How to secure mobile data in an environment approved for ‘Restricted Distribution’?

Mobility and remote working have become key performance drivers for organisations. However, without appropriate security especially for mobile use these advantages can quickly turn into major strategic risks.
The French cybersecurity agency ANSSI has observed a steady rise in cyberattacks targeting mobile devices, particularly within critical organisations. Mobile usage is inherently risky, especially in environments where confidentiality is essential.

Both public and private sectors handle data that requires enhanced protection, such as strategic, financial or political information. For these sensitive cases, the most effective solution is to use equipment certified for Restricted Distribution (DR). This classification level, defined by the French State and governed by IGI 1300 and ANSSI, protects sensitive information that does not fall under defence secrecy.

1. Increasingly sophisticated mobile cyberattacks

Professional smartphones now hold a vast amount of sensitive data VPN access, corporate email, confidential files, secure or non-secure messaging apps. This makes them prime targets for cybercriminals.

Common attack methods include:

• Mobile phishing (SMS or email) encouraging users to click malicious links
• Malicious apps harvesting personal or professional data
• Passive espionage via discreet malware exploiting system vulnerabilities
• Compromised Wi‑Fi networks intercepting communications and credentials
• Data exfiltration through unsecured sharing services such as public cloud platforms

Traditional protections are no longer sufficient. Securing the device itself has become essential.

2. Why sensitive data requires DR‑Certified equipment

Some information is so critical that its compromise could threaten the organisation’s integrity. Examples include:

• Executive committee communications
• Documents related to strategic tenders
• Political, military or diplomatic exchanges
• Business continuity or recovery plans
• Scientific or technical projects protected under PPST
• Contractual or legal information
• Sensitive data shared with external partners
• Content whose unauthorised disclosure could harm reputation or increase proliferation risks

Even well‑configured standard smartphones, laptops or software are not enough. Only DR‑certified devices validated by ANSSI can provide the required level of protection.

3. The importance of DR certification for protecting sensitive data

A DR‑certified mobile device is not an ordinary smartphone. It is designed to meet stringent security requirements and includes:

• A hardened operating system preventing vulnerabilities and blocking unauthorised apps
• End‑to‑end encryption for communications and stored data, compliant with ANSSI standards
• Remote administration features (disable, locate, wipe) in case of compromise
• Strict separation of professional and personal environments
• Strong authentication (2FA, biometrics)
• Explicit labelling of sensitive content
• Physical and logical access restrictions
• Compliance with Interministerial Instruction II 901 governing DR information systems

These solutions are already used by ministries, government agencies, defence industries, CAC 40 companies and SMEs handling critical data.

Benefits include:

• Reduced legal and reputational risks
• Operational continuity even during cyberattacks
• Protection for high‑risk personnel (executives, sensitive teams)
• Compliance with regulatory frameworks (PGSSI‑S, RGS, internal SSI policies)

4. Additional best practices to strengthen security

User awareness remains essential. Human error or negligence can compromise an entire device.

Key recommendations:

• Never use a personal smartphone for sensitive resources
• Always apply system and app updates
• Disable Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi when not needed
• Install apps only from trusted sources
• Use strong passwords, strong authentication, and ensure critical data is backed up securely

However, these measures have limits in high‑stakes environments hence the need for high‑security solutions.

Conclusion

As mobility expands, so do the associated security risks. With increasingly targeted attacks on sensitive environments, organisations must adopt a proactive security posture.

DR certification, issued under State authority and supervised by ANSSI, is intended for public and private organisations handling high‑value strategic, economic or operational data. It meets the needs of exposed structures executive committees, ministries, industrial players, critical operators requiring a high level of confidentiality.

Securing mobile data in a DR environment means choosing certified equipment, applying best practices such as those promoted by the Digital Resilience Index (IRN), and implementing a security policy aligned with sovereignty and trust requirements.