It had left its mark on the espionage investigation: It turns out the BRSA authorized the application alleged to be suspicious

In the 'espionage' investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office into Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and 5 others, it has emerged that an application called "Wickr Me" was used. The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is raising allegations that this application was used for the purpose of 'espionage' involving personal data. However, new developments have shown that this software was not only used by the suspects but also by many institutions.

WICKR ME APPLICATION IS ALSO USED BY BANKS

Technology writer Füsun Nebil explained that the "Wickr Me" application is used by companies and banks for security purposes. Nebil stated that this software is not "spyware" but merely a tool that enables internal communication for institutions. Nebil said, “Banks and companies use this application. I did not know that the İBB used it, but this software is only intended to provide internal communication.”

DEVELOPED BY A FIRM AUTHORIZED BY THE BRSA

It has also emerged that one of the firms that developed the "Wickr Me" application, which is at the center of the allegations, was authorized by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA). Füsun Nebil emphasized that according to the new regulation issued by the BRSA in 2023, the developer of this application is among the firms that provide software infrastructure for banks. Nebil stated, “Banks are in a state of confusion because the firm that uses this software is one of the two firms authorized by the BRSA.”

A FIRM THAT HAS RECEIVED AN INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CERTIFICATE

Furthermore, it was stated that the firm that developed the software in question has received a worldwide security certificate and that these certificates have been approved by independent authorities. This situation indicates that the software has received international approval regarding its security.

USED FOR SECURITY, PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE FOR BANKS

Füsun Nebil also stated that the "Wickr Me" application is used to secure banks' login systems, meaning that it provides the security infrastructure when logging into bank systems. Stating, “Security is very important for banks, and this software is a software approved by the BRSA,” she noted that the use of this software by banks takes place within a legal framework.

With these developments, it has been reported that there is astonishment among banks and that question marks have arisen regarding the BRSA's new regulation. Banks are closely monitoring the developments within the scope of the investigation due to the fact that this software is used for security reasons.

On the other hand, in her article on T24, Füsun Nebil made statements regarding the security of the "Wickr Me" application and the audit process of the software used, saying, “The Kobil firm is a firm authorized by the BRSA to build banks' login systems. This firm has received an international ISAE3000 Assurance Report and is a firm that has undergone audits.”

News Source: 12punto