Tech

BSI confirms iPhone and iPad security features

Published

1 year ago

October 5, 2022

BSI confirms iPhone and iPad security features

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has examined the general security properties and the possibilities for secure use of smartphones and tablets, in particular the operating systems iOS and iPadOS.

The test confirms the effectiveness of on-board security features and concludes that the messaging, calendar and contacts applications integrated into standard iPhones and iPads are added to the existing portfolio even when handling classified information in the category “for official use”. use only”. safer mobile solutions. Probably big news for businesses, not so much for the average user.

A key factor in the security of iPhones and iPads is the Apple iOS or iPadOS operating system installed on these devices. According to the Federal Office, Apple accepted an independent assessment of the operating system’s core security functions and worked closely with the BSI. The BSI audit was based on the internationally recognized Common Criteria standards and methodology:

The test result now available confirms the effectiveness of the security mechanisms built into iOS and iPadOS. This also includes manufacturer-preinstalled apps (called proprietary apps) for email, calendar, and contacts functions. From this test result, the BSI was able to infer the approval of commercially available iPhones and iPads for government use by federal authorities. This also applies to the handling of information classified as “For official use only” (VS-NfD). To this end, BSI requirements for user behavior, secure connection to infrastructure via a virtual private network (VPN) and use of a mobile device management (MDM) system must be met.

Based on this result, the BSI agreed to continue this cooperation with Apple. Future versions of iOS and iPadOS will now be regularly checked by the BSI. In addition, increased cooperation between Apple and the BSI is also planned with a view to security in the field of mobile computing. The first follow-on developments for use in the official sector are to be completed in 2022.

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