LTE  |  2021-04-06

Bittium Receives National Confidential Level Information Security Classification for Bittium Tough Mobile 2C Smartphone

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Bittium Tough Mobile 2 C and related Bittium Secure Suite back-end system have received official Confidential level encryption product classification (NCSC-FI).

Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom's National Cyber Security Centre has granted approval for the mobile security and governmental market targeted Bittium Tough Mobile 2 C smartphone and related Bittium Secure Suite back-end system to process material that is classified nationally as Confidential. The mobile solution that has received the official Confidential level certification can be used for creating and processing classified information, as well as for transferring it between smartphone and connected back-end solutions.

In order for a smartphone and a related back-end system to achieve the Confidential level classification, there are specific information security requirements regarding the processing of classified information, secure wireless transfer of files, and other possible communication, which need to be met. Bittium Tough Mobile 2 C smartphone and its back-end system designed for this classification level include features that have been hardened based on the Katakri 2020 requirements, such as hardened operating system, hardened user identification, and data transfer. Katakri 2020 is an information security auditing tool used by the Finnish authorities for evaluating an organization's capability to secure classified information of authorities.

Bittium Tough Mobile 2 C designed for the Confidential classification level has a unique dual-boot functionality that makes it a device with two completely separate operating modes, Personal and Confidential. Hardened Android operating system in the Personal mode is for personal use where e.g. Google services and other social media applications are freely available. Operating system in the Confidential mode is completely separated and hardened for secure use, and it's intended for ultimate, government-level secure communications. This unique dual-boot functionality enables both personal and professional use with high-level information security on a single device, eliminating the need for carrying two separate devices. The user can switch between the two different modes with dual-boot functionality. Security settings and other parameters of Bittium Tough Mobile 2 C operating systems can be configured with Bittium Secure Suite management software to meet the required level of usability and security needs.

"We have cooperated with a Finnish company Bittium for a long time, and I am delighted that upon this approval Bittium's latest secure smartphone solution can be taken in to use in various organizations, such as governmental. The capabilities of the smartphone to handle Confidential level information, improves the communication between authorities in a mobile environment and makes it easier to communicate", says Mr. Aki Tauriainen, Head of Audits and Accreditation of the National Cyber Security Centre-Finland.

"The Confidential level classification of the Finnish Cyber ??Security Center creates a solid foundation for the use of Bittium's secure smartphones also internationally, and makes it easier to receive security certifications in other European countries. The security industry is constantly evolving and having taken in to account modern threats, we have further improved the security of our devices. For example, we have implemented separate next-generation security chip and various protections against physical attacks. Our solution is also now more configurable for different levels of security. The security expertise and full control of the supply chain of our devices create us excellent conditions to manufacture totally secure terminals which is also valued by our customers", says Mr. Jari Sankala, Senior Vice President, Defense & Security at Bittium.