Android? Meh, says DSD

Renai LeMay
Friday, 08 July 2011 17:51

Your IT - Mobility

The organisation responsible for certifying technology software and hardware for use by government agencies in Australia is the Defence Signals Directorate, which sits within the Department of Defence. Historically the organisation has focused on certifying mobile operating systems from BlackBerry maker Research in Motion and Microsoft.

Last week the organisation took steps to recognising the growing popularity of Apple's iOS platform used on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. DSD has published a guide to 'hardening' the devices (increasing their security) and revealed it was is currently evaluating iOS for official certification for use in the public sector at different security levels, with a judgement due in September this year.

However, the security agency doesn't appear as keen on Google's rival Android platform.

'The Android platform has not yet been submitted for DSD evaluation,' a Defence spokesperson said in response to a question on the issue this week. 'At this time, the use of the Android platform for Australian government business does not necessitate the production of a hardening guide.'

The spokesperson added that DSD, as the Commonwealth authority on information security would continue to provide advice and assistance for technology based on the 'business requirements' of Australian government users of technology. 'To do this, DSD works closely with industry partners to enable effective information security options for Australian government agencies,' they said.