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Author: James Bettaney

Australian businesses are under increasing pressure to meet new data security regulations, especially when moving to the cloud. With updated laws like the Privacy Act Amendment Act 2024 and the Cyber Security Act 2024, the demand for compliant, well-governed cloud environments has never been higher.

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised information security standard that provides cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) with a proven framework to help meet these regulations. For organisations migrating to AWS, understanding and aligning with ISO 27001 is key to protecting data integrity and confidentiality at every stage of the process.

If you’re considering moving to the cloud, WOLK’s AWS specialists can guide you through a secure, compliant migration and help you apply ISO 27001-aligned practices that reduce risk and support long-term data governance.

How ISO 27001 Protects Australian Organisations In the Cloud

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 defines the requirements for establishing, maintaining, and continuously improving an information security management system (ISMS). Its principles focus on safeguarding sensitive information, mitigating risks, and ensuring ongoing protection through technical and organisational controls.

Australia recognises ISO 27001-compliant systems as part of its broader cybersecurity and privacy framework. Amazon Web Services (AWS) maintains its own ISO 27001 certification, meaning the infrastructure your cloud workloads run on meets globally accepted security standards, making it easier to meet Australian compliance expectations.

This certification provides a strong foundation for secure cloud operations for organisations migrating to AWS, but your configuration and management practices must also follow the same security standards.

How AWS Supports ISO 27001 Compliance

AWS offers services and governance tools that support your compliance with ISO 27001, especially during and after cloud migration. These features help maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in line with ISO principles, including:

  • Data encryption standards. AWS Key Management Service (KMS) supports ISO 27001-compliant encryption methods like AES-256, protecting data at rest and in transit. This helps maintain data integrity during transfer and storage.
  • Audit trails and data logs. ISO 27001 recommends logging all user activities and system usage. Services like AWS CloudTrail and AWS Config log data access and changes in configurations make it easier to investigate incidents.
  • Access to compliance reports. Document and demonstrate your organisation’s compliance with ISO 27001 and other nationally recognised standards with AWS Artifact.

Build a Secure Data Environment With WOLK

At WOLK, we know data security and can guide you through Amazon Web Services (AWS). Our Melbourne-based team is ready to help you migrate your business data to AWS while keeping your organisation compliant with data security standards. 

Contact us today to start building a cloud environment that protects your data, supports compliance, and scales with your business.

Every healthcare facility in Australia—whether a small clinic or a large hospital—is responsible for protecting patient data. But moving that data to the cloud isn’t simple. Healthcare organisations must keep it safe from breaches and cyberattacks while following strict privacy laws like the My Health Records Act 2012.

Cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) offer secure, reliable environments built to protect patient information, even during migration. With help from an AWS partner like WOLK, your organisation can move to the cloud confidently and stay protected at every step.

Why Patient Data Security Is a Challenge During Migration

Moving patient data to the cloud—whether you’re setting up a new healthcare organisation or upgrading existing systems—requires careful planning and full compliance with Australian privacy laws. Along the way, there are several security risks to manage:

  • Data integrity. When moving to new systems, healthcare organisations must keep patient records accurate and complete, with no data loss, corruption, or formatting errors during the transfer.
  • Interception risk. Legacy systems leave security gaps—67% of healthcare data breaches stem from malicious attacks, many of which target data in transit during migration.
  • Access controls. During migration, only approved staff should be able to access patient data. Weak or misconfigured controls can lead to data leaks, unauthorised access, or loss.
  • Caregiving service disruptions. Migration must not interrupt access to patient records. If data becomes unavailable at the wrong time, it can delay care and affect patient outcomes.

How an AWS Expert Can Help Address Healthcare Migration Risks

AWS provides a wide range of services to help make the migration process as secure as possible. The data security experts at WOLK can assess your needs and design a safe migration process with the right AWS services.

  • Define and enforce permissions. Using AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), WOLK helps you assign roles so only the right staff can access patient data. The system automatically enforces these permissions to keep access secure.

