Posts Tagged ‘Hackers’

RIM talks about security threat of DDOS attacks on carriers

November 19th, 2009 BBerryNews

Scott Totzke, RIM’s vice-president of BlackBerry security, recently spoke with the press about the potential of the DDOS attack by hackers using BlackBerry devices to target wireless networks. The thought is that because the BlackBerry is essentially a smaller PC, it could be used in a similar manner to overload networks.

But is this really a big concern? I have to agree with Ronen at BerryReview, that someone stealing personal data with an application seems like a bigger concern. All you have to do is build an application that accesses user data, and sends it back to the company’s servers. If they wanted to, a company could use the data on your BlackBerry for malicious purposes.

It seems like only a matter of time until someone in Nigeria figures out how to submit a malicious app into Mobihand. While App World might have a vetting process that looks at what the app is accessing, I can guarantee you the Mobihand network isn’t diligent enough to catch something like this.

Remember, Mobihand are the same people who sell NetworkACC, a bogus application that claims to speed up your mobile network. Not only is the app bogus and a waste of money, but I bet you eMobiStudio are gaming the review system because their app is filled with 5 star reviews. Mobihand have such a weak review system that anyone can write a hundred positive reviews about their app.

We can only hope that if a malicious app shows itself, the good people at BlackBerry Cool, BerryReview, CrackBerry, etc. will find out and spread the word not to download it.

© Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009



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Update on Cellcrypt voice encryption for BlackBerry

November 18th, 2009 BBerryNews

The last time we wrote about Cellcrypt, they were showcasing their secure mobile voice encryption software for BlackBerry at WES 2009. The company and BlackBerry app have come a long way and we got to talking with them last week at BBDC.

Since WES, the company has received FIPS 140-2 certification, a standard approved by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. At BBDC, the company announced that their product is available for the BlackBerry Bold 9700, as well as Curve and Pearl series devices.

Cellcrypt’s product has become more relevant than ever with the ongoing media coverage behind a group of hackers looking to crack the standard GSM network. The hackers say they’re doing this in order to send a message that 2G GSM calls lack proper security encryption, and they could make their code book available to anyone via torrents. While the process is purely academic, and not likely an imminent threat, it still demonstrates a need in the industry for greater voice security.

© Kyle for BlackBerry Cool, 2009



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RIM issues security patch to address potential vulnerability

June 26th, 2009 BBerryNews

hackers-1

RIM has issued a security patch to address a security vulnerability that could leave many smartphones open to a virus attack. RIM didn’t issue a public statement about the vulnerability, but their site reminds users that “as a mobile device best practice, Research In Motion recommends that BlackBerry smartphone users open attachments from trusted sources only,”

Carl Leonard of U.K.-based Websense Security Lab said hackers may be looking to steal corporate sales information, intellectual property or customer data, all of which has value in the underground economy.

Nobody has come out saying they’ve been affected by this vulnerability, and RIM’s security patch will stop any future attempts at hacking into the device.

[Via]

© BlackBerry Cool for BlackBerry Cool, 2009


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