Government parliamentarians and a handful of independents have defended their use of messaging application WhatsApp, following reports that cyber security experts saw potential data security risks with using it.
Craig Searle, the founder of security consultancy firm Hivint, told the app was not on a list of services approved by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), Australia’s cyber intelligence agency.
ASD does approve the use of secure government email servers, along with Apple and Blackberry’s mobile operating systems.
But on Thursday, MPs and senators stood by their use of the app, which is widely known as a favourite communication tool of prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
I've communicated with the PM using WhatsApp,” said NXT senator Nick Xenophon.
“It's a very effective form of communication. What do you want the PM to do? Do you want him to use smoke signals? Telepathy?”
Dan Tehan, the minister assisting Mr Turnbull on cyber security, said there was no cause for concern. “I am not aware that anyone has done anything wrong in the way they're using information technology at the moment.”
Trade minister Steve Ciobo said the app was mostly used by cabinet members for “coordinating” and “discussion”, rather than for “classified discussions”.
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But there was criticism from Labor MP Tony Burke, who said ministers using the app was “beyond belief” from a data security perspective.
Labor’s Mark Dreyfus added that the use of the application was “clearly” an attempt to bypass potential requests made under the Freedom of Information Act for government information.
“They are treating security with contempt. Immediately, Mr Turnbull needs to stop using WhatsApp for government communications,” Mr Dreyfus said.
WhatsApp claims its messages are secured using "end-to-end encryption".
This means messages are converted into unreadable code until they reach the recipient’s phone. WhatsApp’s security policy also claims messages are not stored on the company’s servers after they have been received.
“Only you and the person you're communicating with can read what is sent, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp,” the company’s reads.
But tech journalist Rae Johnson, who writes for Gizmodo, said those claims ought to be met with some scepticism.
“WhatsApp was actually bought out by Facebook not too long ago and your messages can be accessed for the purposes of advertising at this point,” he said.
“I think you'd have to be a little naive to think your messages are entirely secure.”
