All data transmitted between a BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry smartphones is encrypted with a highly secure AES or Triple DES algorithm. Unique private encryption keys are generated in a secure, two-way authenticated environment and are assigned to each BlackBerry smartphone user. Even more, to secure information stored on BlackBerry smartphones, password authentication can be made mandatory through the policies of a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (default, password authentication is limited to ten attempts, after which the smartphone's wiped clean with all its contents erased). Local encryption of all data, including messages, address book and calendar entries, memos and tasks, is also provided, and can be enforced via the IT policy as well. With the supplied Password Keeper, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption allows password entries to be stored securely on the smartphone, enabling users to keep their online banking passwords, PIN codes, and financial information handy -- and secure. If that's not enough, system administrators can create and send wireless commands to remotely change BlackBerry device passwords, lock or delete information from lost or stolen BlackBerries.


Russian software developer ElcomSoft, which, with its Russian competitor AccentSoft, has developed effective password-cracking programs for most common desktop encryption formats, is at it again. Now, it's targeted the BlackBerry with a Phone Password Breaker that was previously limited to Apple mobile devices.

Blackberry under attack again...

India's government is the latest in a long list of national governments that have recently threatened to shut down BlackBerry services over security issues. The United Arab Emirates has said it will halt Blackberry Messenger, e-mail, and Web browsing starting October 11. Indonesia and Saudi Arabia also threatened to block BlackBerry Messenger service. Saudi Arabia reached a deal with RIM over the weekend, and a ban that was to go into effect starting Monday was lifted.
Meanwhile, countries in Europe, such as Germany, are also putting pressure on RIM to loosen its security enough so that communications can be monitored. The German government has urged staffers not to use the BlackBerry, and several ministries have banned them, Reuters reported. And last week, the European Commission rejected the BlackBerry as a handset for its employees, opting instead for Apple's iPhone and HTC smartphones.
India's decision followed a meeting that Home Secretary G.K. Pillai had with officials from India's Department of Telecommunications as well as other federal security agencies, according to Reuters.
Governments say the BlackBerry's tight security is a concern as they try to combat terrorist attacks and other illegal activities. India, for instance, is trying to keep a lid on fighting by insurgents in Kashmir as well as potential threats from Pakistani militants.
Of RIM's 46 million users worldwide, about 1.1 million are in India. India is among the fastest-growing markets for the BlackBerry. This is an important factor given that the North American market, RIM's stronghold, is becoming saturated. RIM and other phone makers need to look to developing countries, such as India and nations in the Middle East, for growth.
If RIM is unable to satisfy India's security demands, the services that would be shut down are the BlackBerry e-mail service and instant messaging.