  • Move databases safely. With AWS Database Migration Service (DMS), you can migrate complete databases to the cloud and convert them to modern formats. We can also guide you through the service’s data replication features to maintain high availability and avoid service disruptions.
  • Encrypt sensitive data. AWS Key Management Service (KMS) lets you create and manage encryption keys to protect patient data from unauthorised access, whether at rest or in transit.
  • Regulatory compliance. Under the My Health Records Act 2012, storing or moving sensitive health records outside Australian borders is unlawful. The WOLK team can help you configure your AWS environment in Australian AWS data centres, keeping your organisation compliant.

Transition to the Cloud Successfully With WOLK

The Melbourne-based team at WOLK specialises in helping hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare entities transition to Amazon Web Services. Contact our AWS team today to discuss your cloud migration needs.

Australian businesses in the healthcare industry must comply with multiple privacy and patient data protection laws. They include regulations like the Privacy Act 1988, the My Health Records Act, and state-level laws like South Australia’s Health Care Act 2008.

While protecting patient data is an ongoing responsibility, healthcare organisations also need the right data sharing and collaboration tools to provide quality care. Learn how the AWS team at WOLK can help you transition to cloud-based patient data management on Amazon Web Services (AWS), keeping your caregiving business agile, efficient, and legally compliant. 

Why Patient Data Security and Collaboration Are a Challenge

Many hospitals, clinics, and other caregiving facilities in Australia rely on outdated technology, putting patient information at risk. A 2024 study conducted by SOTI revealed that 53% of healthcare organisations in the country use outdated and legacy IT systems.

Examples include aging devices, on-site servers, and outdated software, exposing facilities to cyberattacks and data loss.

IT devices within these facilities are also frequently isolated or part of disjointed networks. They create collaboration and teamwork issues, such as accidentally duplicated data, mishandled records, and frequent double-handling.

How the AWS Secure Modern Workplace Solves These Issues

Migrating to a modern cloud-based workplace like Amazon Web Services (AWS) equips healthcare organisations to protect patient data while keeping it accessible to caregiving staff.

  • Teamwork with data security. With AWS WorkSpaces and AWS Client VPN, all caregivers can access records and hospital data securely from any location. The built-in user permissions system, multi-factor authentication, and central monitoring allow staff members to log in easily while keeping their accounts secure.
  • Improved collaboration. Collaboration on an AWS workspace is possible thanks to Amazon WorkDocs and Chime. These tools allow doctors, nurses, and other authorised staff to share sensitive files and records, work on the same documents simultaneously, and hold video conferences through secure channels.
  • Automatic backups. AWS services like AWS Elastic Disaster Recovery (AWS DRS) and AWS Backup help prevent data loss and facilitate restoring operations after a breach or another disaster event. Amazon S3 also supports versioning, making it possible to restore and protect multiple versions of the same patient records.

Work With an AWS Expert Today

The AWS specialists at WOLK are ready to assist Australia’s hospitals and caregiving facilities. Let us help you make your organisation more secure and efficient. Contact us to discuss your data security and compliance requirements.

More Australian businesses are moving to the cloud, and by 2025, over half will run their workloads on platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS).

If you’re planning a move to the cloud, WOLK’s AWS specialists can help. Learn about the three key phases of migrating to a secure, modern workplace on AWS, and how each step improves your infrastructure, data security, and operations.

Assessment Phase: Determining Your Current IT Needs

An AWS expert will start by assessing your current IT setup and operational needs—identifying what’s working, what’s not, and how your organisation could benefit from moving to the cloud. This assessment usually covers:

  • Business case development. This involves weighing the costs and benefits of moving to a secure, modern workplace with AWS. It includes building a basic migration plan, estimating the total cost of ownership, and predicting potential returns over time. 

Mobilisation Phase: Setting the Foundation

Once you’ve reviewed the assessment and decided to move ahead, your AWS partner helps lay the groundwork. This stage gives your organization the tools, access, and structure needed to successfully move to the cloud. 

Here’s what comes next:

  • Setting up automation tools. Track what’s happening, detect and address incidents, and prove compliance with services like AWS Systems Manager and AWS CloudTrail.
  • Create a security landing zone. An AWS specialist will help you configure and test a safe landing zone for your data and applications with AWS Virtual Private Cloud.

