|
||||||||
Blackberry. A secure phone. |
![]() |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|
#1 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 452
|
Blackberry. A secure phone.
I've got a Z10 and am thinking of an upgrade.
Can someone explain the security aspect of a phone. I've had Android and had no problems I know of so what is the extra security of a Blackberry? What is likely to be at risk from other systems or mobiles in general? Don't get me wrong, this is the best mobile I've ever had, great os and intend to stay with them but this has been in the back of my mind for some time. I only use my phone for calls, text and wifi, no banking or suchlike. Thanks |
|
|
|
|
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
|
|
|
#2 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,304
|
We still use Blackberries where I work so I think I can explain. Basically at the advent of smartphones they had a reputation for being secure, indeed they gained GSI certification fro for us I think first. Now iPhones and Android has that accreditation but they still have a good reputation for security in an enterprise setting because they can be configured to be locked down very heavily and can have all their traffic routed through an enterprise server.
Basically: They aren't that much more secure but they gained a reputation for it at the beginning of smartphones and are still well respected in the security field I think. |
|
|
|
|
|
#3 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,288
|
Quote:
I've got a Z10 and am thinking of an upgrade.
Can someone explain the security aspect of a phone. I've had Android and had no problems I know of so what is the extra security of a Blackberry? Mobiles in general are pretty secure - if they can be remotely or automatically (after so many failed passcode goes) erased if stolen (as most now can) |
|
|
|
|
|
#4 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: North West
Posts: 4,884
|
Blackerry and Android devices have the ability to sandbox communcations in a secure layer. I think BB calls it balance, the whole work/life concept. They have a shit load more security certifications than any iOS related device. Blackberry to its credit has been woorking with the industry leader in terms of Android security, Samsung and their knox product, they are both known to compliment each other very well. With Blackberry and Android, you can encrypt the whole device using the supported software, iOS devices don't have that feature as far as I know. There is a reason why FTSE 100 companies and Government departments stick with Blackberry (even if in software form on Android), its a known quantity that seemingly hasn't fallen foul of security issues or zero day exploits (stagefright anyone?).
Although Apple bangs on about iOS devices being in use by the DoD in the states, in reality its low clearance stuff, none of the classified information is run through it. They still use their own creations with the support from Blackberry (enterprise servers mainly). I say all this, Blackberry is about to enter the Android arena good and proper, the "Venice" is expected to make the jump some time in the next few months. This seemingly has a stock Android OS, they are partnering with Samsung for the security, whilst this may ,ot mean a renaissance of the brand, it at least gives it some credibility. |
|
|
|
|
#5 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: This forum
Posts: 3,389
|
I'm going to wait and see what other testing houses report first.
Android itself is full of holes, but Google is issuing patches, the problem for Samsung, HTC, Motorola etc users is there is no process by which these are regularly issued. The manufacturer, the mobile network etc, all get in the way. If Blackberry can make android secure, then its one to watch. |
|
|
|
|
|
#6 |
|
Inactive Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Posts: 178
|
They just laid off practically their entire hardware division today so I dunno.
Make of that what you will. |
|
|
|
|
|
#7 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 452
|
Thanks for all the answers. I don't think I need to be concerned whichever phone I have but reading the news about lay offs I will stick with the Z10 for now and not go for the Z30. I'll wait to see what happens before I get something new and see what they do with Android.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#8 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 9,292
|
Quote:
I'm going to wait and see what other testing houses report first.
Android itself is full of holes, but Google is issuing patches, the problem for Samsung, HTC, Motorola etc users is there is no process by which these are regularly issued. The manufacturer, the mobile network etc, all get in the way. If Blackberry can make android secure, then its one to watch. I didn't think it was any more insecure than any other mobile OS. |
|
|
|
|
|
#9 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 7,815
|
What I like about Blackberry is that for most apps you don't have to give access to all your personnal data, camera, contacts, files etc like you do with most Android apps even when there are no reason for them needing it apart from harvesting data to sell.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#10 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 225
|
Perhaps look into the Blackberry Priv (codenamed 'Venice') which will run Android 5.1 when it is released next month?
|
|
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: North West
Posts: 4,884
|
Quote:
They just laid off practically their entire hardware division today so I dunno.
Make of that what you will. |
|
|
|
|
#12 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: North West
Posts: 4,884
|
Quote:
What I like about Blackberry is that for most apps you don't have to give access to all your personnal data, camera, contacts, files etc like you do with most Android apps even when there are no reason for them needing it apart from harvesting data to sell.
The only company that really turns a net profit from Android is Google, every android phone is sold where people have to accept permissions if they are to use the play store or even download music. Google uses this data to sell to ad agencies who can then sell targeted adverts everywhere you surf on the net. They monetise it further by following where your device travels be it through cell tower or GPS. There used to be this informal motto of "don't be evil", everything they have done since the introduction of Gmail and Google Maps has changed that. In effect Google makes its money by spying on you, reading your text messages, who you phone or text, scan your email (Google Now is a prime example, scans your music collection and in return give suggestion when using the play store. Lets not forget about adverts which follow you and link it to your Google account both desktop and mobile. They even scan for wifi when the street car is out and about and eventually detect your location. I love android, even for me a lot of the stuff they have access to leaves me feeling uneasy, yet there is very little I can do about it unless I move to iOS or Blackberry
|
|
|
|
|
#13 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Isle of Wight
Posts: 7,815
|
Quote:
The one thing Blackberry and Apple had in common was their approach to privacy, to be fair the former built their reputation around that. Most apps for Apple and latterly Blackberry don't need extensive permissions in which to run on the device. Apple and to some extent Blackberry selling phones were their primary income, although Blackberry did have a service aspect in terms of enterprise.
The only company that really turns a net profit from Android is Google, every android phone is sold where people have to accept permissions if they are to use the play store or even download music. Google uses this data to sell to ad agencies who can then sell targeted adverts everywhere you surf on the net. They monetise it further by following where your device travels be it through cell tower or GPS. There used to be this informal motto of "don't be evil", everything they have done since the introduction of Gmail and Google Maps has changed that. In effect Google makes its money by spying on you, reading your text messages, who you phone or text, scan your email (Google Now is a prime example, scans your music collection and in return give suggestion when using the play store. Lets not forget about adverts which follow you and link it to your Google account both desktop and mobile. They even scan for wifi when the street car is out and about and eventually detect your location. I love android, even for me a lot of the stuff they have access to leaves me feeling uneasy, yet there is very little I can do about it unless I move to iOS or Blackberry ![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
#14 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: North West
Posts: 4,884
|
Quote:
I have Android apps running on my Blackberry, they asked for permissions, I rejected them and the app still works.
Apple and Blackberry don't tend to monetise customers data, yes there are some things which are exploited, but broadly speaking they protect customers privacy compared to say that of Google and Android device makers. |
|
|
|
|
#15 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 452
|
This got much more interesting than I thought it could.
Many knowledgeable people on here so thanks for your insight. Will still stick with my Z10 for now.
Last edited by robbra : 26-09-2015 at 09:32. Reason: typo |
|
|
|
|
|
#16 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: This forum
Posts: 3,389
|
Quote:
Android is full of holes? Really? Care to explain this in more detail please?...
I didn't think it was any more insecure than any other mobile OS. This article explains it best: http://www.howtogeek.com/224096/why-...ndroid-phones/ |
|
|
|
![]() |
|
All times are GMT. The time now is 17:39.


