(Credit: Getty Images/Bloomberg)
Yesterday, Canada banned the use of WeChat and Kaspersky's suite of security apps on all government-issued mobile devices. The apps will be uninstalled and any attempt to download them again will be blocked.
The announcement was made by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, after the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Canada determined that the "WeChat and Kaspersky suite of applications present an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security" due to the data collection methods used by these apps providing "considerable access to the device’s contents."
Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, said of the decision:
"We are taking a risk-based approach to cyber security by removing access to these applications on government mobile devices. The Government of Canada continuously works to safeguard our information systems and networks to ensure the privacy and protection of government information. We will continue to regularly monitor potential cyber threats and take immediate action when needed."
The Treasury Board makes it clear that there is no evidence government information has been compromised. The decision to block the apps is a preventative measure to "ensure that Government of Canada networks and data remain secure and protected and are in line with the approach of our international partners."
It's not surprising Canada is taking action to increase the security of government-issued devices. Earlier this year hackers used a zero-day vulnerability to infiltrate the Norwegian government and Chinese hackers managed to breach US government email accounts. The Dutch government has even taken to screening students who want to study advanced chip technology such is the risk of sensitive information getting into the wrong hands.