Migration Phase: Moving Your Workloads

Once your virtual environment is fully configured and tested for safety, you can move on to the migration phase and complete your transition to the cloud:

  • Moving your data. Transfer your business data, applications, and user environment into relevant AWS services through the AWS Migration Hub.
  • Modernising your security. Upgrade your current security tools using cloud-based options. For example, traditional desktop VPN software can be replaced with AWS Client VPN to better support remote access.
  • Monitoring for threats. After completing the migration, continuous monitoring tools like Amazon GuardDuty provide additional security against data breaches or policy violations, keeping your workplace safe from data loss.

Simpler and More Secure Workplaces With AWS

The AWS team at WOLK has the experience to make your organisation’s migration process simpler, quicker, and more secure. We follow the methodologies outlined in the AWS Migration Acceleration Program to minimise delays and bring your business to the cloud in a matter of months. 

Reach out today to discuss your migration needs.

Service Organisation Control (SOC) compliance is necessary for any business that handles sensitive data, like financial records or healthcare data, through Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

Australian firms may need a SOC audit from an accredited organisation to ensure compliance and maintain the highest level of data protection. Learn how an AWS specialist like WOLK can help you prepare for a SOC audit and ensure the safe handling and storage of your most sensitive data.

The Five Trust Services Criteria

The versions of SOC that work best with AWS—SOC 2 and SOC 3—are based on five key principles known as the Five Trust Services Criteria:

  • Security. Protecting the data from unauthorised access, such as data breaches, misuse, or destruction.
  • Availability. Monitoring the systems hosting the data to ensure their continued availability to authorised users and clients.
  • Processing integrity. Ensuring the systems processing the sensitive data produce complete, valid, and accurate outputs, preventing errors or unintended modifications as much as possible.
  • Confidentiality. Protecting sensitive data or the confidential information it contains from restricted access or disclosure, such as proprietary data or a client’s personal information.

To comply with either version of SOC, you must meet the Security criteria. Depending on your industry or business sector, you might also need to follow some or all of the other four trust services criteria.

Achieving SOC Compliance on AWS

Amazon handles compliance at the infrastructure level, meaning compliance is only guaranteed for the hardware and networking connections on which your data resides. Your organisation is responsible for security and compliance at all other levels: software, data, applications, and user access rights under the Shared Responsibility Model.

Businesses using AWS to manage sensitive data can tap into specific resources to help prepare for an audit and simplify the compliance process.

  • AWS Artifact. This resource allows your organisation to view the AWS SOC Reports and other audit documentation, such as ISO 27001. You can show copies of these reports to reduce your audit burden and demonstrate the infrastructure’s compliance.
  • AWS CloudTrail. This tool provides logging and auditing of all AWS accounts and activity in your AWS environment, such as user access or API calls. They are necessary for Security and Processing Integrity compliance.
  • AWS Config. This service monitors and records all configuration changes in your AWS environment, such as alterations to a security group, helping with Security and Availability compliance.
  • AWS KMS. Key Management Service (KMS) is a commonly used AWS service that lets organisations create and enforce strong data encryption and key management standards, which can help with Confidentiality and Privacy compliance.

Let WOLK Help You Prepare for a SOC Audit

Cloud computing and AWS experts like WOLK can help assess your needs and prepare you for a SOC audit. We handle everything from broad Well-Architected Reviews to gap assessments and specialized tasks like compliance monitoring and security checks. Every business is different—reach out to our team to learn how we can support yours.

Migrating your organisation’s operations and business data to the cloud has many security and regulatory benefits, especially with a trusted provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

AWS hardware and infrastructure fully comply with ISO 27001, providing your data a layer of security against tampering, unauthorised access, and unexpected loss. It also helps maintain compliance with Australia’s main data privacy and protection laws, such as the Privacy Act 1988. 

Partner with the AWS experts at WOLK and learn strategies for keeping your organisation’s data safe and compliant with all relevant industry regulations.

Risk Assessment and Security Audits

Under the AWS Shared Responsibility Model, both AWS and your organisation are responsible for keeping data hosted on the cloud safe and compliant with regulatory needs. AWS’s share of the responsibility extends to its hardware, infrastructure, and core software. Your business must implement all necessary security measures and controls within that environment.

