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Blog
How the Navy makes BlackBerrys safer
November 2, 2007
A recent article in Government Computer News describes new security protocols that the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are using to make BlackBerry devices more secure. I don't know if the same special security software is available for civilians, but it is interesting to see what features have been modified.
According to the article, the changes were transmitted to each device so the user doesn't have to do anything to implement them. Here are some of the features that they've changed:
Devices still require a five-character alpha/numeric password which expires every 90 days. Some features were disabled, including instant messaging (BlackBerry instant messenger tool), unencrypted peer-to-peer (PIN-to-PIN) messaging, GPS tracking, and third-party application download capability.
They've added a tougher lock-and-erase feature that will enter lock mode and erase all locally stored data after five failed login attempts. Once locked, only the Navy service desk can access the device and reset its password.
One particularly interesting change is a function that turns off the antennae while a device is connected to a desktop computer via a USB cable to disable phone and e-mail communications. During that time incoming calls go straight to voice mail and emails go to a holding area, just as if the device were turned off completely. They are delivered only after the device is separated from the computer.
Looking at this list of changes is very instructive. It suggests what kinds of functions might be more vulnerable to hackers, even if they are considered convenient or even cool. Something to think about.
Posted by Peter Welander on November 2, 2007 | Comments (0)