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'Sensitive' Shared Workspace pilot

The State Services Commission is currently piloting a Sensitive Shared Workspace, an online collaboration service that supports groups sharing information and resources rated at the government classification of Sensitive.

Similar to the Shared Workspaces, the pilot has been developed to assist:

  • Secure interagency collaboration
  • The sharing of Sensitive work in progress  
  • The sharing of expertise, experience and good practice

There are currently more than 20 users in the pilot Sensitive workspace, working on a bid for the 2006 Budget.

The workspace website and traffic to and from the workspace is secured for information classified up to and including Sensitive level. The reasons for securing information at this level are to protect the economy of New Zealand, government negotiations, the safety of individuals, and confidentiality.

The appropriate level of security is achieved through a two-factor authentication process when a user logs in. This involves combining tokens with username/password authentication to provide extra security. The hardware token is a small device that can be attached to a key ring. It randomly generates a one-time number that changes every 60 seconds. No software is required by the user in order to operate this device.

The pilot is intended to help the SSC establish whether there is sufficient need to warrant providing a workspace rated at the Sensitive level. SSC will be assessing:  the technology being used, the level of demand for the service and the usability of the Sensitive-rated workspace. During the trial period of December 2005 - April 2006, contact SSC  if this service could assist your group or agency.

The Sensitive Shared Workspace will only be available to the Public Sector if the trial is successful.

For more information, see: www.e.govt.nz/services/workspace/sensitive/