WOLK can conduct a risk assessment and perform audits to ensure all of the following meet your data security needs:

  • Identifying security threats. We will use all available tools, such as AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), AWS Security Hub, and AWS Config, to monitor your cloud environment’s security. We can identify security gaps, potential threats to cloud-stored data, and compliance issues.
  • Usage of data encryption. Our team can check whether your cloud environment efficiently uses tools like AWS Key Management Service (KMS). Data at rest and in transit should be encrypted with secure and ISO 27001-compliant protocols like AES-256.

If configuration discrepancies or gaps are identified, our team can help you make all necessary changes to strengthen security and protect your sensitive business data.

Third-Party Assurance and Certifications

WOLK is an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner and a specialist of the AWS Well-Architected framework. Our team has the resources to help you implement the best practices in data protection, including providing the following:

  • Incident response preparation. We can help you navigate AWS disaster response tools and implement a plan that meets ISO 27001 A.16 incident management requirements.
  • Continuous improvement principle. We can implement a plan to help your business continuously monitor its cloud environment. This plan gives you the means to ensure its continued safety and compliance with the latest versions of ISO 27001.
  • Audit readiness. WOLK can prepare your organisation for an ISO 27001 audit and evidence-gathering process, including implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

Implement and Maintain ISO 27001 Compliance With WOLK

Since 2017, WOLK has supported Australian organisations in securing their data and adhering to regulatory standards. Contact our team today to discuss your cloud security needs.

As part of its commitment to data security, Amazon Web Services (AWS) complies with ISO 27001, a globally recognised framework for managing information security. This compliance is crucial for Australian businesses moving to cloud-based services, particularly those dealing with sensitive information like personal, financial, or medical data. Learn how ISO 27001 supports cloud migration and how an AWS expert like WOLK can help protect your data in the cloud.

Understanding AWS ISO 27001 Compliance

ISO 27001, also known as ISO/IEC 27001, is an information security standard recognized worldwide. It provides organisations with a framework to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and continued availability of sensitive data. The framework is built around three core principles:

  • Risk management. ISO 27001 offers guidelines for identifying, assessing, and reducing information security risks. Organisations that comply with these standards can effectively manage and minimise potential security threats.
  • Access control. ISO 27001 recommends implementing strong access management controls to ensure organisation members only have access to the data they need.
  • Continuous monitoring. ISO 27001 outlines best practices for monitoring systems to detect potential intrusions, prevent unauthorised access, and ensure compliance with the latest security protocols.

You benefit from their commitment to ISO 27001 compliance when you use Amazon Web Services. Independent third-party auditors regularly certify AWS, and many services, like Amazon S3, EC2, and AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), are certified under this standard.

The Role of ISO 27001 in Cloud Migration

Using cloud services with proper security practices is a great way to protect data and ensure client privacy. However, migrating to the cloud can introduce security risks, especially when transferring data.

Improper or non-secure transfer processes can expose data to loss, theft, or access by unauthorised parties. To minimize these risks, ISO 27001 recommends implementing access controls, data backup solutions, and encryption. 

The framework also includes best practices for ongoing risk and compliance assessments. For example, it includes protocols to ensure the data migration does not violate local and international data protection laws.

Benefits of AWS ISO 27001 Compliance for Australian Organisations

Following ISO 27001 principles and using compliant services reduces risks during the cloud migration process and offers the following benefits:

  • Reduced operational risks. AWS ISO 27001 compliance offers Australian companies a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and addressing data security risks.
  • Enhanced security posture. Following ISO 27001 gives organisations a strong, proactive approach to data protection. It covers threat detection, continuous monitoring, encryption, incident response, and disaster recovery plans.
  • Adherence to Australian law. AWS’s ISO 27001 certification helps ensure compliance with Australian data protection laws, including the Privacy Act 1988.

Discover How WOLK Optimizes Your AWS Infrastructure

Set your organisation up for success and transition into the cloud smoothly by partnering with WOLK. Our cloud experts have the resources to guide you through the cloud migration process, from AWS service guidance to data transfer. Contact our team today to get started with your firm’s cloud migration.

