U.S. Army Deploys Android Smartphones: Are Increased Security Concerns Justified?

by Holly Shoemaker

Some U.S. government officials will receive smartphones this month with the capacity to handle classified information. The move has sparked debate over the issue of national security.

Overview of Smartphone Deployment

The U.S. Army tested iPhones, Android smartphones and tablets for use during war. After testing, the Army chose to use Android-based smartphones in April 2011.

The Army verified it tested touchscreen devices at U.S. bases for approximately two years and about 40 phones were sent to soldiers fighting overseas. Only U.S. soldiers and those familiar with the project will first use the devices.

Why Google?

There are two main reasons. Those are:

• Apple denied the government access to its source code.
• Open-source technology allows users to alter the operating system’s code. The military needs to customize the OS to meet security standards.

Security Concerns

The government said it currently uses secure phones. However, users are dissatisfied with the design and limitations. At this time, the military does not allow for the use of smartphones because of security risks. Officials admit people dislike using the current approved cell phones and often use personal ones to transmit confidential data. In this sense, the move seems necessary because military personnel are getting around policy.

The major concerns relate to the following:

• The government stated the Android operating system will only need one certification before deployment. This shows a shift in policy as each government agency usually conducts its own testing.
• The National Security Agency (NSA) will publish the source code online. While this does keep in line with an open network, publishing the source code brings up security concerns.

Troy Lange, NSA’s mobility mission manager, made a good point to Reuters. He said the development of secured military smartphones shows an ideology change. The focus is no longer on what makes a device classified or unclassified. The focus becomes information – that is the classified part.

Concluding Thoughts

Officials admit security breaches occur now. The military phones will use Android’s kernel, but with limitations. The user chooses what information gets sent. Therefore, proper training will play a large role in ensuring the military properly uses the devices. The bottom line is this – User error seems like it could present more security issues, not the actual premise of the military using modified Android devices.