If your organization handles defense-related technical data, then you likely fall under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). These strict regulations govern how sensitive defense information is accessed, stored, and shared—especially in the cloud. Many contractors find themselves struggling to maintain ITAR compliance in a Commercial Microsoft 365 environment.

Here’s how migrating to Microsoft GCC High simplifies your compliance journey—and how expert GCC High migration services can make the transition secure and efficient.

1. GCC High Meets ITAR’s U.S. Citizenship Requirements

One of ITAR’s core rules is that only U.S. persons can access export-controlled data. Most Microsoft 365 tenants, including GCC, rely on global support and infrastructure. Only GCC High ensures:

• U.S.-based data residency

• U.S. citizen-only support personnel

• Segregated infrastructure approved for export-controlled data

Operating outside GCC High may unintentionally expose your organization to ITAR violations—even with well-meaning controls.

2. Protects Technical Data Across Communication Tools

Export-controlled data can appear in:

• Email attachments

• SharePoint files

• Microsoft Teams chats

• Meeting recordings

GCC High provides the proper data boundaries and tools to encrypt, classify, and restrict this data across all Microsoft 365 services—essential for full-spectrum ITAR compliance.

3. Aligns with the DDTC’s Cloud Guidance

The U.S. Department of State’s DDTC provides guidance for using cloud services under ITAR. Key recommendations include:

• Using U.S. infrastructure and administrators

• Preventing foreign access to controlled data

• Logging and monitoring all data access

GCC High was built to align with these guidelines, making it easier to demonstrate compliance during audits or disclosures.

4. Enables Better Control and Monitoring

To stay compliant, you must continuously:

• Track who accesses controlled data

• Monitor file sharing and data transfer

• Restrict external collaboration

GCC High’s advanced security features—like Microsoft Purview, Defender, and Sentinel—help automate and enforce these requirements with precision.

Working with trusted GCC High migration services ensures these controls are properly configured from the start.

5. Reduces Legal and Contractual Risk

ITAR violations can lead to:

• Fines in the millions

• Contract termination

• Reputational damage

• Legal liability for executives

Migrating to GCC High minimizes these risks and builds a defensible compliance posture your legal team (and customers) can trust.

Staying ITAR compliant isn’t optional—and attempting to do so in the wrong cloud environment is risky business. Microsoft GCC High gives you the infrastructure and tools needed to protect export-controlled data, maintain regulatory alignment, and win defense contracts. Start your journey with expert GCC High migration services to ensure your cloud transition is secure, efficient, and audit-ready.