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UK Military opts for iPhone 7 over Android for secured communications

Published Jan 29th, 2017 3:01PM EST
iPhone Vs Android Security
Image: Janitors

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In a decision that underscores the iPhone’s stringent security protections, the UK Ministry of Defence recently opted to go with Apple’s iPhone 7 as the “device of choice” for sensitive communications that warrant the utmost security against malicious actors.

According to a new report from TechRepublic, the telecommunications company BT Group is already hard at work implementing heightened security safeguards on the iPhone 7 for military and defense personnel. Once finalized, users with secured iPhones will be able to adjust the security mode of their device depending on the level of sensitivity a particular communication demands. What’s more, the report relays that BT is also working on methods to develop “secure storage containers” for top-secret data.

Interestingly enough, Steve Bunn, BT’s technical business manager for defence, explained that their initial efforts to roll out a secured communications device began with work on a Samsung Note 4.

“But as more and more development and testing was done,” Bunn explained, “the security associated with it wasn’t deemed to be sufficient, so that’s why we moved [to iPhone].”

Following the report, BT Group, in an apparent effort to remain as diplomatic as can be, issued a follow-up statement indicating that the Note 4’s security wasn’t inadequate.

“We would like to clarify that the MoD has not expressed any views about the suitability of dual-persona technology from specific handset/technology vendors and is prototyping a range of devices,” the statement reads.

Indeed, it’s not as if iPhone has always been or is even currently the universal device of choice for hyper-sensitive communications. To wit, many security-minded organizations use heavily modified Android smartphones such as the GSMK Cryptophone 500, the Boeing Black, and the pricey Solarin.

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.