BlackBerry Urges Australian Government to Strengthen Communications Amid AI Threats
Australian government agencies face a critical warning: the security of official communications must be hardened to prevent becoming targets in an age dominated by deepfakes and AI-driven cyber threats. David Wiseman, Vice President of Secure Communications at BlackBerry, highlights the risks tied to widespread use of consumer messaging apps within the public sector.
According to Wiseman, consumer messaging platforms, while convenient, lack the necessary security and compliance features required for government use. The core issue lies in control over data residency, identity management, and legal record-keeping obligations. He stresses, "Who controls the system? And what are the legal obligations around records retention?"
Security Gaps in Government Messaging
Findings from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reveal that 73% of government agencies allow messaging apps, but nearly half fall short on critical security and legal standards. These shortcomings include poor identity validation, inadequate classification, and insufficient archival of sensitive data.
Wiseman warns that these weaknesses are not theoretical risks. Foreign intelligence actors, including those linked to the Chinese government, have reportedly intercepted calls and messages in real time, exposing who is communicating and what is being said. This creates serious vulnerabilities.
Rising Threats from Impersonation and AI
Beyond interception, high-level impersonation attacks are increasing. Senior government officials worldwide have had their messaging accounts hijacked. False messages appearing to come from trusted officials can have severe consequences.
Generative AI compounds these risks by enabling realistic voice and face cloning with minimal data. Wiseman emphasizes the urgent need for zero trust communication strategies, which require continuous identity validation for every call and message.
BlackBerry’s Solution: Sovereign Control Over Communications
BlackBerry’s SecuSUITE offers governments full control over their communication networks. The system’s backend is hosted within Australia, ensuring data sovereignty without involving external clouds or third-party access.
This approach provides end-to-end data lifecycle management, allowing governments to decide who accesses information, retain ownership even when personnel change, and comply with legal frameworks such as the Freedom of Information Act. Wiseman explains, "With a consumer app, once I send you a file, it's basically your data now. Our model is - it's the government's data."
Balancing Security and Privacy Expectations
When conducting official business, Wiseman notes that privacy expectations should be replaced with security expectations. Only authorized legal or security officers should access government communications, which are subject to strict record-keeping obligations.
From Ancient Espionage to AI-Powered Cyberattacks
Wiseman draws parallels between historic state communication espionage and modern cyber intrusions, emphasizing the increased speed and ease of attacks today. Real-time interception enables more effective identity and deepfake attacks, fueled by AI tools that can fabricate voices on demand.
This evolving threat landscape demands governments adopt zero trust principles and minimize reliance on potentially compromised telecom networks. "This isn't theoretical anymore," Wiseman warns.
Ensuring Resilience with BlackBerry AtHoc
BlackBerry AtHoc complements SecuSUITE by providing resilient communication capabilities during crises. Distributed systems across locations such as Sydney, Canberra, and Darwin ensure continuity even during localized disasters.
The platform operates over cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite networks, leveraging new satellite constellations to bypass damaged infrastructure while maintaining encryption and data sovereignty. Wiseman cites Malaysia’s deployment of these tools to secure high-profile events as a model for maintaining both availability and security.
Looking Ahead: Quantum-Resistant Cryptography and Sovereign AI
BlackBerry is advancing quantum-resistant encryption and sovereign AI tools tailored for sensitive government use. The focus remains on improving identity validation and confirmation to stay ahead of emerging threats. Wiseman notes involvement in developing new certifications addressing quantum protections.
The message to Australian policymakers is clear: public sector communication platforms must match the convenience of consumer apps without replicating their vulnerabilities. Achieving this balance is essential to protect government data and maintain trust.
For government professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of AI’s impact on security and communication, exploring specialized training can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training offer relevant courses tailored to current challenges.
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