Germany's Ministry of Defense restricts the use of gadgets in the ministry and the Bundeswehr
Kyiv • UNN
Boris Pistorius has restricted the use of private phones and smartwatches in the Bundeswehr. Devices are prohibited from being brought to meetings with classified information.
The German Ministry of Defense has imposed strict restrictions on the use of private mobile devices in official premises due to the growing threat of espionage from Russia and China. This is reported by Der Spiegel, writes UNN.
Details
Boris Pistorius has introduced significant restrictions on the use of private mobile phones and other devices in official premises and during meetings.
According to the publication, a strict security instruction was sent out in the ministry in mid-February, and many employees were personally informed about the new rules.
The document states that it is now forbidden to bring private devices — phones, tablets, or smartwatches — to personal or online meetings if materials classified as "secret — for official use only" or higher are discussed there.
This particularly applies to meetings where the planning of exercises or military operations, as well as the combat readiness of the Bundeswehr, are discussed.
Before such meetings, all private devices must remain in lockers in the corridors. This rule also applies to official offices where documents marked "secret" or higher are stored. Thus, it covers almost all official premises in the Bendlerblock complex in Berlin.
The reason for this measure is a significant threat of espionage, which can also be used to prepare sabotage, according to the security instruction. The Bundeswehr is currently "a priority target for intelligence, particularly Russian espionage activities," the warning states. China, according to the document, also applies "a strategic and long-term approach to intelligence gathering."
According to the security service, private mobile phones of officials and military personnel are particularly vulnerable to possible espionage attacks by foreign states. The official mailing states that due to downloaded applications or targeted phishing attacks, devices can be relatively easily infected with programs for hidden surveillance.
Since the ministry or military units do not have access to private phones, such attacks can remain undetected for a long time. Accordingly, the document emphasizes that private devices pose "a significant security risk."