Did you know that in 2023, Australia’s healthcare sector reported 104 data breaches in just the second half of the year? Malicious attacks accounted for 67% of these breaches, and system migrations make healthcare organizations more vulnerable to these incidents. 

Because healthcare providers manage millions of patients’ sensitive information, ensuring data security during these transitions has never been more critical. With strict regulations like the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) in place, safeguarding this data is not just a priority—it’s a necessity!

One of the toughest challenges for healthcare providers is safely moving data to upgraded systems. It’s important to understand the risks involved in this process, the best practices to reduce those risks, and how AWS experts at WOLK can help you navigate the transition securely.

Risks and Challenges in Healthcare Data Migration

While modern cloud-based infrastructure is highly secure for protecting healthcare data, the migration process can still introduce several security risks, including:

  • Data breach risk. Moving data from older, local systems to cloud-based solutions can expose sensitive information to unauthorised access if proper security measures aren’t in place.
  • Risk of data loss. Delaying system upgrades increases the chances of data loss or corruption due to downtime or system incompatibilities. If the transfer is incomplete, files and records may become corrupted.
  • Compliance requirements. Even when upgrading to compliant hardware and infrastructure, the migration process must meet all legal requirements. Healthcare providers need to ensure that every step of the migration adheres to the Privacy Act and relevant state privacy laws.

Best Practices for Secure and Seamless Data Migration

Healthcare providers must fulfil three objectives when migrating to a modern cloud-based infrastructure system: maintain data accuracy, maximise uptime, and compliance. Here are the best practices to meet these objectives:

  • Data mapping. In healthcare, data mapping is a process that ensures all important patient information is transferred accurately during system upgrades. For instance, if an older system stored birthdates in a different format, data mapping makes sure the birthdates are correctly converted to the new format before being saved in the updated system. This helps maintain the accuracy and integrity of patient records.
  • Uptime. Minimising downtime is essential for healthcare facilities to keep providing care without interruptions. Techniques like phased data migrations, setting up backup systems, and scheduling data transfers during quieter times can help ensure services continue running smoothly.
  • Compliance during transfers. Healthcare providers can stay compliant by following strict data handling standards. This includes using strong access controls to limit who can access data and encrypting files during transfers to upgraded systems to protect sensitive information.

Protect Patient Data With WOLK

Don’t risk the security of your patients’ sensitive data by attempting a complex migration alone. The data security and cloud experts at WOLK are ready to ensure a seamless transition that meets the highest standards of compliance. Contact our team to safeguard your healthcare facility’s future and protect your patients’ trust—before it’s too late.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) supports the productivity and data security needs of Australian organisations in all sectors, including the healthcare industry. In addition to compliance with Australia’s data protection laws, AWS solutions can help healthcare facilities identify and address security challenges without impacting teamwork and collaboration. 

Find out how an AWS expert like WOLK can help your healthcare facility migrate to AWS and modernise its processes.

The Importance of Patient Data Security in Healthcare

Data breaches regularly expose private or highly sensitive information, exposing victims to an increased risk of identity theft, fraud, scams, and financial losses. Many Australian laws and data protection regulations are designed to protect healthcare data and patient information. Examples include the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme.

Despite these measures, healthcare providers across the country are vulnerable to patient data breaches. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) reported 104 healthcare organisation breach notifications from July to December 2023, up from 63 from January to June.

Challenges in Healthcare Data Management

Healthcare organisations must handle patients’ personally identifiable information and medical records, introducing many data security risks and challenges:

  • Increased cyber threats. Healthcare facilities in Australia are often the target of cyber attacks such as ransomware or phishing, increasing the need for cybersecurity measures.
  • Compliance challenges. Healthcare organisations must comply with the APPs, report breaches with the NDB, and follow all other applicable laws to avoid sanctions and protect patient trust.
  • Data integrity risks. Failing to keep a healthcare facility’s IT systems secure and up-to-date increases the risk of corrupting sensitive data or rendering it unavailable.
  • Storage and access challenges. Healthcare facilities must process, store, and secure large volumes of data. They must also ensure that data is remotely accessible by healthcare providers for efficient telemedicine.

