Department of Defense to Grant Security Approval to iPhone and iPad Running iOS 6

The Department of Defense is expected to grant new security approvals to the iPhone, iPad, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones within the next few weeks, according to a WSJ report. The approval would increase the number of agencies allowed to use those devices.

Both companies have been pushing hard to win over U.S. defense agencies, some of the government's most security-conscious customers. That market is small and still largely dominated by Research In Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerrys, so the new security approvals won't likely translate into any immediate, big sales or new customers. Still, the approvals are among a handful considered to be the gold standard in communications security. Passing muster at the Pentagon can go a long way in making other security-minded customers—like bankers and lawyers—feel more comfortable using the devices.

The Defense Information Systems Agency will reportedly rule that Apple's iOS 6 operating system conforms to a security requirement guide that would allow it to be used by military agencies for non-classified communications.


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