Samsung Galaxy S9, S8 and Note 8 get approvals from US Department of Defense

Samsung announced that the Galaxy S9, S8 and Note 8 on Android 8.0 Oreo have been added to the Approved Products List for the US Department of Defense (DoD). In order to achieve this approval, Samsung worked with several standards bodies to ensure that its devices adhere to the needs of the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP), through the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation as set by the Defense Information Security Agency (DISA). In addition to completing the Common Criteria evaluation, Samsung worked with DISA to produce the Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) necessary for deployment within the DoD.

“Samsung is proud to have once again met the government standards of the DoD,” said Chris Balcik, Vice President, Federal Government at Samsung Electronics America. “We are committed to providing secure devices for approved use within the federal market, which is why we include key features like Samsung Knox and biometrics on each device. Well before, and after a device is launched, we work with the government and offer test devices so they can go through a very rigorous certification process and achieve the necessary approvals so the US government can purchase our devices with confidence.”

The process to certify devices requires continuous research and development from Samsung and a close working relationship with the US Government to make the process as seamless as possible. While there are many mobile device makers on the market, only a few go through this process and even less are approved. Devices must demonstrate compliance with over one hundred unique requirements, ranging from encryption to intrusion detection to key exchange to support for secure network standards. Certification validating Samsung devices allows federal departments, agencies and other highly regulated industries to use approved devices without having to modify them.

From day-to-day use to tactical devices deployed in combat, APL certification means that the DoD and other agencies will enjoy a wider choice of mobile device in the field, on bases and in offices while increasing flexibility and lowering costs.