German government considers iOS safe enough for processing government information

The German government has examined the security features of iOS and iPadOS and considers these operating systems safe enough to be used in a government context. The operating systems would meet Common Criteria security standards.

The German Federal Office for Security in Information Technology states in a press release that the default mail, calendar, and contacts app on iOS and iPadOS devices also meet the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation standards. This is an international standard that is used to indicate cyber security of computer systems. This makes Apple’s mobile apps eligible to process confidential federal government information, according to the government agency.

According to the government agency, Apple has agreed to an independent assessment of the security functions of its operating systems and the American company would also like to provide the necessary cooperation in the future. It is not clear what the cooperation looked like this time. The German government agency also does not report which version of iOS and iPadOS it has investigated and how those investigations went. It is also unknown whether the BSI also conducts research into the security of other mobile operating systems, such as Google’s Android operating system.