Israel's IDF Bans Android Phones: iPhones Now Mandatory

Summary

All change for IDF phone calls.AFP via Getty ImagesUpdated Nov. 30 with a new cyber attack targeting Israel’s smartphones.So this is interesting. Just weeks after Google’s campaign to promote Android as being more secure than iPhone, the smartphone battle has taken a sudden twist. The Israeli military has decided to ban Android phones for senior officers, on security grounds.The news was broken by Israel’s Army Radio and picked up by The Jerusalem Post. “Under the expected order, commanders from the rank of lieutenant colonel and above will be permitted to use only iPhones for official communications. The step is aimed at reducing the risk of intrusions on senior officers’ handsets, according to the report.”ForbesFeds Warn iPhone And Android Users—Stop Using Your VPNBy Zak DoffmanEven before the current conflict with Hamas and expanding regional skirmishes, there had been multiple reports of "honey pot" attacks targeting Israeli soldiers, to compromise devices and exfiltrate valuable data, including troop locations.Ironically, just last month Google trumpeted Pixel’s inclusion on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Information Network (DoDIN) approval list. “Google Pixel phones are built on a foundation of mission-ready resilience and intelligent security that is seamlessly integrated into the Google ecosystem," the company said.Google describes this new certification as a “significant milestone that underscores our commitment to providing federal agencies with secure, cutting-edge technology.” Given the progress Google has made in locking down Android, especially with Android 16 and its Advanced Protection Mode, this will be disappointing headline news.Only iPhone and Samsung had made the list beforehand. Google said Pixels “are the highest rated for security features empowering government employees to securely connect and collaborate from virtually anywhere—even the most remote environments.”Not according to the IDF. This move "follows earlier efforts to harden mobil...