface, leaders gain streamlined access to analytics pipelines that promote real-time decisions that will improve citizens’ lives. Thanks to the operational agility granted by these insights, public goods can be developed faster based on need and distributed equitably.

Kubernetes also generates the resources necessary for operating public services and programs at scale. Specifically, adopting K8s offers organizations in this sector considerable savings on hardware and computing spend. For starters, containers cost less to operate than cumbersome legacy hardware. Further, leaders can take advantage of Diamanti’s platform to automate more containers to spin up during periods
of increased network activity (on Tax Day, for instance) and fewer to deploy at others. Instead of wasting money on expensive subscription and computing fees, this enables governments to devote public funds to building a brighter future.