5 Good Reasons to Choose a SecNumCloud-Qualified Environment

In just a few years, cloud computing has evolved from a technical option into the backbone of information systems. This shift comes with a paradox: the more data moves to the cloud, the more valuable it becomes, and therefore the more exposed it is.

In this context, the question is no longer whether an organisation should move to the cloud, but which environment it should choose to ensure the long-term security of its digital assets.

In France, the SecNumCloud qualification, awarded by ANSSI, has established itself as the security benchmark for sensitive data. It represents a contractual and technical commitment validated by the French State, subject to annual audits and renewed every three years.

Here are five key reasons why the most demanding organisations choose a SecNumCloud-qualified environment.

1. Protecting Against Foreign Legal Interference

Digital sovereignty has become an operational reality. Choosing a cloud provider subject to non-European legislation means accepting the possibility that a foreign authority could access your data following a judicial or administrative order.

Version 3.2 of the SecNumCloud framework was designed to prevent this risk. It requires protection against extraterritorial legislation such as the US CLOUD Act, FISA Section 702 and Chinese intelligence laws by imposing requirements on:

• Ownership structure: non-European entities may not individually hold more than 24% of the company’s capital, nor more than 39% collectively.
• Location: the company’s registered office, operational teams and technical infrastructure must be located within the European Economic Area.

2. Protecting Sensitive Data, “Diffusion Restreinte” Information and Critical Assets

The security of the environment must match the sensitivity of the data it hosts. SecNumCloud provides a highly secure environment for assets whose compromise could harm the interests of a company or the State.

It is a reference environment for:

• “Diffusion Restreinte” (DR) information: for ministries, public administrations and Operators of Vital Importance, the DR classification imposes strict protection requirements. SecNumCloud is currently the only cloud environment enabling this information to be processed in compliance with the French Government’s Information Systems Security Policy.
• Sensitive information assets: industrial secrets, intellectual property, patents and strategic data.
• Healthcare and sovereign data: information whose sensitivity requires strong guarantees regarding non-transfer and integrity.

3. Technical Robustness Validated by ANSSI

ISO 27001 assesses the consistency of security processes. SecNumCloud assesses the actual effectiveness of the measures deployed.

Across more than 360 control points organised into 14 areas, ANSSI imposes prescriptive and verifiable requirements:

• Strict segregation: strong physical and logical isolation between customers.
• Advanced monitoring: 24/7 monitoring by a qualified Security Operations Centre capable of detecting advanced persistent threats.
• Exclusive control of encryption keys: robust encryption mechanisms, with the possibility for customers to retain full control over their encryption keys.
• Penetration testing: regular technical audits designed to test the platform’s resilience against real-world attacks.

4. Accelerating Regulatory Compliance

SecNumCloud reduces regulatory complexity by providing evidence of security that has already been validated by the French State.

• NIS2 Directive: NIS2 introduces strict requirements regarding supply chain security. SecNumCloud directly contributes to meeting requirements related to third-party and supplier risk management.
• France’s “Cloud at the Centre” doctrine: since 2023, DINUM has required public administrations to use qualified solutions for sensitive data. For the French public sector, SecNumCloud is no longer simply an option, it has become a reference standard.
• GDPR: by reducing exposure to data access requests from third countries, SecNumCloud helps structurally address risks associated with data transfers outside the European Union.

5. Preparing for the Future European Standard: EUCS

SecNumCloud anticipates the future European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services, known as EUCS, led by ENISA.

By adopting this level of security today, organisations can prepare for greater regulatory convergence at the European level. This helps secure their long-term cloud strategy and reduce the risk of costly emergency migrations if European requirements become mandatory.

Conclusion: A Leadership Decision

Choosing a SecNumCloud-qualified environment is not merely an IT decision. It is a strategic choice with legal, commercial and geopolitical implications.

Oodrive obtained France’s first SecNumCloud qualification for a SaaS solution in 2019. This commitment is not a legacy frozen in time. It is an ongoing requirement, renewed year after year, enabling organisations to manage their most sensitive data, including “Diffusion Restreinte” information, with the highest level of confidence.