Ministers, top officials and diplomats will get new secure smartphones and laptops to prevent external hacking and eavesdropping or communication being intercepted.
Belgium launched a brand new communication system for those in government, as well as top officials, diplomats and crucial security functions. The closed system technology was developed entirely in Belgium with proprietary components, by the new entity Belgian Secure Communications (BSC), under the Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt.
It will replace the BINII (Belgian Intelligence Network Information Infrastructure) – a secure communication platform set up in 2007 that allowed the sharing of sensitive and classified information. It is now outdated and no longer adapted to new technology and threats.
Van Tigchelt highlighted an economic mission to China in 2019, in which 135 hacking attempts per hour were detected on the mobile phones of delegation members.
The minister admitted that Belgium has for years been the target of espionage: "undoubtedly eavesdropping happened on a major scale. We are not naive about that." He noted that even "friendly nations" were reluctant to share sensitive information because of Belgium's vulnerable communications systems.
Van Tigchelt also pointed to the recent espionage scandal among top officers of the German army in which a secret meeting was broadcast on Russian state media, "highlighting that commercial communication platforms are highly vulnerable to hacking".
Moreover, Brussels is also considered the 'spy capital' due to the presence of many international institutions.
From weakest link to world leader
The need for private and secure means of communication for people "holding crucial positions" is great. The BSC system will ensure that sensitive information, classified data and communications cannot be intercepted by foreign powers or criminal organisations.
Aside from the specially developed smartphones and laptops, it also includes a closed network with secret locations for classified data traffic and classified video conferences, meaning WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Teams will never be used. The new system does not connect to the internet or servers that are not proprietary.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo noted that the BSC system will turn Belgium into one of the leaders for securing secret and confidential information for federal decision-makers.
"With mobile phones and laptops soon to be operational, all ministers, department heads and key staff will be able to exchange messages, make phone calls and take part in teleconferences in complete security. This solution facilitates quick decision-making in times of crisis." Ministers will receive their devices next week.