AWS Solutions for Secure Healthcare Workspaces

Amazon Web Services (AWS) includes a range of secure, efficient solutions designed to enhance your healthcare facility’s data security. These solutions comply with Australian data security standards without impacting productivity or workflow efficiency.

  • AWS WorkSpaces. This secure, remotely accessible Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) facilitates access to sensitive patient data while keeping it safe with encryption at rest and in transit.
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM). With IAM, define and configure precise security roles for each healthcare worker, ensuring each team member only has access to the data they need.
  • AWS CloudTrail. Gain access to detailed user activity logs, detect who accesses what data, and give your healthcare facility the tools to detect and combat security incidents.

Secure Your Patient Data with WOLK Today

WOLK can help you protect your patients’ sensitive data and work more efficiently. Contact us today and learn how AWS services can strengthen your healthcare facility against cyber threats.

A secure, modern workplace is where employees can work efficiently and collaboratively from anywhere, using various devices, while ensuring that data and operations remain protected against cyber threats. Achieving this involves using advanced cloud services to provide flexibility, increase productivity, and maintain strong security measures. 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services that facilitate the transition to such a workplace, ensuring security and efficiency throughout the migration process.

How to Achieve a Secure Modern Workplace with AWS

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s leading cloud service provider. Individuals and businesses worldwide use AWS infrastructure and services to reinforce data security and facilitate remote access to their work.

Adopting and implementing the right AWS services is essential to migrate your workplace to a more efficient, flexible, and secure environment.

  • AWS WorkSpaces. A persistent, remotely accessible virtual desktop interface (VDI). Connect to your VDI using any device and pick up where you left off anytime, anywhere.

  • Amazon AppStream 2.0. It can centralise your organisation’s desktop applications on a single system that can be securely and remotely accessed by any team member from any device.

  • AWS Directory Service (AWS DS). If you use Microsoft Active Directory, AWS DS can integrate with it and reinforce data security with secure AWS authentication and identity controls.

    Step-by-Step Guide to AWS Workplace Migration

    Migrating to Amazon Web Services (AWS) involves several critical steps to ensure a smooth and secure transition. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate the migration process effectively, ensuring your workplace is modernized and secure.

    Assess Current Infrastructure

    Conduct a thorough inventory of your IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and network components. Also, evaluate the performance and capacity of existing systems to understand what needs to be migrated and what can be optimized. You should also assess current security measures to identify gaps and areas for improvement.

    Define Migration Goals

    Clearly outline what you aim to achieve with the migration, such as cost reduction, improved scalability, enhanced security, or better performance. Then, establish measurable KPIs to track the success of the migration, such as reduced downtime, improved response times, or cost savings.

    Create a Detailed Migration Plan

    Develop a realistic timeline for the migration process, including key milestones and deadlines.

    Allocate necessary resources, including personnel, budget, and tools required for the migration, and identify potential risks and create mitigation strategies to address them.

    Setting Up AWS Environment

    Create and configure your AWS account with the appropriate permissions and billing information. Set up a virtual private cloud (VPC), subnets, and security groups to establish a secure and scalable network architecture.

    Data Migration Strategies

    Evaluate the type and volume of data to be migrated, including databases, file systems, and application data. Use the AWS Data Migration Service (DMS) or Snowball to transfer large volumes of data securely and efficiently. Always perform test migrations to validate data integrity and performance before full-scale migration.

    Monitoring and Optimization

    Implement AWS CloudWatch and CloudTrail to monitor performance, security, and usage metrics. Based on monitoring insights, you also need to continuously optimize resource allocation and performance settings.

    Conduct periodic reviews of the cloud environment to identify opportunities for improvement.

    Also, perform regular security audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and to identify potential vulnerabilities.

    Make Your Workplace More Efficient with AWS – Get Started Now!

    Let an AWS professional like WOLK kickstart your migration into the cloud. We can help you plan and execute your workplace migration, provide training and education to your team members, and perform security audits and monitoring to ensure a fast and safe migration process.