May 05, 2017
The Smart Move for the DOD on Smartphoness
President Trump’s reluctance to give up his personal smartphone following his inauguration is well documented. It’s also understandable. The highly modified, top secret, certified smartphone that “goes with the office” is so secure it won’t run apps. Former President Barack Obama compared it to a toddler’s phone — no texts, no photos, and he could only make calls from a restricted contact list.
While the president’s phone is a unique case, the widening divide between most commercial smartphones and the devices issued to federal employees is a problem. Outdated devices hobbled by restrictive security measures are a staple in organizations that deal with sensitive information. Nowhere is this clearer than at the Pentagon.
Allowing Defense Department employees to use their personal devices for work — if they meet minimum security standards and are equipped with additional security functions — would be cheaper, easier to manage and lead to better technology outcomes.
Read the full article in FedTech Magazine.