iPhones and iPads now certified for classified government use

The Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) has certified the use of government owned iPhones and iPads for classified Australian government communications.

DSD has led the way to safely enable devices running the latest Apple operating system (iOS version 5), and that are owned by Australian government agencies, to communicate and store classified information up to the PROTECTED level.

Mr Mike Burgess, Acting Director DSD said that DSD has been working closely with industry to develop practical instructions for government to securely use the latest technologies.

“Embracing new technologies, such as smart phones and tablet PCs, provides government with a genuine opportunity to conduct its business more efficiently.”

“However the threat of government information being stolen or compromised is also very real,” he said.

“DSD is continuously working to help agencies better protect valuable government information, while still enabling them to benefit from the advantages of these devices.”

The iOS5 successfully passed an evaluation using a stringent and intensive security assessment to ensure it met Australian Government information security requirements.

The formal security evaluation, the first of its kind for iOS5, covers devices that are owned and managed by Australian government agencies that have implemented specific DSD security advice.

An accompanying security hardening guide is available at the DSD website along with more information on the outcome of the evaluation:  http://www.dsd.gov.au 

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Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999