The former head of GCHQ has called for an end to the government handling crises over WhatsApp, saying the platform might suit gossip and informal exchanges but is inappropriate for important decision-making.

Sir David Omand, who ran the UK intelligence service before becoming the permanent secretary of the Home Office and the Cabinet Office, criticised the way government was conducted in the pandemic and said future crises should be handled with “proper process”.

  • Digestive_Biscuit@feddit.uk
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    10 months ago

    Yeah totally agree. WhatsApp shouldn’t be used by government.

    Email can be secure both sides, one side or neither. You can’t rely on it being secure.

    • jabjoe@feddit.uk
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      10 months ago

      If it’s PGP email, it’s as secure as the keys. If the keys can’t be kept secure, no system can be kept secure. You email whose public key you have and it requires their private key to read.

      • Digestive_Biscuit@feddit.uk
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        10 months ago

        Were talking about somebody using their own personal email for work purposes. There’s absolutely no assurances on encryption their using. It’s a bigger risk than WhatsApp, although I again should say I agree WhatsApp shouldn’t be used either. Both options aren’t good but for slightly different reasons, in my opinion anyway.

        • jabjoe@feddit.uk
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          10 months ago

          Oh I’m not arguing it’s ok to use personal email for government business. I’m saying email can be secured.