DISA approves newest Samsung phones for unclassified use

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ smartphones have been approved for use with the DOD Mobility Unclassified Capability (DMUC), the Defense Information Systems Agency announced Aug. 27.

DMUC is a DISA-provided enterprise service that provides access to the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN), Defense Enterprise Email and secure chat functionality, as well as an app store of DISA-approved apps.

The S9 had been added to DISA's approved products list in late June; the agency's Aug. 27 tweet said a firmware update cleared the way for DMUC use.

The approval is the latest in a string of recent DMUC updates. DISA on Aug. 22 announced a new Apple device enrollment program reportedly will cut device provisioning time by 40 percent, while providing auto-enrollment, simplified setup and assistance with recovering lost or stolen devices. It also increased cybersecurity by reducing user-based enforcement requirements.

Other recent changes include improving the DMUC’s mobile app review and approval process, increasing the number of tablets for classified use and bolstering cybersecurity for classified devices, according to a June news release.