BlackBerry BB10 fails government security test | SC Magazine

The UK government has rejected the BB10 software, calling it not secure enough for essential work.

According to a report by the Guardian, the operating system on the new Z10device has been rejected after BlackBerry version 7.1 was cleared by the UK's Communications Electronics Security Group (CESG) for classifications up to ‘Restricted' – two levels below ‘Secret'. A survey by Trend Micro deemed that the BlackBerry 7.0 was named most secure mobile OS for enterprises.

However tests on BB10 and the BlackBerry Balance software have failed the same security requirements and BlackBerry could not offer a date when revised software would be submitted.

A BlackBerry statement said: “We have a long-established relationship with CESG and we remain the only mobile solution approved for use at 'Restricted' when configured in accordance with CESG guidelines. This level of approval only comes following a process which is rigorous and absolutely necessary given the highly confidential nature of the communications being transmitted.


“The current restructuring of this approval process, due to the Government Protective Marking Scheme review and the new CESG Commercial Product Assurance scheme has an impact on the timeline for BlackBerry 10 to receive a similar level of approval.

“The US government's FIPS 140-2 certification of BlackBerry 10 and the selection of BlackBerry 10 by the German Procurement Office and Federal Office for Information Security underline how our new platform continues to set the standard for government communications.

“We are continuing to work closely with CESG on the approval of BlackBerry 10 and we're confident that BlackBerry 10 will only strengthen our position as the mobile solution of choice for the UK government.”

The main problem is the Balance software, which Domingo Guerra, president and co-founder of Appthority, said was an interesting approach, but was flawed by the fact that some applications bridge the work and play gap, such as the camera and social networking.

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