Android? Meh, says DSD

The organisation responsible for certifying innovation 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 Technology 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 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.

The Android platform has not

"The Android platform has not but 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."

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