Authorities have particularly high requirements for hardware and software. The Federal Office for Information Security classifies Apple products as possible options. A special iOS system also makes this possible. We'll explain what Apple Indigo is.
Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad have become an indispensable part of German households. But Apple smartphones and tablets are also very popular in government agencies.
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) therefore took a close look at iOS and iPadOS back in 2022. At the end of 2022, the Federal Office confirmed that Apple's devices were suitable for use.
This is partly due to Apple Indigo. iPhones and iPads can therefore also be used for particularly important “classified information – for official use only”.
What is Apple Indigo?
Apple Indigo is an acronym that stands for iOS Native Device In Government Operation. An additional security layer means that iPhones and iPads can also be used in government agencies.
Indigo separates the regular operating system from the official content. This makes the latter better protected against manipulation.
The respective authority can even decide for itself how much these areas should be separated. These can be normal functioning iPhones with secure government communication that employees can also use privately. But the iPhone can also become a feature phone.
For this reason, Apple Indigo can only be distributed by authorized distribution partners. This is to ensure that authorities cannot tamper with it.
Mobile Device Management on iPhone and iPad
Apple can also comply with the BSI's requirements with regard to VPN and mobile device management. For this reason, the US company received certification from the Federal Office for Information Security in mid-June 2024.
Mobile Device Management is primarily necessary to set up Apple Indigo on conventional iPhones and iPads. The respective requirements of the authority are set up in this way and can then be managed centrally.
Also interesting:
Source: https://www.basicthinking.de/blog/2024/07/31/apple-indigo/
