UK Diplomats Left Debilitated, Vulnerable to Spies Thanks to Outdated Tech

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office published a report, titled, 'Future FCO', which was headed by former Lebanon diplomat, Tom Fletcher, who has made 36 recommendations to modernize UK diplomacy.

Mr Fletcher draws particular reference to the risk that UK diplomats face on a daily basis due to outdated technology, leaving then at risk of attack from spies.

The IT used by the FCO is seen as old, and likely to be infiltrated by foreign spies, it is also perceived that the government's approach to cybersecurity is lacking.

Instead of using encryption technology, a lot of diplomats reportedly use WhatsApp, to discuss highly sensitive issues such as Syria and Ukraine.

Within the report, Fletcher argues that there is immense frustration with the existing IT, as well as impatience amongst UK diplomats, who all want to see tangible results.

"Our current IT impedes our ability to deliver top class diplomacy for the UK. The FCO should be able to say that no diplomatic initiative will ever fail because of poor technology. We want our staff away from their desks, using state of the art devices and a range of off the shelf applications to help them engage and influence," the report states.

The urgency for better technology is also highlighted, stating that the change must come as soon as possible.

"From Summer 2016, we expect to see wifi across the UK estate and network, new android smart-phones and lightweight laptops, faster and more reliable infrastructure via 'the cloud' and an array of new software."

Fletcher highlights the fact that the work UK diplomats do should be unclassified and seen as highly sensitive, allowing for the public to access information where necessary under the Freedom of Information Act. However, the author acknowledges that where certain countries have security risks, information should be harder to access.

"We also need IT which makes working to the higher tier easier across the network, including countries where the security environment is challenging. Finally, we should consider further how security classifications can depreciate over time for papers of short-lived sensitivity (i.e. at the end of negotiations or an international conference)," the report reads.

Fletcher's comments also call on the FCO to allow diplomats to collect digital as well as face-to-face intelligence. This comes as the government plans to push ahead with the Investigatory Powers Bill (IP), dubbed the Snoopers' Charter. This legislation will allow government bodies the right to hack into a citizen's Internet network, personal computer and mobile phone device.

Fletcher's recommendations will be reviewed by the FCO and changes implemented where necessary.